Mahrukh Tarapor

Mahrukh Tarapor is an Indian museum professional and art consultant, known for her scholarship in museum art, especially Islamic art. She was honoured by the Government of India, in 2013, by bestowing on her the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award, for her contributions to the field of art.

Early life & education Mahrukh Tarapor is one of the most widely respected museum professionals in the world, says Philippe de Montebello, former Metropolitan Museum of Art director, and talks about her diplomatic skills, knowledge and energy. During her stint at the Met Museum, she negotiated with the governments of Spain, Morocco and Egypt which led to the exhibition of Al-Andalus: The Art of Islamic Spain, staged in Alhambra in Granada, the conservation of the Minbar from the Kutubiyya Mosque at the Badi Palace, Marrakesh She is also credited with efforts to raise loans for many intercultural exhibitions such as the Glory of Byzantium (1997), Byzantium: Faith and Power(2004), Art of the First Cities (2003) and Beyond Babylon (2009). During this period, she was in regular touch with the governments of many European countries, the Middle East, Australia and Asia, for the exchange and dissemination of information. China: Dawn of a Golden Age, 200–750 A.D.

After retiring from Met Museum, she was offered the post as the Head of the National Museum of India, an offer she, reportedly, declined, opting for a career as a consultant. In 2012, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, hired the consultative services of Dr. Tarapor, in the areas of exchange of art, staff and scholarly study.

Tarapor lives in Mumbai and Geneva, attending to her duties as a consultant for the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Museo del Prado and her assignments as a consultant to the Government of India. Board Member – Saint Catherine Foundation Member – Museum Reforms Committee – Government of India

Awards and recognitions Mahrukh Tarapor has been honoured by many governments such as France, Morocco and Spain.