Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture & Design, a center of the Doris Duke Foundation, is proud to announce a new exhibition in partnership with Ubisoft, the creators of the globally renowned Assassin’s Creed® franchise. Open from February 27, 2025, through July 19, 2025, this immersive exhibition builds on Shangri La’s collaboration with Ubisoft, which brought historical objects from its collection to life in Assassin’s Creed Mirage through the “History of Baghdad” feature.

In 2023, Ubisoft partnered with Shangri La to include two remarkable artifacts from its historic collection in Assassin’s Creed Mirage: the Blown Glass Jar with Trailed Zigzag Decoration and the Twelve-Sided Bronze Mortar with Animal Finials and Vegetal Motif Panels. Set in ninth-century Baghdad, Assassin’s Creed Mirage immerses players in the capital of the Abbasid Caliphate—a global hub of political power, scientific innovation, and cultural exchange. Though the city was destroyed in 1258, Ubisoft meticulously reconstructed it with the help of historical and cultural experts. As part of this effort, the company consulted the collections of world-renowned institutions, including Shangri La, to showcase real artifacts in the game.

"Through this valuable partnership with Ubisoft, this exhibition demonstrates how art, history, and technology can intersect to create meaningful cultural experiences," said Ben Weitz, Executive Director at Shangri La. "We are grateful for collaborations of this caliber that allow Shangri La to continue to push the envelope and connect diverse audiences through real-world storytelling in an increasingly digital age."

"The inclusion of Shangri La’s two remarkable artifacts in Mirage was essential in our effort to bring the rich history behind our game to life through the Codex, an educational portal which offers players expertly curated insights into the history, art and culture of 9th century Baghdad. The beautifully crafted mortar helped us illustrate the development of peer-reviewed research—an important step toward the modern Scientific Method—while the exquisite glass jar served as a testament to the incredible skill of bazaar artisans. We are grateful for the opportunity to share these historical treasures with millions of players,” said Raphaël Weyland, Lead Ubisoft Historian on AC Mirage.

The exhibition invites visitors to discover these venerated objects firsthand and explore how they were digitally incorporated into the game. Guests can experience how gaming serves as a modern platform for cultural preservation, historical interpretation, and artistic appreciation. In addition to the featured objects from Shangri La’s renowned collection that appear in Assassin’s Creed Mirage, interactive digital displays, behind-the-scenes insights into Ubisoft’s research process, and a closer look at the collaboration that brought ninth-century Baghdad to life in the game will also be showcased.

Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed franchise is widely recognized for its historical depth and attention to detail. The History of Baghdad feature in Assassin’s Creed Mirage offers players curated insights into the Abbasid era, with contributions from leading institutions, including Shangri La.

Shangri La invites the public to experience this unique fusion of gaming and cultural heritage, bridging the past and present through interactive storytelling. The exhibit will be open to the public during scheduled tour times Thursday through Saturday at 9:00 am, 11:00 am, 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm via the Honolulu Museum of Art.