The Islamic world, Room 42

A lamp, a robe and an instrument for studying the sky can all belong to the same gallery without having the same purpose. Rooms 42 and 43 together explore the Islamic world from the seventh century to the present, across a region reaching from West Africa to Southeast Asia. The combined display includes courtly possessions, objects for daily use, religious material and contemporary art. A mosque lamp from Iznik and an astrolabe made in Iran are among the examples. Their materials and shapes answer different practical and cultural needs.