History of the Middle East Class Explores Islamic Art at The Met

Students in Ricky Kamil’s P'15 History of the Middle East class visited The Metropolitan Museum of Art on Tuesday, January 13, for an immersive tour of the Art of the Islamic World exhibition. The collection features works from North Africa, the Arab Lands, Turkey, Iran, Central Asia, and South Asia.

The field trip was designed to deepen themes explored in class while giving students the opportunity to experience The Met as a place of lasting intellectual and cultural engagement. During the tour, students examined tapestries, paintings, illustrated manuscripts, ceramics, glass, metalwork, oriental carpets, and architectural elements. They also explored calligraphy, arabesque ornamentation, and geometric patterning, learning how to closely observe and interpret works of art within their historical and cultural contexts.

Students took notes throughout the visit and photographed selected works for a follow-up assignment in which they will explain each piece’s significance, historical background, and what it reveals about Islamic culture and civilization.

Following the tour, students explored two additional exhibitions, Divine Egypt and Man Ray: When Objects Dream, before sampling falafel and other foods from vendors near the Museum’s 82nd Street entrance.

Students who attended the trip were:
Owen Biegelsen '27
Zachary Biegelsen '26
Evan Dixter '26
Charlie Cohen '27
Ellis Conroy '26
John Degnan '27
Jacob Frohlich '26
Maya LeVasseur '26
Kelsey Limbert '26
Rhodes Musallam '26
Sarabella Ponsiglione '26
Ethan Resnick '27
Jayden Scherr '27
Gabriel Ventura '26
Zachary Zweibel '27