In 1988, Khalid and Suha Shoman decided it was time to do something about the preservation and the support of art in Jordan. That’s how the Khalid Shoman Foundation started. Years after years, they bought historic houses on Jebel Weibdeh, restoring them to their past beauty and converting them in spaces dedicated to contemporary art of the region. Darat Al Funun currently comprises 6 houses built in the 1920’s and 1930’s by a Jordanian, a Palestinian, a Syrian and a Lebanese. There also a house with Circassian details, and, in the garden of the main building, you will see the remnants of a sixth century Byzantine church built on the site of a Roman temple. All these places tell the history of Jordan and the Levant.

There is always something happening at Darat al Funun: exhibitions, workshops, talks, music performances, film screenings… Partnering with the UNESCO-Ashberg Bursaries Programme and the Pro-Helvetia Residence programme, they also have international artists in residence.

The view on the city from the roof of the headquarter house is breath-taking, especially at dawn. Don’t miss it during your visit.

For what’s on, check their website.

Cathy

Business coach and professional flâneur

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Cathy Becq - Editor