The act of coming together to partake of a meal is a practice shared by all cultures. Food defines us—we are what we eat. This companion exhibition to Dining with the Sultan: The Fine Art of Feasting addresses the universal importance of food through Islamic art and dining culture. With approximately 60 works from LACMA’s expansive collection of Islamic art related to the sourcing, preparation, serving, and consumption of food, it will showcase a variety of materials, decorative techniques, and functions. Dining with the Sultan at Charles White Elementary School will stimulate not only the eyes but also the appetite, reminding visitors of the communal pleasure of food—both its taste and its presentation. It will demonstrate how gustatory discernment was a fundamental activity at the great Islamic courts and how specific tastes contributed to the movement of foodstuffs and ingredients through the Islamic world to our plates today.

Validated free parking is available in the parking structure across Carondelet St. from Charles White Elementary School at 611 Carondelet St. Please present your parking ticket to LACMA security staff for validation.