The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The MET) in New York City threw a dazzling celebration of Yemen’s rich cultural heritage on Sunday, April 21st, 2024. The event, titled “Celebration of the Arts and Culture of Yemen,” resulted from a collaboration between The MET, the U.S. Department of State, and the Yemeni community in New York City.
The event commenced with the remarks of the Yemeni Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency, Mohammed Al-Hadhrami. Against the backdrop of The MET’s grandeur, he articulated the profound significance of celebrating Yemen’s cultural richness amidst contemporary challenges.
“Ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon, I’m very pleased to speak to you today from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, one of the most prestigious museums in the world, on this special occasion to celebrate Yemen’s cultural heritage,” he said.
We thank the Met @metmuseum, the #USEnvoy to Yemen @StateDept_NEA, and the Yemeni community in New York City for making the “Celebration of the Arts and Culture of Yemen” event today at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC a success.
— Yemen Embassy D.C. (@YemenEmbassy_DC) April 21, 2024
The remarks of Ambassador Mohammed… pic.twitter.com/qyGaz1a7gE
Highlighting Yemen’s ancient history, Ambassador Al-Hadhrami illuminated the country’s illustrious past, which spanned thousands of years and included diverse kingdoms. He invoked the memory of Queen Sheba and noted Yemen’s crucial role as one of the oldest centers of human civilization in the Near East.
Yet, amidst Yemen’s rich cultural tapestry, Ambassador Al-Hadhrami acknowledged the stark reality of present-day strife. “Yemen has been engulfed in conflict for ten years now,” he lamented. “So many dreams and hopes of ordinary Yemenis for a stable and prosperous future have been crushed.”
Undeterred by the challenges, Ambassador Al-Hadhrami underlined the imperative of preserving Yemen’s heritage in the face of adversity. He lauded the collaborative efforts between Yemen and the United States, as well as leading cultural institutions like The MET and the Smithsonian Museum, in safeguarding Yemen’s stolen artifacts and cultural treasures.
The Ambassador’s address was not merely a reflection on the past but also a call to action for the future. He expressed optimism regarding ongoing partnerships with esteemed institutions like The MET, signaling a collective commitment to the preservation and promotion of Yemen’s cultural legacy.
“I am excited to announce that hopefully very soon, we will have more items added to the protection of some of these institutions,” declared Ambassador Al-Hadhrami, his optimism palpable. “I also want to take this opportunity to urge the rest of the arts and museum community, private collectors, auction houses. I am confident that if we work together, we will make it happen.”
As the festivities drew to a close, Ambassador Al-Hadhrami extended gratitude to The MET and all involved in making the event a success. Attendees departed with a renewed appreciation for Yemen’s cultural richness and a shared commitment to preserving it for generations to come. In the words of Ambassador Al-Hadhrami, “Let us celebrate this special event together, as we envision a future where the land of Arabia Felix will once again know happiness”.
