The Victoria and Albert Museum in London will open the new Jameel Gallery of Islamic Art on 20 July.

Following a three-year renovation and redesign by architects Softroom, the new gallery will house more than 400 objects; including ceramics, textiles, carpets, metalwork, glass and woodwork dating from the 8th century to the years preceding World War I.

The exhibition will focus on the Ardabil carpet made in Iran in 1539 – one of oldest dated as well as one of the largest and most historically important carpets worldwide. Measuring 10.5x5m and described by William Morris as a design of ‘singular perfection’, it is considered a masterpiece of Islamic art.

The gallery was redesigned so that the carpet could be displayed horizontally at floor level, as originally intended.

Precious objects, such as an exquisite rock crystal ewer from 11th century Egypt and an ivory casket made in 11th century Spain, will also be on show to reflect the sophistication of the Islamic courts. Details: www.vam.co.uk