Welcome to National Museum of Islamic Art, Kairouan

Located in Raqqada, about 9 km southwest of the historic city of Kairouan in Tunisia, the National Museum of Islamic Art at Raqqada houses an exceptional collection of medieval Islamic artifacts, including wooden elements from the Great Mosque of Kairouan, manuscripts, coins, ceramics, and Qur’an leaves of outstanding artistic quality. It stands as Tunisia’s largest museum dedicated to Islamic art in a former presidential residence converted into cultural space. 

Historical Context

The museum is situated on the site of Raqqada, the 9th-century Aghlabid capital, known for its palaces, mosques, and centers of craftsmanship and science. Its premises contain significant artifacts from Kairouan, Raqqada, and the Fatimid-era Al‑Mansuriya. Notable collections include wooden elements from the Great Mosque’s maqsūra and ceiling, coins and ceramics from the Aghlabid period, and Qur’an manuscripts including 10th-century Blue Qur’an leaves. 

Landmarks

• The Great Mosque of Kairouan: One of the oldest and most influential Islamic monuments in North Africa, featuring a vast hypostyle hall, carved wooden minbar, and one of the earliest square minarets. 
• Mosque of the Three Doors: Dating from 866, this mosque is distinguished by its richly sculpted façade and early example of decorative Islamic architecture. 
• Aghlabid Basins: These impressive 9th-century hydraulic structures outside the medina include vast reservoirs used to supply water to the city and reflect advanced medieval Islamic engineering. 
• Zawiya of Sidi Sahib: A 17th-century complex built over the tomb of a Companion of the Prophet Muhammad, showcasing blend of Andalusian, Ottoman, and local architectural motifs. 

Museums

• National Museum of Islamic Art (Raqqada)

  This museum presents seven rooms of medieval Islamic art, including wooden elements from the Great Mosque’s maqsūra, a scale model of the mosque, ceramics, coins, and Qur’an manuscripts such as the Blue Qur’an leaves. 

  Visit Website

  Opening Hours: Winter: 8:30 am–5 pm; Summer: 9 am–4 pm; closed Mondays. 

  Ticket Price: Approx. 5 TND. 

Tips for Visitors

• Combine a visit to the museum with nearby landmarks such as the Great Mosque and Aghlabid Basins for a rich historical experience.
• Plan your visit on days other than Monday when the museum is closed.
• Bring a student ID for possible reduced admission; local reports suggest variable pricing depending on nationality or residency.

Sources

• Opening hours, ticket price details from Petit Futé guide (petitfute.co.uk)