A stunning stained glass art installation by a globally renowned artist will welcome visitors to the kingdom this weekend, after being unveiled by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, yesterday.
‘Concordia’ by British painter, architectural artist, designer and printmaker Sir Brian Clarke fuses Islamic, Western and natural motifs to create a piece that invokes the idea of ‘paradise shared across cultures’, according to government officials.
HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister underscored the importance of developing vital infrastructure and advancing strategic projects that promote excellence and contribute to the kingdom’s comprehensive development, led by His Majesty King Hamad.
He also emphasised that fostering creativity and innovation plays a pivotal role in achieving the kingdom’s long-term aspirations.
HRH Prince Salman noted that integrating art and culture into public spaces enhances both their aesthetic value and the experience of visitors and travellers.
He expressed pride in the ongoing development of Bahrain International Airport and its growing global recognition by leading airport rating agencies.
According to an official statement,, ‘Concordia’ serves as a symbol of Bahrain’s openness, warm hospitality and artistic ambition, welcoming travellers from around the world.
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It highlights the country’s commitment to cross-cultural exchange and its desire to foster connections between diverse cultures. The 34-metre by 17-metre installation, weighing a total of approximately 32 tonnes, is made of 127 individual handcrafted stained glass panels, each weighing around 250kg.
The 21-person team behind the project took around two and a half years to design, fabricate and install the masterpiece. The glass panels were mouthblown in Germany by five artisans over 40 days.
The installation process for one of the largest stained-glass installations in the world took 43 days in total, and approximately 296 working hours.
“Concordia is more than a work of art – it is a symbol of Bahrain’s openness, hospitality, and ambition,” Finance and National Economy Minister and Mumtalakat Holding Company board chairman Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa added.
“This visionary masterpiece shines a light on Bahrain’s longstanding commitment to integrating our culture and heritage into national projects.” The design integrates influences from Eastern and Western art, representing Bahain’s role as a cultural crossroads. It integrates Islamic geometric patterns, inspired by Sir Brian’s visits to Morocco, with natural elements and motifs like jasmine flowers, dragonflies, and hawks, reflecting Bahrain’s landscape as well as Western references to medieval European tapestries and illuminated manuscripts. The opening ceremony featured an introductory video showcasing the project.
HRH Prince Salman was accompanied by Isa Bin Salman Education Charitable Trust board of trustees chairman and the Labour Fund (Tamkeen) board of directors chairman Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, as well as several senior officials.
naman@gdnmedia.bh
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