The Arts of Iran: 5000 Years of Culture

Online course

+44 (0)20 7942 2000
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From the ancient palaces of Persepolis, to the opulence of the Safavid court, to works by leading contemporary artists, this course showcases the rich artistic and cultural references that are woven through Iran’s long history.

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Asian Department
Sarah Piram & Alexandra Magub

Sarah Piram is the curator for the Iranian collections at the V&A. She is completing a collaborative doctoral degree at Paris Nanterre University and the Louvre Museum. Alexandra Magub is the research assistant for the Epic Iran exhibition at the V&A. She completed a collaborative doctoral degree at SOAS University of London and the British Museum.

I was amazed by how well the online system worked. It was great having the materials, being able to re-watch the recorded talks and have a bit of less formal "chat" on the website. Thank you! Previous student, Autumn Term 2020

Course overview

The Epic Iran exhibition explores the long tradition of Iranian art and culture over 5,000 years. This is the first time since 1931 that a major exhibition on Iranian art will be held in the United Kingdom, combining both the ancient and Islamic periods, as well as the artistic output of the 20th and 21st centuries.

The accompanying course on the Arts of Iran delves into the various themes of the show, with lectures presented by the exhibition’s curatorial team, as well as guest speakers from world-renowned arts and heritage institutions. Sessions will highlight striking artifacts from the beginning of history, objects of splendour from the Persian Empire, the coming of Islam in the 7th century AD, the arts of the book, mesmerising architecture, royal patronage, as well as dynamic works of arts that speak to the changing political and social landscape of the past century.

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Online course: The Arts of Iran: 5000 Years of Culture

21 April 2021 - 26 May 2021

£120.00

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Need help enrolling? Talk to the admissions team:

+44 (0)20 7942 2000

Open 10.00 - 13.00, Monday to Sunday (closed 24-26 December)