The latest exhibits at the Arab American National Museum in Dearborn stress peace and enlightenment.

“The Art of Spiritual Enlightenment” showcases the ornate domed ceilings by Harout Bastajian, whose work spans over 30 years and across continents. The exhibit highlights his domed ceilings and patterned panels, magnifying the intricate geometric designs with precise detail. I was drawn to the beauty and intricacy of the patterns, which guide the eye and evoke a sense of calm and focus. I also loved how the Arabic calligraphy seamlessly blended with the geometric forms, creating a graceful and harmonious balance.

As Elizabeth Barret-Sullivan, the museum’s curator of collections, explained, “Harout also did geometric motifs over the exhibit cases. Previously, they were blank; they weren’t lit up or anything like that. He came in and said, ‘I want to do something for you, it’s too plain.’ Since then, he created different examples of geometric patterning.” Mark Mulder, curator of exhibits, observes, “One of the things that I think is really special about his works is that he’s not Muslim. He’s Armenian from Lebanon and an Orthodox Christian, yet he’s done dozens of mosques throughout the world. He’s sharing his faith with people of a different faith, and he’s providing the place for people to worship in a way that is meaningful to them.”.

Bastajian, an Armenian Christian artist and muralist, grew up in Lebanon in a neighborhood where Christians and Muslims lived side by side. He began painting murals at a young age and later became famous for decorating nearly 50 mosque domes around the world, including in the U.S. His works blend traditional Arabesque patterns, natural motifs, and Arabic calligraphy, creating sacred spaces meant to inspire reflection and spiritual connection. Bastijian has also restored churches and continues to approach each project from the perspective of worshippers, ensuring his designs honor both cultural and religious traditions. In an interview with Ulaa Kuziez of AnaBaptist World, Bastajian says, “It’s the pride of the community that we are in America, and we brought our culture, our art here, and we’re putting it in a nice display. The best place to put your history is the museum or the house of worship where all the people come together.”

“Waiting for Peace” by the late Palestinian American artist Rajie Cook presents a very timely display about the need for peace during times of war. The exhibit features assemblages and symbolic objects that tell stories of struggle, displacement, and resilience. What caught my attention was “The Keffiyeh,” which shows a traditional Palestinian scarf with three peace symbols pinned to it, combining cultural identity with a universal call for peace. What I love most about it is how a piece of fabric could carry a powerful meaning. Seeing it reminded me of how the keffiyeh has become more than just a traditional garment. Today, it’s a global symbol of resilience, unity, and pride. People wear it to show solidarity and strength in the face of hardships.

Barrett-Sullivan notes that Cook was a Palestinian American graphic designer best known for creating the standardized wayfinding symbols in the 1980s. In his later years, he expanded into visual and sculptural art, assembling pieces from boxes and other materials, a collection that he and his family later arranged to donate to the museum. According to the article, “Rajie Cook: the Palestinian Graphic Designer Who Gave the World Universal Signs,” published by Afikra in 2024, Cook co-founded Cook and Shanosky Associates in 1967, and in 1974, they created 34 universal public symbols, the simple pictographs still used worldwide. Beyond these designs, Cook made powerful assemblage art exploring exile, identity, and justice for Palestine. His 2017 memoir, “A Vision for My Father,” honored his parents and reflected on family, loss, and belonging.

In an interview with Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture, Cook said, “My heart goes out to the Palestinian people, my inspiration and my hope. Some folks say that the issues in Palestine will never be solved. I say, they won’t be solved until the Palestinian people experience justice. I believe it has been my calling to help create awareness for people who have been living under occupation, and I pray for peace and for each and every individual.”

In addition to these two latest exhibits, the Arab American National Museum has three core exhibits that help tell the story of Arab and Arab Americans in the U.S., especially in metro Detroit.

The Arab American National Museum’s three core exhibits are “Coming to America,” ” Living in America,” and “Making an Impact,” which are designed to tell the diverse stories of Arabs in America, but what really stood out to me is how alive they make history feel. The exhibit “Coming to America” shows that immigration isn’t just about dates and arrivals; it’s about resilience, adaptation, and constant change, which made me think about how communities grow and evolve.

“Living in America” highlights the effort it takes to keep cultures alive while building a life in a new country, showing that balancing tradition and everyday life is no easy task. The last exhibit, “Making An Impact” impressed me because it celebrated both individual achievements and the ways the community contributes as a whole. As Barret-Sullivan said, “We continue to collect stories about newcomers, and we hope to update the exhibits to reflect how migration continues and how the community has changed,” which shows that the museum is always looking to keep the story current and evolving.

At the center of the museum is a commissioned art installation titled “ الفلق // al-Falaq” by Alia Ali. The piece immediately draws the eye with its curving metal structure, integrated screens, and the soft sound of Yemeni music. The installation transforms the museum’s central area into both a visual focal point and an immersive experience. As Barret-Sullivan mentioned regarding Alia Ali’s al-Falaq installation, ”We had never hung a sculpture in that space before, so it was really exciting, a new adventure for us in terms of just branching out from what we are used to. She imbued a lot of different symbolism and meaning into that work.”

The Arab American National Museum was founded in 2005 as part of ACCESS, a community and social services organization established in 1971 in Dearborn, Michigan. ACCESS originally focused on immigration and housing services and gradually expanded into cultural programming, which led to the creation of the museum.

Barrett-Sullivan explained that the museum grew out of a community-driven effort to collect stories and artifacts representing Arab Americans. She emphasized that the events of September 11, 2001, further motivated the museum’s founders to preserve and share Arab American culture and history. The museum continues to serve as a resource for those unfamiliar with Arab Americans and as a space for the community to celebrate its heritage.

The museum offers a variety of programs that highlight Arab American culture and arts. Regular programming includes rotating exhibits, film screenings, and performances by dancers and singers, providing visitors with a wide range of cultural experiences.

The Arab American National Museum plays a vital role in the Dearborn community. It was founded and continues to thrive because of local support, serving as a resource for those unfamiliar with Arab Americans and their culture.

One way AANM connects the community to art is its artist residency program. From November to December, the artist in residence is Nadirah Mansour, a Palestinian Mexican historian, educator, and writer. Mansour’s debut short fiction collection, “I Choose the Sparrow,” follows a Palestinian family across centuries through connected stories that mix history, religion, and nature. Drawing from her background as a historian and curator, she explores how memory and culture shape who we are. During her residency, she’ll lead hands-on workshops in Dearborn that invite students and community members to explore the links between nature, history, and art.

The Artist Residency Program at the museum has been running for nine years, and it is designed to support both visual and performing artists. The program helps artists create their work while connecting them with the local community, allowing visitors to engage with the art in various ways. It aims to build a strong network of support for artists within the community and to provide opportunities for cultural exchange and participation. AANM will begin accepting applications for the next artist residency program in May 2026. For questions, contact aanmresidency “at” accesscommunity.org.

The mission of AANM is to play a central role in the Dearborn community, serving as a space to educate visitors, celebrate Arab American culture, and connect artists with the public. Students have multiple ways to engage, including volunteering, participating in internships, submitting ideas for temporary exhibits, and working with artists during the museum’s residency program. The museum also tailors programming to the community’s interests, such as special events during Arab American Heritage Month and Ramadan.

Go to the AANM website for museum hours and information on exhibits and upcoming events. Admission is free.