Overview:

Dickson House Cultural Centre is a historical site situated in Kuwait City, Kuwait. This facility was established in 1840 and is a restored manor house built by the British doctor, Dickson of Bahrain. It should also be noted that Dickson House was the first residence ever built in Kuwait. The centre, which was opened in 2003, is dedicated to preserving the heritage of Kuwait and offers a number of interactive exhibitions and programs. These programs allow visitors to learn about Kuwait’s turbulent past as well as discover its culture through an array of activities, including music, art and literature. The Cultural Centre also serves as an educational hub as it conducts talks, workshops and other initiatives, such as conferences and public events, regularly. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Kuwait
Prominent Features:

1. Museum: The Dickson House Cultural Centre is home to an impressive museum showcasing the history of the State of Kuwait. 2. Art Gallery: This cultural centre boasts a large art gallery exhibiting works from both international and Kuwaiti artists. 3. Library: The cultural centre contains a large library with a vast selection of books, magazines, documents, and manuscripts in multiple languages. 4. Conference Hall: An auditorium for conferences and lectures is available, equipped with a large seating capacity and state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment. 5. Digital Access: Visitors can access a large collection of digital resources like e-books, videos, podcasts, and more through the digital library. 6. Multi-Purpose Hall: The centre is equipped with a multi-purpose hall for hosting events such as rehearsal, seminars, and workshops. 7. Café: A café providing refreshments, snacks, and light meals is available for guests. 8. Gift Shop: A gift shop sells souvenirs, memorabilia, and other items. 9. Guided Tours: Guided tours led by docents from the museum are offered to help visitors understand the purpose and history of the cultural centre. This national monument of Kuwait portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The Dickson House Cultural Centre is a small centre located in Salmiya, Kuwait. It was founded in 1965 by two British expatriates, Mr. Charles Dickson and Mrs. Megan Dickson, who were married from 1941-1970. The Centre was created to give ex-pats the opportunity to learn about and interact with the culture and history of Kuwait. It contains facilities dedicated to art, music, theatre, film, and cultural education, as well as a museum with artifacts donated by the Dicksons. Since then, the Dickson House has been at the heart of cultural life in Kuwait and is renowned for its welcoming and supportive atmosphere. It has an active international arts program, which includes lectures and public events. In 1999, the Centre was registered by the Kuwaiti Ministry of Education under the title ‘The Dickson House Cultural Centre’ and in 2020, it celebrated its 50th birthday, becoming an officially certified Non-Governmental Organisation. The Centre has grown to become an important resource for Kuwait's youth, offering educational and cultural activities for both adults and children. It has also developed a strong link with the local community, providing resources and support for local arts initiatives, and fostering a commitment to sustainable development. The Centre has been recognised for its efforts in promoting Kuwait’s cultural heritage, and is regularly used for educational visits and workshops. Today, the Centre is managed by a board of five trustees and sixteen committee members, who meet regularly to discuss and promote the centre’s objectives. The trustees are responsible for the strategic direction and overall management of the Centre. You must visit one of these historical places in Kuwait on your Kuwait tour

Interesting facts:

1. The Dickson House Cultural Centre was established in 1977 to encourage the research, study, and appreciation of Kuwaiti cultural heritage and traditions. 2. The Centre houses a library with a special focus on Kuwaiti culture and heritage, and has more than 10,000 books related to the subject. 3. The centre has an extensive collection of manuscripts, photographs and documents related to Kuwait. 4. The centre also hosts a Lego history corner for children to learn more about the history of Kuwait. 5. It also contains a cafe serving traditional Kuwaiti food. 6. The centre is open to the public for visits and also organises various workshops and activities throughout the year. 7. The centre is also home to the popular 'Grand Bazaar' which is held three times a year and is a major local attraction. Visit one of the famous monuments of Kuwait with your friends and family.