Stained-glass installation revealed at Bahrain International Airport

The work has been created by artist Sir Brian Clarke…

Concordia, a monumental stained-glass installation by internationally celebrated artist Sir Brian Clarke, was unveiled at Bahrain International Airport by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain, earlier today Thursday 10 April 2025. Spanning 34 meters in width and 17 meters in height, it is one of the largest stained-glass installations in the world.

Sir Brian Clarke:

“I have always had a dream of making a composition in a building on a great rectangular scale that is like a view through to another world. It’s something that in some ways unites the two parts of the world, the one that I come from and this region. Everything I have ever learned about stained glass is in some ways is expressed in this window. I am very grateful that I am able to share my enthusiasms about paradise with anyone who sees this window.”

Concordia integrates multiple cultural influences into its design, creating a harmonious fusion of styles that reflect Bahrain’s role as a meeting point between East and West. The piece blends the mathematical precision of traditional Islamic geometric patterns with natural elements symbolic of Bahrain’s landscape such as jasmine flowers, dragonflies, and hawks. Additionally, the work draws from Western artistic traditions referencing medieval European tapestries and illuminated manuscripts from the Books of Hours.

“Concordia” at Bahrain International Airport, 2025 by Sir Brian Clarke

The creation of Concordia required meticulous craftsmanship and a dedicated team. The glass was handblown in Germany by a team of 5 people, along with at least 5 assistants, over a period of 40 days. This meticulous process ensured the glass met the exacting standards necessary for the piece’s intricate design. The installation, which took place at Bahrain International Airport was an engineering feat that spanned 43 days, including 37 working days and 296 total working hours.

At the heart of Concordia is the symbolism of nature. Clarke incorporates elements like jasmine, dragonflies, and hawks, which carry deeper cultural and spiritual meanings, while also aligning with the geometric ornamentation intrinsic to Islamic art. The design invokes the concept of paradise, shared by both Eastern and Western cultural traditions. The result is a profound dialogue between nature, culture, and history, encapsulated in a large-scale stained-glass masterpiece.

By fusing Islamic and Western artistic traditions, Concordia highlights Bahrain’s commitment to fostering cross-cultural exchange. Sited in an airport—an inherently transitional space—the artwork welcomes travellers from around the world and serves as a symbol of Bahrain’s open-mindedness, hospitality, and artistic ambition.

“Concordia” at Bahrain International Airport, 2025 by Sir Brian Clarke

As airports are often the first point of contact for international visitors, Concordia offers a striking first impression of Bahrain’s cultural landscape. The installation challenges traditional perceptions of stained glass by incorporating modern techniques and symbolic abstraction, presenting a dynamic and contemporary interpretation of a historically significant medium.

His Excellency Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, the Minister of Finance and National Economy and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company (Mumtalakat), said: “Concordia is more than a work of art – it is a symbol of Bahrain’s openness, hospitality, and ambition. This visionary masterpiece shines a light on Bahrain’s longstanding commitment to integrating our culture and heritage into national projects.”

Sir Brian Clarke is one of the most celebrated stained-glass artists working today. Over his 50-year career, he has collaborated on projects and proposals with leading figures of architecture, from Zaha Hadid, I.M. Pei, Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers to Norman Foster. He has exhibited his stained glass and paintings across the world, and continues to create meaningful interventions into historic sites, both sacred and secular.

Fact File

Materials & Technical Execution

• Dimensions: 34 meters (width) × 17 meters (height)
• Materials: Handcrafted stained glass, assembled into 127 individual panels
• Weight: Each panel weighs approximately 250 kg, with the total weight of the installation being approximately 32 tons

Production & Craftsmanship

• Time to Create: 2.5 years for design, fabrication, and installation
• Team Involved: 21 people contributed to various aspects of the project, from design to execution
• Material Sources: The glass was blown in Germany, a process involving 5 skilled artisans and at least 5 assistants, taking 40 days to complete
• Installation & Engineering Feats: The installation process at Bahrain International Airport spanned 43 days, with 37 working days and a total of 296 working hours