The Nazmiyal Rug Academy
An educational initiative dedicated to the study, collecting, and preservation of antique and historic rugs,
led by the specialists of the Nazmiyal Collection.
About the Series
What Is the Nazmiyal Rug Academy?
The Nazmiyal Rug Academy is a new educational initiative created to share decades of expertise in antique rugs, design, and collecting.
Each seminar blends structured teaching, visual examples, and live interaction with museum-quality rugs from the Nazmiyal Collection, offering attendees a deeper understanding of how rugs are made, evaluated, and used in today’s interiors.
This series is designed to educate, inspire, and build long-term relationships with designers, collectors, and curious newcomers alike.
The Nazmiyal Rug Academy is part of Nazmiyal’s ongoing educational mission to preserve, study, and share the art of handmade rugs.
Previous Seminars
Seminar 1 — January 7
The World of Antique Rugs: History, Origins & How to See Quality
Seminar 2 — January 22
Decorating With Antique, Vintage & Modern Rugs
Seminar 3 — January 29
Collecting, Investing & Preserving Fine Antique Rugs
Highlights from Previous Seminars
Seminar 1 — January 7, 2026
The World of Antique Rugs: History, Origins & How to See Quality
Seminar 2 — January 22
Decorating With Antique, Vintage & Modern Rugs
The second seminar in the Nazmiyal Rug Academy series was an outstanding and highly engaging evening dedicated to the art of decorating with antique, vintage, and modern rugs. Featuring acclaimed interior designers Thomas Jayne and Glenn Gissler, the session explored how rugs shape space through scale, proportion, color, and layout, offering practical guidance for integrating textiles into today’s interiors with confidence and intention.
Through real-world examples and thoughtful discussion, both speakers demonstrated how antique rugs can complement modern architecture while adding depth and character to a room. The audience gained valuable insights into mixing eras, selecting the right rug for different spaces, and approaching design with a more informed and creative eye. The seminar was both inspiring and educational, reinforcing the power of rugs as foundational design elements and leaving attendees with actionable knowledge they could immediately apply.
Seminar 3 — January 29, 2026
Collecting, Investing & Preserving Fine Antique Rugs
The third and final seminar of the Nazmiyal Rug Academy brought the series to a thoughtful close with an open, interactive discussion on antique rug collecting, investing, and proper care. Led by Graham Head, Elisabeth Parker, and Rodolfo Kashanian, the session centered entirely on audience participation. Attendees submitted over fifty written questions, placed into a traditional Kashkul, with each question drawn at random and addressed by the panel. Topics ranged from evaluating condition and long-term value to preservation, restoration, and market trends. The informal format encouraged candid, experience-driven answers, making expert knowledge accessible and practical. Several participants were also rewarded with special prizes, adding a celebratory note to the evening. The seminar concluded the academy series by reinforcing Nazmiyal’s commitment to education, transparency, and direct engagement with collectors, designers, and enthusiasts at every stage of their journey.
Who Should Attend
- Interior designers and trade professionals
- Collectors and first-time buyers
- Homeowners interested in quality and design
- Auction buyers and consignors
- Anyone curious about rugs as art, history, and objects of value
Why Learn at Nazmiyal
Nazmiyal Antique Rugs is one of the world’s most established galleries specializing in antique, vintage, and modern rugs. For decades, Nazmiyal has worked directly with collectors, designers, museums, and international auction houses, handling thousands of significant rugs across all major weaving regions.
The Nazmiyal Rug Academy is an extension of this expertise, created to share real knowledge, not sales tactics. Every seminar draws directly from the Nazmiyal Collection, allowing attendees to study authentic rugs up close and learn how specialists evaluate history, materials, condition, and value.
Event Details
Location:
Nazmiyal Antique Rugs
(New York City showroom)
Format:
In-person seminar with live rug examples
Capacity:
Limited seating (40–60 guests)
Admission:
Free with RSVP
Your questions answered
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this event free to attend?
Yes. The Nazmiyal Rug Academy seminars are complimentary, but registration is required due to limited seating.
Can I attend only one seminar?
Absolutely. Each seminar is self-contained, and you may attend one, two, or all three.
Is this event suitable for beginners?
Yes. The content is accessible to newcomers while still offering depth and insight for designers and collectors.
Will rugs be shown in person?
Yes. Each seminar includes live demonstrations with rugs from the Nazmiyal Collection.
Is this a sales event?
No. This is an educational series. Rugs will be present for teaching purposes, and private consultations are optional after the event.
Where is the event held?
The seminars take place at the Nazmiyal Antique Rugs showroom in New York City. Full address details are provided after registration.