Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyyah

Established in 1983, this cultural institution is based on a private art collection founded by Sheikh Nasser Sabah al-Ahmed al-Sabah and Sheikha Hussa Sabah al-Salem al-Sabah. It operates as a major organization dedicated to the preservation and display of Islamic and pre-Islamic art, managing what is known as the al-Sabah Collection.

The collection consists of over 30,000 rare objects, including pieces dating from the early Bronze Age through to the 19th century. These artifacts represent a vast historical and geographical range, with items originating from regions spanning from China to Andalusia. The museum highlights the artistic and intellectual history of the Islamic world through its diverse permanent and international exhibitions.

Beyond its gallery spaces, the institution maintains educational wings, conservation laboratories, and research libraries to support scholarly research. While the main body of Islamic art is central to its mission, pre-Islamic artifacts are frequently displayed at the American Cultural Centre. The museum is open to the public for the exploration of its rare artistic and historical treasures.