What do you do when it’s raining outside, when you want to take your mind off things, change your mood, and explore art?It is difficult for me to hear your answers. I am going to a museum. I am going to enjoy art, because it is within me—because I live it and create it.
And so, right around the turn of September and October, I visited this magnificent museum. I parked my car in the lot—there are plenty of spaces—and paid the $10 daily fee online. I bought a ticket, also for $10, and entered the largest hall, which houses the permanent exhibition.
There have been many changes. It seems to me that everything here has stood still since its founder passed away last year. At the entrance, there is a plaque bearing his portrait that recounts his life, his dates of birth and death, and his crowning achievement—the creation of this museum.
The museum houses more than 1,000 rare artifacts spanning thousands of years of history, from exquisite Andalusian pottery to opulent Mughal-era manuscripts.
A truly unique cultural center in Toronto (North York), it was the first museum in North America dedicated entirely to the art and civilizations of the Islamic world. The main building, designed by renowned architect Fumihiko Maki, is striking for its futuristic white architecture and abundance of natural light, while a picturesque park featuring reflecting pools spreads out around it. I missed the temporary exhibition, as they were just preparing to open the next one. I should mention right away that an immersive exhibition titled “SpaceMosque” is taking place this October: a visionary exhibition by artist Saks Afridi opens on October 24, 2026.
As I walked through the exhibition, I was once again struck by the exquisite, intricate craftsmanship of the woodcarvers who created this door—which is over 200 years old.
Simply magnificent.
In the hall near the entrance, opposite the café, music was playing, and a woman was singing a song by Fairuz. It all reminded me of the years long ago when I lived in the Middle East and that kind of atmosphere surrounded me. Today, I visit the museum to recapture that feeling and to enjoy that world.
The museum is located at 77 Wynford Dr. ,Toronto.
Tuesday to Sunday – from 10:00 to 17:30.
Monday – closed.