The Musée d'Art et de Culture Soufis MTO is the first museum dedicated to the art and culture of Sufism, which is little-known in France. Opened at the end of September 2024, it is housed in a 19th-century mansion in Chatou, Yvelines, and features a unique collection of nearly 300 objects and works of art exploring Sufi teachings, history and culture, including rare manuscripts, ceramic and glass mosaics, finely embroidered textiles, traditional musical instruments and calligraphy.
Supported and financed by an international Sufi teaching institution, MTO Shahmaghsoudi, the museum is intended to be a place of cultural exchange, not a place of worship, proselytism or teaching. Sufism is not a religion, but a spiritual movement, considered to be the mystical dimension of Islam, since the 7th century, which invites us to go towards self-knowledge and full awareness, for an inner journey.
Opposite the Île des Impressionnistes, the museum's permanent collection is spread over nearly 600 m2 and three floors, making for a relaxing visit on the banks of the Seine. While the roots of Sufism go back to the time of the Prophet Muhammad (Mohammed), most of the objects on display date from the 19th and 20th centuries: Sufi kashkul (alms recipients), silsila, khirqa, sculptures, carpets, mihrabs, walking sticks, etc.
There's also a hologram of Hazrat Shah Maghsoud Sadegh Angha, the Iranian Sufi master, poet and scholar who died in 1980, in his library, talking about Sufism, a fun way to learn more.
From the musical traditions inspired by the poets Rûmi and Hafez to the paintings and performances drawn from Attar's writings, the Sufi heritage and its know-how is now accessible to the general public, including some very ancient objects, such as a large collection of coins dating back to the Achaemenid Persian Empire (550-330 BC).
Throughout the year, temporary exhibitions ofcontemporary art will interact with the permanent collection, alongside lectures, events and workshops.
In Sufism, gardens are often considered an earthly paradise. The museum's garden offers a space of serenity and meditation, featuring the symbolic flora of plants typical of Persian gardens, such as cypress, fruit trees, rose and jasmine, as well as plants often found in French gardens, and a monumental fountain in the shape of an eight-pointed star at its center.
The museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday. Admission costs nine euros, with special rates for young people and students. A snack bar is available in the museum store, alongside souvenirs, books and objects related to Sufi art and current exhibitions. The museum can be reached by taking the RER A directly from the Chatou-Croissy station.
Dates and Opening Time
Starts December 18, 2024
Location
Museum of Sufi Art and Culture MTO
6 Avenue des Tilleuls
78400 Chatou
Prices
6-18 ans et étudiants: €7
Plein tarif : €9
Official website
www.macsmto.fr
