Shangri La (Doris Duke) facts for kids
The Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture & Design is a special museum in Honolulu, Hawaii. It used to be the home of a woman named Doris Duke. Now, it's a public museum that shows amazing art and cultures from the Islamic world. The Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art (DDFIA) runs it. You can visit Shangri La by taking a guided tour that starts from the Honolulu Museum of Art.
Contents
How Shangri La Was Built
Shangri La was built between 1936 and 1938. This happened after Doris Duke went on her honeymoon in 1935. During her trip, she traveled through many countries in the Islamic world. She loved the art and architecture she saw there.
Doris Duke decided to create a home inspired by these travels. She spent almost 60 years collecting art for Shangri La. She gathered more than 4,000 beautiful objects. The famous architect Marion Sims Wyeth designed the building.
The museum first opened its doors to the public in 2002. It became a place where everyone could learn about Islamic art and culture.
Amazing Art and Gardens
The Shangri La museum has a huge collection of art. You can see furniture and special building parts from places like Iran, Morocco, Turkey, Spain, Syria, Egypt, and India.
Some highlights include shiny, painted ceilings from Morocco. There are also colorful ceramics from Iran. One special piece is a complete lusterware mihrab from the Ilkhanid period. This is a prayer niche, and it's the only one like it in North America.
You can also see painted wooden rooms from Syria. There are detailed metal artworks and bright fabrics from many countries. This includes two amazing carpets made for the Mughal emperor.
The Playhouse and Outdoor Spaces
The museum grounds also have a building called The Playhouse. It's a smaller copy of a 17th-century palace in Iran called Chehel Sotoun. Today, The Playhouse is used for public events and for artists to stay and work.
Outside, there are several beautiful gardens. One is a formal Mughal garden, like the famous Shalimar Gardens. There are also water features, a Hawaiian fishpond, and tropical gardens. You can even find a waterfall and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
Artists at Shangri La
Shangri La also invites two visual artists each year. These artists create new works, lead workshops, or give talks. Some recent artists have included Hayv Kahraman and Faig Ahmed.
Visiting Shangri La
Shangri La is in a neighborhood where parking is limited. Because of this, you cannot drive directly to the museum. All tours start and end at the Honolulu Museum of Art. It's a good idea to book your tickets early because they are very popular.
What to Expect on a Tour
Tours last about two and a half hours in total. About one and a half hours are spent exploring Shangri La itself. The tours show you the main rooms of the museum and parts of the beautiful grounds.
You will see the Entry Courtyard with a mural by Bahia Shehab. You can also walk through the Mughal Garden. The covered lānai offers amazing views of the Pacific Ocean. You'll also see the Playhouse, the pool, and the water cascades.
Public Programs and Events
The museum offers many public programs throughout the year. These include educational activities, lectures, and performances. Artists who stay at Shangri La often share their talents. This includes musicians like Alsarah and the Nubatones, and dancers like Amirah Sackett.
Location of the Museum
Shangri La is located on a large oceanfront property. It is in the Black Point neighborhood, close to Diamond Head, Hawaii. The entire property is about 4.9 acres (20,000 square meters).
As mentioned, all tours begin at the Honolulu Museum of Art. This museum is about 3.2 acres (13,000 square meters) and is closer to downtown Honolulu. Visitors are not allowed to drive or park at Shangri La. This helps keep the residential area peaceful.
