House of Wisdom concludes ‘The Dice Player’ exhibition

March 16, 2026 / 1:12 PM

Sharjah24: House of Wisdom (HoW) in Sharjah has drawn the curtains on its four-month exhibition “The Dice Player: Mahmoud Darwish”, attracting more than 25,000 visitors, including researchers, scholars, and prominent cultural figures. The exceptional turnout reflects the enduring resonance of Mahmoud Darwish’s legacy and his lasting presence in both Arab and global cultural memory.

International touring plans
Following the exhibition’s success, HoW signed a memorandum of understanding with the Palestinian Museum, the Khalil Sakakini Cultural Centre, and the Barjeel Art Foundation to transform it into a travelling international showcase. The exhibition will begin in Sharjah before touring cultural institutions worldwide, bringing Darwish’s poetry and creative vision to new audiences.
Statements from organisers and partners
Marwa Al Aqroubi, HoW’s Executive Director, emphasised the exhibition reflects Sharjah’s commitment to honouring Arab cultural figures and sharing their legacy globally. Sheikh Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi of the Barjeel Art Foundation called it a cultural ambassador for Palestine. Amer Shomali of the Palestinian Museum highlighted its potential to reach new audiences, while Laila Abbas of the Khalil Sakakini Cultural Centre praised its role in promoting dialogue around poetry, memory, and justice.
Exhibition themes and experiences
Launched on 12 November 2025 in the presence of Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, the exhibition traced Darwish’s life from his early years in Al-Birwa to his lasting literary and cultural impact. It was organised across six thematic sections inspired by the faces of a dice—The Son, The Poet, The Exiled, The Lover, The Activist, and The Absent Presence. The display combined audiovisual installations, multimedia, and interactive experiences to immerse visitors in Darwish’s work.
Cultural programmes and engagement
Alongside the exhibition, HoW hosted poetry evenings, panel discussions, and Wisdom Talks sessions. Highlights included “The Butterfly’s Burden” evening, “Stories, Poems and Music” with poet Dareen Shubair and musician Judy Samara, and a session with Lebanese journalist Ivana Marshalian discussing Darwish’s literary journey.
Organisers and support
The exhibition was organised in collaboration with the Palestinian Museum, Mahmoud Darwish Foundation, Khalil Sakakini Cultural Centre, Barjeel Art Foundation, and October Gallery London, with Sharjah Islamic Bank as the official sponsor. It also received support from Sharjah government entities, reflecting a strong collaborative effort to celebrate and preserve Darwish’s legacy.