Sharjah to Host New Barjeel Art Foundation Museum by 2028
The dedicated space will house over 2,000 modern and contemporary Arab artworks.
1Permanent Home for Collection
The Barjeel Art Foundation will establish its first dedicated museum in Sharjah by early 2028. This new institution will house over 2,000 modern and contemporary works from the Arab world. After years of being itinerant, these pieces will finally reside in a permanent space designed to foster artistic dialogue and community.
2Architectural Vision and Design
Designed by Mohamed Essa, the museum spans 4,000 square metres on land provided by Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi. The structure transforms an existing building, blending modern geometry with the spirit of local residential architecture. The design prioritizes intimacy and comfort, aiming to make visitors feel as welcome as in a home.
3Curatorial Philosophy and Display
The museum rejects traditional chronological or geographical displays in favor of thematic connections. Curators aim to highlight the diversity of Arab artistic creation rather than presenting it as a monolithic bloc. This approach allows for fluid conversations between artists from different regions, revealing how ideas and practices historically traveled across national borders.
4Addressing Gender Imbalance
Since 2019, the foundation has prioritized equal gender representation in its exhibitions. The new museum will maintain this commitment, ensuring at least 50 percent of displayed works are by women. This policy directly challenges the historical underrepresentation of female artists often found in many Western modern art institutions and global museum collections.
5Challenging Historical Narratives
The collection actively corrects gaps in art history, such as the early contributions of Lebanese painter Joséphine Bellamaa. Her 1906 portrait predates many commonly cited pioneers, forcing a re-evaluation of established timelines. By documenting less-known figures alongside famous names, the museum provides a more nuanced and accurate picture of the regional artistic landscape.
6Integration of Art and Craft
The museum explores the intersection of fine art and craft, a boundary often strictly separated in Western art history. Artists like Saloua Raouda Choucair, who bridged abstraction with furniture and design, exemplify this fluid approach. The institution encourages visitors to reflect on these categories rather than viewing them as mutually exclusive domains.
7Historical Resilience of Works
Many pieces in the collection have survived decades of war, displacement, and regional upheaval. Providing a stable environment is viewed as a core responsibility for the foundation’s custodians. The museum serves as a place of respite, allowing these artworks to be seen again after surviving significant historical challenges and long periods of obscurity.
8Impact on Cultural Identity
By establishing a permanent home, the Barjeel museum solidifies its role as a key cultural institution in the region. It moves beyond being a temporary lender to over 170 global institutions, becoming a central hub for research and public engagement. This development marks a significant step in preserving and promoting Arab artistic heritage.
Original article: Gulf News — Sharjah to Host New Barjeel Art Foundation Museum by 2028