Explore Inside Australia's First Islamic Museum

The leafy, semi-industrial backstreets of Thornbury, in Melbourne’s inner north, seems an unlikely location for an institution as important as the Islamic Museum of Australia. Yet backing onto Merri Creek, against a backdrop of sounds from neighbouring furniture manufacturers, clothing factories and the local fire department’s fire engine workshop, stands the museum, proud and peaceful.

With its corten steel façade and Arabic text adorning the front and side exterior, the building evokes a sense of curiosity in first time visitors.

Founder Moustafa Fahour OAM doesn’t underestimate the importance of first impressions, "We know for many visitors, not only is this their first time visiting an Islamic Museum but it’s also the first interaction they have with a Muslim. The architecture of the building quite deliberately reflects this, the space is bright, modern and welcoming.”

On arrival, visitors are guided towards the Faith Gallery, the first of five permanent exhibition spaces that connect seamlessly across the building's two levels. For many, it is here where they gain the most valuable knowledge and where what they previously knew about the religion will be challenged.

Following on, the Islamic Contributions to Civilisation (ICC) gallery takes us in a time machine back to the industrious Middle Ages.

Adjoining the ICC is the Art Gallery. Its walls are adorned with contemporary artworks created by Australian Muslim artists. 

Front and centre are three surfboards from Phillip George’s Inshallah series which he created following the Cronulla Riots - an infamous, race-fuelled conflict which played out in the beachside enclave of Cronulla, Sydney in 2005.

A bridge between East and West, these surfboards fuse together two iconic traditions, Aussie beach culture and complex Islamic geometric art.

Upstairs in the museum is a space dedicated to Islamic Architecture, providing a spotlight on some of the most magnificent mosques and buildings from around the world, and highlighting their architectural features and influences.

Navigate around and explore the Taj Mahal, the Great Mosque of Cordoba, Nasir al-Mulk Mosque in Shiraz, Iran and more architectural wonders.

Did you notice? The IMA also incorporates examples of this unique architecture within its own building, including this Minaret - where visitors can step inside & listen to the sounds of the Adhan or 'call to prayer'...

The fifth and final gallery, presenting Australian Muslim History, is arguably the most surprising. 

Did you know that Muslim history in Australia began prior to colonisation?

Notable Australian Muslims challenge stereotypes and inspire young Muslims. They lend a human face to Islam. Young Muslims are now active in the media as presenters of, and participants in, TV and radio programs, and as writers and bloggers. Muslim participation in all key aspects of life in Australia is increasing significantly, despite Muslims representing less than 2 per cent of Australia’s population. Many Muslim Australians are also successfully reconciling their religious and ethnic identities with their local context.

While the Museum’s mission is clearly to share aspects of Islam and associated arts and cultures, the jewel in the crown is the storytelling of Muslim history in Australia’s very own backyard. The Islamic Museum of Australia has documented, in both video and written form, Australian Muslim History in its work, Boundless Plains.

This is a space in which the founder, Moustafa Fahour OAM, is most proud. 

“While the Museum was still in its development stages, myself and three others were inspired to journey across Australia, visiting destinations, some of which are very remote, which have played a significant role in Australia’s Muslim history. This gallery brings together three hundred plus years of Australian history, that is otherwise largely forgotten...