L’ÉCOLE Middle East opens “Poetry of Birds” exhibition

L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts presents its latest exhibition “Poetry of Birds” in Dubai, offering a unique perspective centering on the dialogue between 19th and 20th-century Western jewelry and Islamic arts with poetry as the connecting thread.

In the Middle Eastern culture, birds play a key role and are among the main sources of inspiration in poetry and arts. Organized by L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts in Dubai and held in strategic partnership with Dubai Design District (d3), the exhibition “Poetry of Birds” displays over one hundred and fifty exceptional creations from over twenty lenders, demonstrating the cross-cultural celebration and the universal symbolism of birds in jewelry, literature, and the arts.

Running until April 25th, 2026, the exhibition showcases an immersive presentation, enabling the discovery of the fascinating world of birds around history, design, craftsmanship, gems and the arts, with a focus on local relevance in Middle East culture. It demonstrates an interchange between birds and various means of expressions depicted through jewels, drawings, antiquities and artifacts; illustrating these universal symbols of beauty, transformation, and transcendence, and how birds have inspired creativity and heritage across centuries.

Freely inspired by Farid al-Din Attar’s The Conference of the Birds (circa 1117), this exhibition is conceived as a poetic experience that culminates in contemplation of an aviary of imaginary birds by French jeweler Pierre Sterlé (1905-1978).

Exceptional jewelry alongside precious objects and gouaché drawings from the most renowned jewelers such as Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, Buccellati, Falize, Fabergé, Boivin, Marchak, JAR and more, are presented along with a selection of Middle Eastern works of art – notably on loan from the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilizations, Dubai Museums and private collectors such as Emirati Film Director Abdullah Al Kaabi – including carpets, ceramics, metalware and calligraphy.

A selection of contemporary photographs from Emirati photographer Faisal Alrais, allowing visitors to appreciate the beauty and depth of meanings in birds’ representations in the Middle East and around the world.