L’ÉCOLE Middle East, School of Jewellery Arts, has opened its new exhibition Poetry of Birds at Dubai Design District as part of Dubai Design Week. Presented in strategic partnership with d3, a global creative ecosystem by TECOM Group PJSC, the exhibition is open to the public and will run until April 25, 2026.
Following previous editions in Paris and Tokyo, this Dubai presentation explores the symbolism of birds in art, poetry, and jewellery, with a specific focus on the dialogue between 19th- and 20th-century Western jewellery and Islamic arts, connected through the theme of poetry.
The exhibition features exceptional jewels, precious objects, and gouaché drawings depicting birds from renowned jewellery houses including Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, Buccellati, Falize, Fabergé, Boivin, Marchak, JAR, and others. These pieces are displayed alongside Middle Eastern works of art on loan from the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization and Dubai Museums, including carpets, ceramics, metalware, and miniatures.
Poetry of Birds also marks the public debut of Emirati artist Faisal Al Rais, whose contemporary photography highlights the beauty and symbolism of birds from the Middle East and around the world.
Freely inspired by The Conference of the Birds (circa 1117) by Persian poet Farid al-Din Attar, the exhibition is structured as a narrative journey beginning with regional poetry and leading visitors through a display of bejewelled bird species, including falcons. It concludes with an “aviary of imaginary birds” created by French jeweller Pierre Sterlé (1905–1978).
“At L’ÉCOLE, we are committed to making the world of jewellery arts accessible to everyone, from curious beginners to passionate collectors. Through the exhibition ‘Poetry of Birds’ and our vibrant cultural calendar starting with Dubai Design Week, we aim to create an immersive journey with jewellery, contemporary photography, poetry, music, and calligraphy, bringing together Middle Eastern heritage and Western craftsmanship through the shared language of symbolism, artistry, and storytelling. We hope to inspire meaningful encounters and to build a dynamic creative community in the region.” says Sophie Claudel, Director of L’ÉCOLE Middle East, School of Jewelry Arts.
Running for six months, Poetry of Birds will be accompanied by a cultural programme designed to promote dialogue and discovery for all audiences. In parallel, L’ÉCOLE Middle East will continue to offer its selection of courses and workshops for children and adults, from beginners to collectors, focused on three core areas: the history of jewellery, the world of gemstones, and the savoir-faire of jewellery-making techniques.
The school also continues its partnership with Dubai Cares, the UAE-based global philanthropic organisation.
Visitor Information
Venue: L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewellery Arts, Dubai Design District (d3), Building 10, Ground Floor
Dates: November 6, 2025 – April 25, 2026
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (Closed Sunday and Monday)
Tickets: Free; Book your tickets here.