The Secrets of the Nasrid Alhambra: An Exhibition at the Heart of Granada at the Arab World Institute

From November 24, 2026, to May 16, 2027, the Arab World Institute will take you on a journey to the Alhambra of the Nasrid sultans. Through an immersive experience and the display of extraordinary works of art, the exhibition revives the lost grandeur of Muhammad V's reign.

The Alhambra of Granada is the only surviving Muslim palace complex from the Middle Ages in the West. Yet beneath the layers of history, hidden secrets await discovery—secrets that modern archaeology and technology are now helping to unveil. Organized in partnership with the Patronato de la Alhambra y Generalife, the exhibition titled “The Secrets of the Nasrid Alhambra” offers a sensory journey into the height of Nasrid splendor, running from November 24, 2026, to May 16, 2027, at the Institut du Monde Arabe.

The Lion Fountain: Mystery Solved

At the heart of the exhibition, a replica of the renowned Lion Fountain offers visitors a chance to explore the latest scientific theories. After centuries of modifications following Christian conquest, the exhibition will shed light on its original mechanism and the precise symbolism it held under the reign of Muhammad V (14th century), highlighting the fascinating hydraulic engineering mastery of the Nasrid Dynasty.

Mathematics and Poetry: The Voice of the Palace

The exhibition sheds light on two foundational elements of Grenadine's aesthetic:

Geometric Abstraction: An immersive exhibit showcases how the infinite repetition of mathematically precise patterns was used to elevate divine perfection on ceramics, silks, and woodworks.
The Talking Epigraphy: The walls of the Alhambra don't just serve as decoration—they 'speak.' With audio devices, visitors can listen to the musicality of poetry and Quranic verses carved into the stucco.

A Technological and Sensory Journey

In partnership with Gédéon Expériences, the IMA employs immersive techniques to bring back what has been lost — notably the polychromy, aiming to restore the vibrant colors that once adorned the muqarnas ceilings.

The festive holiday atmosphere is highlighted through a reconstruction of the automaton displayed during the Mawlid (Prophet's birthday) celebration of 1362, immersing visitors in the grandeur of royal nuptials and sultanate festivities. The exhibition concludes with a metaphorical garden, an olfactory and auditory installation recreating the lush gardens of the Alhambra, symbols of paradise on earth.

Behind the Scenes: A Fortress on the Brink

The exhibition also highlights that beneath its incredible refinement, the Emirate of Granada was a precarious state. A curated display of weapons, armor, and rare Arabic paintings depicting the victorious return of an expedition underscore the dual nature of the Alhambra: a golden prison of unmatched opulence, yet always guarded as a vigilant military lookout.