A journey through 781 years of Al Andalus

Andalusia: History and Civilisation at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre in Abu Dhabi explored the cultural and intellectual legacy of a formative period in Islamic history.

From project vision, narrative and curation, through to design, production and installation, Barker Langham, in partnership with the mosque, led every stage of the exhibition’s development.

Across eight centuries, Medieval Iberia witnessed the rise and fall of great dynasties, while its cities grew and flourished to become major centres of culture and learning.

How do you bring to life a story that takes place over eight centuries and spans two continents? And how do you do this within the limits of the temporary exhibition format?

As curators and experience designers, this was one of our most challenging projects to date. It was clear from the outset that a strong narrative vision would be key. Across Andalusia, seven moments – some big, some small – were reimagined as seven immersive theatrical sets where visitors step back in time and experience Al Andalus for themselves.

The exhibition transported visitors to seven distinct moments in Al Andalus’ long history. To create a seamless, cohesive visitor experience, we devised a palette of storytelling tools — including a compelling narrative voice that guides visitors on their journey in both Arabic and English.

We embraced illustration and calligraphy as core narrative devices. A recurring motif throughout the exhibition and supporting publication, we worked with an expert historian and calligrapher to create the gallery title artworks—based on the different styles of calligraphy that characterise the different eras of Al Andalus’ history.

Andalusia: History and Civilisation, celebrated an age of creativity and inclusivity, uncovering the fascinating history of a culturally diverse society whose achievements remain a source of inspiration for artists and thinkers today.

We wanted the visitors to encounter some of the men and women who shaped the history of Al Andalus and to connect with their stories on a personal level. Augmented reality brought to life the 10th-century court of Abdul Rahman III at Medina Azahara, allowing visitors to come face-to-face with historical figures who once shaped its intellectual and political life.

Each encounter was carefully scripted to reflect the historical context and personalities of the time. Our designers created custom embroidery and jewellery, and we worked with experts from the University of Granada and the Archeological museum of Cordoba to validate each and every detail of the costumes and styling.

While this temporary exhibition was both dramatic and playful, it was underpinned by a thorough process of robust research. Barker Langham drew on a multidisciplinary team and collaborated with a global network of institutions and subject specialists to ensure a rigorous and well-rounded approach.

In one gallery, visitors were transported back to 1000 CE to the surgery of physician and inventor Al Zahrawi – aka ‘the father of modern surgery’.

This space featured rare manuscripts of Al Zahrawi’s pioneering works, accompanied by a large interactive exhibit that allowed visitors to explore some of his surgical instruments in detail. To ensure accuracy, our team consulted medical professionals on specific elements—such as whether an instrument’s handle would have been made of wood or metal—resulting in content that was both authentic and carefully researched.

The poetry majlis of the renowned Andalusi poet Ibn Zaydun came to life through four incredible artefacts. On loan from the Archaeological Museum of Cordoba and the al-Sabah Collection, Kuwait the bringing together of these pieces at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque epitomised the spirit of partnership and co-creation that defined Al Andalus.

One artefact in particular captured our imagination: a glazed ceramic bowl decorated with the name of Al Mu‘tamid bin Abbad – the ‘poet king’ of Seville. One of the greatest poets of Al Andalus and a noted patron of the arts, he was the son of the Taifa monarch who welcomed Ibn Zaydun to Seville after the latter fled Cordoba and his beloved to avoid imprisonment. This artefact helped set the scene for the story of the gallery – a story of heartbreak and longing, eloquence and expression.

To immerse visitors in the world of Al Andalus, each of the exhibition’s seven galleries was designed to evoke a distinct atmosphere. The juxtaposition of spaces — ranging from the intimate poetry majlis of Ibn Zaydun to the vastness of the Cordoba Mezquita’s prayer hall, the grandeur of Abdul Rahman III’s court, and the serenity of the Alhambra’s gardens — created a dynamic journey through time and place.

Light, contrast, and carefully selected scents and soundscapes brought each environment to life, deepening the sensory experience and enhancing the exhibition’s overall impact.