The Diwan at the Aga Khan Garden, Alberta
The gift of the Aga Khan Garden symbolizes the hope, peace and unity that can come when people interact with each other amidst the beauty and inspiration of nature. The garden reflects the Aga Khan’s belief in pluralism, openness and inclusion. The design for the Aga Khan Garden includes a Diwan (pavilion) — a warm and welcoming gathering place for people of all ages and backgrounds. Your support is needed to build the Diwan.
Caring for People, Caring for the Planet
Liam’s eyes widen as he sees the brightly dressed wedding party walk by his Grade 6 class field trip to the Aga Khan Garden. He is curious — why do they look so different from anyone he has seen before? Later, at the garden’s pavilion, he will find out more about them, their culture and the things he has in common. Years later, Liam will realize that this day opened his mind to new ideas, and to the conviction that humanity must look after the planet and each other.
In an increasingly polarized world, where people are less willing than ever to understand someone else’s perspective, a place of peace, love and understanding is needed.
At the Aga Khan Garden, we will build a connection to nature — and to the human spirit — at the same time as we build connections among people and cultures. We know that humanity’s differences are a source of strength and that the values children learn today will be the ones they carry with them into adulthood.
We know that now, more than ever, we must teach our children that the wonder and beauty of nature can be found in all of us, if we know how to look, how to listen and how to understand.
A Tradition of Peaceful Inspiration
The Aga Khan Garden, Alberta, was made possible by a gift of more than $25 million by His Highness the Aga Khan, the spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslim community.
People of all backgrounds and all ages will be able to gather together at the Aga Khan Garden, a space of inclusion that counteracts calls for isolation and division. And, in the tradition of Islamic gardens, they will learn about our collective responsibility to steward and protect the natural world.
Making the Vision a Reality
In addition to providing much-needed shelter for educational programming, the Diwan will be a key focal point for visitor interaction. The concerts, lectures, exhibits and events hosted there will increase cultural understanding.
Thank you to our donors for their gifts and pledges to support the construction of the Diwan and complete the Aga Khan Garden.
To learn about hosting a private function at the Diwan, visit the private functions page.