Collections

Much of the British Museum's Islamic collection is on display in the John Addis Islamic Gallery. This gallery displays aspects of the history of Islam, from the seventh century AD to the present day, and from Spain to India.

The arrangement is mainly chronological, with western Islam - Egypt, Syria, Iraq, and Turkey - on the left as you go down the stairs, and eastern Islam - Iran, Afghanistan and India - to the right. At the end of the gallery are cases on Islamic Spain, science and magic, arms and armour, coinage and a changing exhibition of contemporary graphics.  An example of contemporary art is displayed to the right of Case 44.

The British Museum is actively collecting 20th century material from the Islamic world, including calligraphy, popular religious prints, political posters and studio pottery.