Collections Overview
The International Museum of Muslim Cultures originated as a grassroots project to showcase the cultural history and contributions of Moorish Spain to the world in 2000 for a traveling exhibition to accompany the Majesty of Spain: Royal Collections from the Museo del Prado and Patrimonio Nacional.
For this purpose, the Moorish Spain exhibit explored the Golden Age of Muslim rule in Spain and the Islamic legacy inherited by Europe and the West in terms of the vast cultural and scientific contributions, which sparked Europe’s Renaissance and brought it out of the dark ages. Perhaps, Islamic Spain’s greatest legacy was to foster a culture of tolerance where Muslims, Christians, and Jews lived together in peace and harmony creating a unique social fabric. That exhibit contained hundreds of photographs and artifacts. When the decision was made to create a permanent museum, the exhibit became a part of the Museums collection.




