TORONTO, Canada: Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada, and Aga Khan formally opened the Ismaili Center and Aga Khan Museum in Toronto in the presence of a large number of guest and supporters of the Aga Khan Foundation.
These projects, which are initiatives of the Aga Khan, the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and founder and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network, are intended to foster knowledge and understanding both within Muslim societies and between these societies and other cultures.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Ismaili Centre, Aga Khan saluted the many leaders, volunteers and staff who have made possible the completion of these new institutions, including the Prime Minister and many members of government at the federal, provincial and municipal levels.
Prime Minister Harper commented that the site will be “a source of inspiration, spiritual renewal and cultural awareness,” not only for Torontonians, but for all visitors. The decision to establish this significant initiative in Canada reflects the deep and longstanding partnership between the Imamat and Canada,” he said.
Following the ceremony, Prime Minister Harper and Aga Khan, as well as Prince Amyn Aga Khan, Vice-Chair of the Museum’s Board of Directors, and Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, officiated over the opening ceremony of the Aga Khan Museum.
“I believe strongly that art and culture can have a profound impact in healing misunderstanding and in fostering trust even across great divides,” said Prince Amyn. “This is the extraordinary purpose, the special mandate, to which this Museum is dedicated. In its role to reveal and to stimulate dialogue between different cultures, the Aga Khan Museum will continue a long history of cultural sharing between Islam and the West.”
The Ismaili Centre and the Aga Khan Museum are situated within the 6.8-hectare landscaped park designed by Vladimir Djurovic of Lebanon. This beautiful new green space for the public, which will be known as the Aga Khan Park, is expected to open next year. Japanese architect Fumihiko Maki designed the Aga Khan Museum, while Indian architect Charles Correa designed the Ismaili Centre. The Canadian firm Moriyama & Teshima are the architects of record and are responsible for integrating all aspects of the project.
The Aga Khan Museum is the first museum in North America dedicated to the arts of Muslim civilizations. Through its Permanent Collection, performing arts and educational programs and roster of temporary exhibitions, it will welcome the full spectrum of public engagement and serve as a vibrant educational institution.
The Ismaili Centre incorporates spaces for social and cultural gatherings, intellectual engagement, and spiritual reflection. Together, these global institutions will contribute to a better understanding among different communities and cultures. The establishment of these institutions in Toronto reflects the Aga Khan’s longstanding relationship with Canada and his appreciation for the country’s commitment to pluralism and cultural diversity.
India Post News Service
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