L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts, presents “Poetry of Birds” — an evocative exhibition that bridges 19th- and 20th-century Western jewelry with the poetic and artistic heritage of the Middle East. Running from November 6, 2025, to April 25, 2026, the exhibition showcases more than 150 masterpieces from over twenty international lenders, including Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, Fabergé, Buccellati, Boivin, and JAR, alongside works on loan from the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilizations and private Emirati collections.
Freely inspired by Farid al-Din Attar’s 12th-century Sufi poem The Conference of the Birds, the exhibition unfolds as a poetic journey through four chapters — from the mystical conversation of birds to feathers as emblems of spirit and power, culminating in Pierre Sterlé’s enchanting aviary of imaginary birds.
The scenography mirrors the flight of a bird through colour and light — from earthy browns to celestial blues — creating a sensory exploration of art, heritage, and craftsmanship. Pieces range from intricate peacock brooches and falcon motifs to terracotta figurines and calligraphic works, revealing how birds have long symbolised transformation and transcendence across cultures.
Curated by Marie-Laure Cassius-Duranton, the exhibition includes photographs by Emirati artist Faisal Alrais, adding a contemporary perspective to this cross-cultural dialogue. Complementing the showcase, L’ÉCOLE offers workshops, talks, and guided tours exploring jewelry design, Arabic poetry, and craftsmanship traditions.
As part of its commitment to the community, all proceeds from public programs will support Dubai Cares and its youth education initiatives.
Admission is free, with advance registration recommended at lecolevancleefarpels.com/me/en.
