Islamic Center Near Ground Zero Launches with Art Exhibit

MSNBC

NEW YORK - An Islamic center that has sparked debate over cultural sensitivity for its proximity to the World Trade Center is set to open Wednesday with a photography exhibit of children from more than 170 nations. "NYChildren" features portraits of kids from 171 countries, all living in New York. It marks the grand opening of Lower Manhattan's Islamic community center and mosque, built by nonprofit group Park51. The event corresponds with the United Nations' International Day of Peace. The exhibit is being held at a temporary space at the site; the rest of the building has yet to be renovated. "NYChildren," featuring work by photographer Danny Goldfield, is set to open at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday. [link]

This artist rendering provided by SOMA Architects shows an interior view of the proposed Park51 community center