Wisdom Vault

An air-conditioned space at House of Wisdom dedicated to rare books, unique publications and specialised references. The Wisdom Vault takes its name from the historic “Wisdom Vault” of the Abbasid era under Caliph Al-Ma’mun, a centre of learning, knowledge and intellectual exchange. Today, it continues this legacy by preserving and expanding access to knowledge through exceptional collections. 

The Wisdom Vault houses two significant collections gifted to House of Wisdom by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. The first is the library of German-American historian Professor Richard Ettinghausen and his wife, Dr. Elisabeth Ettinghausen, comprising around 12,000 titles and publications on Arab and Islamic art in more than 10 languages. The second comprises 646 French-language publications covering history, geography, art, literature and philosophy, offering a valuable resource for the study of Islamic art history.

The Wisdom Vault also extends to cultural destinations across Sharjah, offering carefully selected books, references and specialised resources in diverse fields. Books can be borrowed from any participating destination and returned to House of Wisdom or another participating location, further expanding access to knowledge across the Emirate.