Rumi at Aga Khan Museum

Composite Elephant
India, Agra, ca. 1600
Watercolours and gold on paper
AKM143
© The Aga Khan Museum
Painted in Mughal India ca. 1600, this painting, once mounted in an album, shows a majestic crowned *peri* (fairy) and its elephant mount formed from multiple, interlocking creatures, packed tightly together — birds, mythical and actual quadrupeds, and humans. Guiding them is a footman dressed in the garb of an Indian *qalandar* (itinerant mystic), who is overpainted in luminous translucent white, forming a stark contrast to the motley, crowded figures behind him.

Rumi

A visual journey through the life and legacy of a Sufi mystic

May 13, 2023 – October 1, 2023

Journey through the life and timeless legacy of Jalal al-Din Muhammad Balkhi (d. 1273), known as Rumi, in an inspiring exhibition celebrating one of history's most famous poets, on the 750th anniversary of his passing. Join us as we explore Rumi's enduring impact through an examination of artifacts, manuscripts, and contemporary art.

Rumi will take you on a visual voyage through his early life in Central Asia, his experiences with displacement and migration, and his transformation into one of the most important mystical poets of the Persian-Islamic tradition. The exhibition will take a deep dive into the ways in which his words have inspired arts and culture, both past and present.

The Historical Rumi

Explore the rich historical, visual, and literary environment Rumi was immersed in, as well as his journey from Central Asia to the Lands of Rum (present-day Türkiye). Uncover the experiences and personal relationships that shaped his worldview and his poetry through a close examination of artifacts and works of art.

The Visual Rumi

Renowned for his vivid stories and meditations on perception, Rumi often explored the relationship between seeing with the eyes, understanding with the mind, and sensing with the heart. Delve into works of art from the Aga Khan Museum and other collections that explore the visual nature of his poetry.

Rumi in Translation

Experience the timelessness of Rumi's wisdom by taking a close look at the ways in which his writings have been translated through time and how they continue to resonate with audiences today.

For the exhibition, The Aga Khan Museum has commissioned three new major installation works by leading contemporary artists.

Distance Between Homes

Afghan-Canadian artist Hangama Amiri invites you to consider how lost objects can give shape to feelings of in-betweenness and fragmentation. The textile installation references Amiri's own experiences with displacement, which have often mirrored that of Rumi.

The Dream That Must Be Interpreted

Contemporary artist Erdem Taşdelen taps into the collective experience in this immersive installation that places you at the center of an audio drama. Contemplate the varied ways in which Rumi has been translated, interpreted, appropriated, and appreciated as you listen to four characters weave through their transformative dreams.

The Elephant in the Dark

Engage your curiosity and sense of wonder with multidisciplinary artist Simin Keramati's interactive installation. The Elephant in the Dark uses touch-based technology to bring one of Rumi's most beloved tales to life.

Learn more