Overview:

Darat Al Funun (Amman) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of contemporary Arab art. It hosts exhibitions and workshops, and provides artists with a platform to showcase their work. The organization also promotes dialogue between Arab and international art scenes. Located in Amman, Jordan, Darat Al Funun also runs an artist residency program and a research library of Arab texts from the 20th century. The organization also offers a master’s degree in Arab art from the University of Jordan. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Jordan
Prominent Features:

1. The Khalid Shoman Collection: A private collection showcasing over 400 pieces of art, antiquities, and artifacts from modern Arab and Islamic culture, including painting, sculpture, calligraphy, ceramics, and textiles. 2. The Khalili Art Library: An extensive research library dedicated to the visual arts of Arab culture throughout history. 3. The Ismaili Centre: An Islamic art and cultural centre that hosts lectures, workshops, and an exhibition space for Islamic art and historic artifacts. 4. Permanent art exhibitions: The Darat Al Funun features several rotating and permanent art exhibitions that showcase modern and contemporary art from both local and international artists. 5. Outdoor sculpture garden: A serene outdoor garden fills with sculptures donated by local and international artists. 6. Education centre: A venue for courses and workshops geared towards the general public, visitors, and students interested in the arts. 7. The Main Hall: A large atrium hosting theatre, dance, and music performances as well as film screenings. 8. Cafe & Bookshop: The Darat Al Funun proudly features a cafe and bookshop, which provide an engaging environment with books, music, lectures, and more. This national monument of Jordan portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Darat Al Funun is an art center located in Amman, Jordan. It was founded in 1998 by Jordanian businessman-turned-philanthropist Khalid Shoman and his wife, Nadia Khouri-Shoman. The center has the mission of promoting Arab art and culture and offers exhibitions, workshops, and residencies. The idea for Darat Al Funun came from Khalid and Nadia’s desire to create a center that encouraged Arab artists to express themselves freely and without government interference. In 1998, the couple started the Arab Museum of Modern Art and launched the Inar program to support Jordanian and Arab artists. The center was further developed under the guidance of art historian and critic Wijdan Ali and now houses over 200 different pieces of contemporary art from the Arab world. Darat Al Funun also runs a residency program that provides Arab artists with six-month residencies to create and experiment within the center’s studios. The center regularly organizes and hosts performances, lectures, and conferences on Arab art and culture. In 2015, Darat Al Funun was awarded the Prince Claus Award for its contribution to the promotion and development of culture and art in the Arab world. Darat Al Funun continues to serve as a vibrant cultural hub in Amman while promoting Arab art and culture internationally. You must visit one of these historical places in Jordan on your Jordan tour

Interesting facts:

1. Darat Al Funun (Amman) was founded in 1987 by the Royal Society of Fine Arts of Jordan. 2. The gallery is located in the historic Khalidi Library building, a large two-story Ottoman building that was used until the 1970s for the teaching of Islamic law. 3. Darat Al Funun is a nonprofit arts space and the only centre of its kind in the region dedicated to modern and contemporary Middle Eastern art. 4. The centre’s roof terrace includes a cafe which offers breathtaking views across the city's older districts. 5. The gallery features art from the Arab world and Arab communities around the world, as well as a range of international artists. 6. Darat Al Funun hosts a wide variety of exhibitions, lectures, seminars, workshops, concerts, and screenings each year. 7. Several of the gallery's exhibitions have been included in the Jordanian Museum of Modern Art's International Biennial of Contemporary Art. 8. In addition to being a world-class gallery, Darat Al Funun is an educational and cultural center where workshops, lectures, residencies, and other events are held regularly. Visit one of the famous monuments of Jordan with your friends and family.