Check out the hottest galleries right now in Sharjah
28 May 2018
Sharjah, the cultural capital of the Arab world
Often referred to as the cultural capital of the Arab world, Sharjah’s huge number of museums and galleries are the perfect place to while away a few hours in the company of friends and family. Here are five of the Emirate’s most interesting galleries.
Sharjah Art Foundation
Located in Sharjah’s main heritage area in the heart of the city, Sharjah Art Foundation’s activities and events take place throughout the year, and include exhibitions, artist talks, film screenings and classes. Run by Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi, the Foundation also hosts the Sharjah Biennial as well as the annual March meeting. The Foundation has also hit the headlines recently with the introduction of Rain Room, an immersive installation that is proving hugely popular with visitors.
Maraya Art Centre
Founded in 2006, Maraya Art Centre offers a number of programmes and public outreach activities, including workshops, lectures, talks and other events. The Centre aims to help emerging artists and designers, providing them with great opportunities for growth. Its initiatives include Maraya Art Park, a series of outdoor galleries at major focal points in Sharjah and 1971 Design Space, an exhibition area on Flag Island. Up until earlier this year, the Centre had also hosted collections from the Barjeel Art Foundation.
Farah Gallery
The Farah Gallery specialises in the design of mirrors, windows, skylights, panels and other art related specifically to glass. It has supplied artifacts and services to many restaurants, hotels, offices and shopping malls worldwide, and its award-winning designers and artists are renowned for constantly coming up with new and innovative creations. The gallery is located between Al Wahda Road and the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
Sharjah Art Museum
Located just behind the Heart of Sharjah heritage renovation project, Sharjah Art Museum has a number of collections of modern and contemporary Arabic art, much of which has come from the personal collection of the Ruler of Sharjah, HH Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi. Works include lithographs by David Roberts, watercolours by Ali Darwish, and paintings from the father of Emirati art, Abdul Qader Al Rais.
Bait Al Serkal
One of Sharjah’s oldest buildings, Bait Al Serkal was the former home of the British commissioner for the Gulf region, eventually becoming the city’s first hospital in the early 1960s. It was restored in the last decade of the 20th century and is now an art space managed by the Sharjah Art Foundation. It plays a prominent role in the Sharjah Biennal.
