The idea that contemporary Islamic culture is inward looking was contradicted

from the word go by the invitation to IM Pei to be the chief architect of the project.

  The Chinese born American considered by many to be a master

in his field was gently coaxed out of retirement to design the building. 

Most agree he has done a stupendous job. You may know him for, among

many other projects, the glass pyramid outside the Louvre.

But what lies within?  Surely something so spectacular on the outside

must only be something of a disappointment on the inside.  chacun

à son goût, of course, but this is not the case with this particular building –

 whatever your own taste, disappointment is hardly the word.