Official Opening Ceremony for the Ismaili Centre Toronto and Aga Khan Museum to Take Place September 12

TORONTO, Sept. 11, 2014 /CNW/ - On Friday, September 12, 2014, the Ismaili Centre Toronto and Aga Khan Museum will be formally opened in the presence of His Highness the Aga Khan.

The two buildings are situated within a 6.8-hectare landscaped park, a new space for the public that showcases the work of three renowned architects. Japanese architect Fumihiko Maki designed the Aga Khan Museum, while Indian architect Charles Correa designed the Ismaili Centre. The park, which features a formal garden, was designed by architect Vladimir Djurovic of Lebanon and is expected to be opened next year. The Canadian firm Moriyama & Teshima are the architects of record and are responsible for integrating all aspects of the project.

These projects, an initiative of His Highness the Aga Khan, the 49th hereditary Imam of the 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.

As His Highness remarked in 2010 at the Foundation Ceremony for these institutions: "Together, these three projects will symbolise the harmonious integration of the spiritual, the artistic and the natural worlds — in keeping with the holistic ideal which is an intimate part of Islamic tradition. At the same time they will also express a profound commitment to inter-cultural engagement, and international cooperation."

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.

About the Aga Khan Museum

Open to the public on September 18, 2014, the Aga Khan Museum is dedicated to presenting an overview of the artistic, intellectual, and scientific contributions that Muslim civilizations have made to world heritage.  Housed in a unique building designed by Pritzker Laureate Fumihiko Maki, the Museum's Permanent Collection of over 1,000 objects includes masterpieces that reflect a broad range of artistic styles and materials. These portraits, textiles, manuscripts, manuscript paintings, ceramics, tiles, medical texts, books and musical instruments represent more than ten centuries of human history and a geographic area stretching from the Iberian Peninsula to China.

For more information, please visit www.agakhanmuseum.org

About the Ismaili Centre Toronto

The Ismaili Centre Toronto, designed by renowned Indian architect Charles Correa, is part of a network of Centres – located in Vancouver, London, Lisbon, Dubai and Dushanbe – which host programs that stimulate the intellect, encourage dialogue, and celebrate cultural diversity.

For more information, please visit www.theismaili.org/ismailicentres

https://www.facebook.com/agakhanmuseumtoronto 

https://twitter.com/agakhanmuseum

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Notes: As indicated below, accredited members of the press are required to register for this event before September 12. As space is limited, we apologize in advance for not being able to accommodate all requests.

Please note that there will be no parking on site. Registered Press are requested to arrive at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre (6 Garamond Court) between 12:30 and 13:30.  There will be no access for media after 13:30. Media will be taken to the event locations by shuttle bus.

A live multi-camera host broadcaster feed will be available by satellite. Coordinates will be AMC 9 Ku Band 9MHz (Friday 12^th Sept). Please contact us for further details.

Event highlights (tentative) – all covered by host broadcaster:

14:25 – 14:30:	Arrival of His Highness and the Guest of Honour
14:30:	Opening of Ismaili Centre, Toronto commences
	National Anthem
14:40:	Speech by Guest of Honour
14:50:	Speech by His Highness the Aga Khan
	Unveiling of Plaque
15:10:	Private tour of Ismaili Centre
15:30:	Media Photo opportunity on terrace of Ismaili Centre
15:55:	Opening ceremony of the Aga Khan Museum commences
	Speech by Prince Amyn Aga Khan
	Speech by Minister of Heritage
	Unveiling of plaque
	Tour of Museum

SOURCE: Aga Khan Council For Canada

and to register, please contact: Faiza Hirji, Tel: [phone], Email: [email protected]; For live host broadcast technical information, please contact: Sherin Manji, Tel: [phone], Email: [email protected]