The L.A. Mayer Institute for Islamic Art is a museum in Jerusalem, Israel, established in 1974. It is situated near the President's residence and the Jerusalem Theater. The museum houses Islamic pottery, textiles, jewelry, ceremonial objects and other Islamic cultural artifacts.
History
The museum was founded by Vera Bryce Salomons in memory of her professor, L.A. Mayer, who died in 1959. It has nine galleries organized in chronological order, exploring the beliefs and art of Islamic civilization. In addition to Mayer's private collection, the museum houses chess pieces, dominos and antique playing cards; daggers, swords, helmets; textiles and carpets; decorated jewelry; glassware, pottery and metalware produced in Islamic countries, from Spain to India.
Rare clock collection
A gallery in the museum also displays the David Salomons clock and watch collection. In 1983, this priceless collection was stolen from the museum, described as the costliest robbery in Israeli history. In 2008, French and Israeli police officials discovered half of the cache of stolen timepieces in two bank safes in France. [1]Of the 106 rare timepieces stolen in 1983, 96 have now been recovered.[2]
References
External links
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- L.A. Mayer Institute for Islamic Art
- Museum for Islamic Art at ilMuseums.com