General
Jeddah is often referred to as the kingdom’s art capital.
Whether such an equation is (still) objectifiable in view of the burgeoning art scene in Riyadh remains to be seen. It is true, however, that there are a number of art galleries, many of which focus on contemporary Arab art.
In any case, if you are interested in visiting galleries in Jeddah, you should make an effort to find out the current availability and opening hours. Unfortunately, the websites of some galleries are (surprisingly) not always up to date, so one should not rely solely on this information. And some galleries that can be found on the internet do not even exist anymore.
Hayy Jameel
It is all the more gratifying and significant that some of the art galleries have recently moved to Hayy Jameel, the new art center in Jeddah. “Hayy” is an Arabic term for “neighbourhood” and expresses the intention to bring together independent creative disciplines such as art, music, film and architecture in one place. Art Jameel is an independent organisation that supports artists and creative communities.
The architecture of the building is also worth mentioning. The top floor of the building surrounds the courtyard with shaded, tiered terraces that suggest a visual unity of the courtyard and the building, connecting all levels of the project. The courtyard (as depicted above) provides relaxing seating amidst natural green spaces.
Address: North Jeddah, Al Mohammadiyyah neighbourhood, Arwa bint Abdulmutalib Street, between Al Safaa Street and Prince Sultan Road
Opening hours: Sun. – Thu. 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Tue: Closed, Fri: 2 p.m.-10 p.m., Sat: 12 p.m.-8 p.m.
Admission: Free
http://hayyjameel.org
https://goo.gl/maps/
ATHR Gallery
ATHR is one of Saudi Arabia’s leading contemporary art galleries. ATHR’s Hayy Jameel space is a brand new concept showcasing immersive, multi-sensory and spectacular installations by artists and designers – a photographic art being depicted above.
Address: Still on Tahliah Street (Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Rd), near King Fahd Road), Jeddah, 23441
+ 966 12 2845009
www.athrart.com
also in Hayy Jameel, see above
https://goo.gl/maps/
