From September 26, the National Museum of Asian Art in Washington, DC, will host an exhibition showcasing 26 iconic works from the Louvre’s collection. Spanning a millennium and a half of Islamic art history, this unique display promises to bring together treasures from the Ottoman Empire, Mughal India, and more, on US soil for the very first time.

Among the exhibits are intricately carved rosewood doors, exquisite jade cups, and even an oil painting featuring Fath-Ali Shah Qajar of Persia. These pieces, originally used in elite households across a vast expanse of Islamic history, now come to light in Washington, DC, as part of From the Louvre: Masterpieces of Islamic Art.

Simon Rettig, associate curator at the National Museum and co-curator of this exhibition, hopes it will 'exceed a monolithic overview' of Islamic art. The museum aims to present a more nuanced and comprehensive view of the rich cultural heritage.

This move by the Smithsonian highlights an ongoing trend towards greater international collaboration in the arts, as museums across the world seek to share their treasures with global audiences, fostering understanding through shared history.