The Islamic Civilization Center is included on the list of the world’s most beautiful museums
The Islamic Civilization Center was included in the 2026 list of the world’s most beautiful museums by the Prix Versailles.
The Secretary General of the Prix Versailles, Jérôme Gouadain, noted that the list includes seven museums recognized for their distinctive architecture and expressive artistic solutions. Among them:
Zayed National Museum
Zayed National Museum is located in the heart of the Saadiyat Cultural District in Abu Dhabi. Inspired by the wings of a falcon in flight, the five aerodynamic towers of Zayed National Museum harness the same barjeel wind tower principles used to cool dwellings in the region for centuries. Housed within a walkable platform that echoes the UAE’s topography, Zayed National Museum takes advantage of the earth’s thermal properties and is further cooled by a steady flow of fresh air drawn through underground pipes.
China Science and Technology Museum
The museum, opened in May 2025 in Shenzhen, is called a giant spaceship. During the project’s development, the region’s climatic features were carefully considered, including humidity levels, prevailing wind directions, and air quality.
Xuelei Fragrance Museum (China)
This unusual museum is dedicated to the art of fragrance creation. The building’s architecture, shaped as a modern “castle of aromas” in red brick, is inspired by images of snowy mountains and antique distillation equipment.
The spacious galleries, filled with a subtle fragrance, trace the connection between ancient rituals and modern technology. About 300 interactive aromatic installations enhance visitors’ impressions, and a walk through the roof garden becomes a spectacular end to the tour.
The Museum of Narratives (Japan)
The complex, opened at the end of March this year, is an interactive cultural center that combines art, traditions, technology, and education.
Lost Shtetl Museum (Lithuania)
The museum tells the story of the disappeared Jewish shtetls, small communities that once inhabited the area.
National Medal of Honor Museum (USA)
The museum is dedicated to the recipients of the United States’ highest military award. The central element of the complex is a huge exhibition hall, literally suspended 12 meters above the Honor Square.
Islamic Civilization Center (Uzbekistan)
The architectural concept of the project draws inspiration from the monumental style of the Timurid era, as evidenced by the majestic portals and the 65-meter-high dome. Light, sound, and multimedia technologies create a distinctive atmosphere.
The center includes an archive, library, academy, and conference rooms, integrating scientific research with educational initiatives.
About 1,500 scientists and specialists from 40 countries participate in the research activities at the complex, making it an important platform for intercultural dialogue.
The Center features unique exhibits that reflect the development of Islamic civilization in Uzbekistan.
Guzal Sattorova, UzA
