Museums

The principle way to see Islamic art outside Islamic countries is, of course, in museums. Many of these collections are magnificent; those of London, New York, Paris and Berlin are deservedly famous, and there are many fine collections in Islamic countries themselves. Unfortunately the light conditions (and other imposed restrictions) often make photography difficult in museums – so that although there are many worthwhile images in this section, there are others that are interesting but, it has to be said, of distinctly variable quality.