The exhibition chronicles how Islamic crafts have evolved in dialogue with time and place, across geographies, from Makkah and Cairo to Samarkand and Granada.
“ What makes it so powerful is the human stories behind them,” Abushullaih says.“ Through audiovisual testimonies, visitors meet the artisans, see their hands at work, and understand the continuity between centuries-old techniques and modern expression.”
Over the years, Ithra’ s impact has been steadily growing. In 2024, the museum welcomed over 5 million visitors, and as many new museums are opening in the region, challenges of keeping audiences engaged and returning are bound to arise.“ A museum today must be a living, responsive institution
that engages its audiences meaningfully and consistently,” Abushullaih says.“ At Ithra, we approach this by ensuring that every exhibition, whether focused on Saudi culture or global art history, speaks clearly and compellingly to contemporary audiences. This requires thoughtful storytelling, accessible interpretation, and audience engagement that invites personal connection and reflection.
“ As more museums open across the region, there’ s an urgent need to consider the broader responsibilities institutions hold, from ethical collecting and cultural stewardship to inclusive governance and the development of cultural policy,” she adds.“ Museums must be active participants in shaping the cultural landscape, not only through programming, but by modelling ethical practices, and a deep respect for the