Discover the scientific contributions made by men and women during the Golden Age of Muslim Civilization. Through interactive displays, explore basic science principles that are often taken for granted in such fields as optics, time-keeping, hydraulics, navigation, architecture and math. This international touring exhibition highlights the contributions of scholars from a diverse region stretching from Spain through China during the 7th to 17th centuries. Come and discover how scholars from this region, of various faiths and cultures, preserved, nurtured, and advanced the world's knowledge in science and technology.
A 20-foot high replica of the 'Elephant Clock'—a visually striking early 13th century clock whose design fuses together elements from many cultures.
Introductory film starring Oscar-winning actor Sir Ben Kingsley as Al-Jazari, inventor of the fabled 'Elephant Clock'.
A 9th-century dark room model, now known as the Camera Obscura, which Ibn al-Haytham used to revolutionize our understanding of optics—a forerunner of the modern-day camera.
A large 10-foot reproduction Al-Idrisi's 12th-century world map.
Model of Zheng He's Chinese junk ship—originally a 15th century wooden super structure over 325-feet long.
Medical instruments from a thousand years ago, many of which are still used today.
Exhibits also reveal parallel stories of invention from other cultures and civilizations, illustrated through a display of unique objects. These include devices used for weighing and measuring, surgical instruments, astronomical devices, intricately crafted ceramic pots and textiles.
1001 Inventions is a global educational initiative that promotes awareness of scientific and cultural achievements from the ‘Golden Age’ of Muslim civilization and how those contributions helped build the foundations of our modern world. This period lasted approximately 1000 years from the 7th century onwards. The 1001 Inventions global touring exhibition and the educational products that accompany the exhibition all highlight the scientific and technological achievements made by men and women, of different faiths and cultures, who lived in or were connected with broader Muslim civilization.
Originally funded by the British government and launched in the United Kingdom in 2006, 1001 Inventions was created by the Foundation for Science, Technology and Civilization (FSTC). FSTC is a British-based non-profit, international network of the world’s leading academics with expertise in the history of science and technology. Both 1001 Inventions and FSTC are non-religious, apolitical organizations and have received support from various arms of the British government, the Welcome Trust and the British Science Association. Prior to its launch in London in January 2010, the content of 1001 Inventions was rigorously reviewed by its inaugural host, the London Science Museum.
1001 Inventions has been awarded Best Touring Exhibition of the Year at the annual Museums and Heritage Excellence Awards. Click here for more information.
Discover the scientific contributions made by men and women during the Golden Age of Muslim Civilization. Through interactive displays, explore basic science principles that are often taken for granted in such fields as optics, time-keeping, hydraulics, navigation, architecture and math. This international touring exhibition highlights the contributions of scholars from a diverse region stretching from Spain through China during the 7th to 17th centuries. Come and discover how scholars from this region, of various faiths and cultures, preserved, nurtured, and advanced the world's knowledge in science and technology.
1001 Inventions is a global educational initiative that promotes awareness of scientific and cultural achievements from the ‘Golden Age’ of Muslim civilization and how those contributions helped build the foundations of our modern world. This period lasted approximately 1000 years from the 7th century onwards. The 1001 Inventions global touring exhibition and the educational products that accompany the exhibition all highlight the scientific and technological achievements made by men and women, of different faiths and cultures, who lived in or were connected with broader Muslim civilization.
