The Bait Al Naboodah Museum located near the Fort of Sharjah is now a home to The Art of Architectural Ornamentation in the Emirate of Sharjah, an exhibition opened by Aisha Rashid Deemas (Director General of SMA) in February this year. Featuring a collection of photographs taken in Sharjah, this show offers visitors to explore Sharjah’s incomparable architectural styles and will run through the 17th of August, 2024.
The exhibition is the result of an architectural photo competition organised last year by the Sharjah Museums Authority (SMA) for people aged 15 and older. A jury panel from the Emirates Photography Society reviewed the submissions from 85 photographers worldwide and selected ten outstanding photographs for display.
The exhibited pictures, including the three winning entries, provide diverse perspectives on Islamic art and the contemporary essence of Sharjah. They highlight the intricate beauty of floral, geometric, and calligraphic decorations that distinguish the emirate’s historical and modern structures.
Among the photos on view is a picture of the entrance to Bait Al Naboodah Majlis which features traditional Emirati door designs and heritage floral decorations. Visitors can also have a look at a photograph of the impressive Bank Street calligraffiti mural created by acclaimed French-Tunisian street artist eL Seed.
Additionally, the exhibition showcases a striking image of the Sharjah Mosque, the second biggest mosque in the UAE renowned for its detailed architectural decorations, and a picture of the Central Souk (Blue Souk), Sharjah’s main shopping hub. With its architecture reflecting the essence of a traditional bazaar, this famous structure is depicted on the UAE five-dirham note. Besides, in the show, one can view a photo of the University City Hall, another prominent cultural and architectural landmark of Sharjah.
The Bait Al Naboodah Museum was chosen as the venue for this exhibition because of its historical significance and distinctive architectural design. The museum, originally the home of Emirati pearl merchant Obaid Al Naboodah built in 1845, features columns made of wood that draw from Roman architecture and designs from India. The house also boasts exceptional wooden and plaster decorations inspired by Islamic art.
To get more information about The Art of Architectural Ornamentation in the Emirate of Sharjah, please visit the exhibition’s official web page.
You might also be interested in visiting the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, which features the Central Golden Dome with a beautiful mosaic. Besides, we would recommend that you read our article about four upcoming architectural wonders in the UAE including a floating theatre in Kalba.
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