The final exhibition in the British Museum’s series on spiritual journeys. This is the first ever major exhibition dedicated to the Hajj; the pilgrimage to Mecca which is central to the Muslim faith. It will examine the significance of the Hajj as one of the Five Pillars of Islam, exploring its importance for Muslims and looking at how this spiritual journey has evolved throughout history. The exhibition will bring together a wealth of objects from different collections including loans from Saudi Arabia, the Khalili collection and the British Library. Important historic pieces as well as new contemporary art works will reveal the enduring impact of Hajj across the globe and across the centuries. The exhibition will examine three key strands: the pilgrim’s journey with an emphasis on the major routes used across time (from Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East); the Hajj today, its associated rituals and what the experience means to the pilgrim; and Mecca, the destination of Hajj, its origins and importance. 

In partnership with King Abdulaziz Public Library, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 

HSBC Amanah has supported the exhibition’s international reach outside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia