MEET BASSAM FREIHA ART FOUNDATION
A new addition to the capital’s culture scene
You don’t have to look very far to enjoy an artistic masterpiece when you’re in the Cultural District on Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island. Home to the Louvre Abu Dhabi, NYU Abu Dhabi, and Manarat Al Saadiyat, it’s an art lover’s paradise. While we look forward to the day we step into the upcoming cultural megaprojects, namely Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, the Natural History Museum, and the Zayed National Museum, we have a new art space to visit that’ll satisfy our hankering for something new: Bassam Freiha Art Foundation. The newly-opened non-profit institution by philanthropist and art collector, Bassam Said Freiha, opened its doors to the public in March 2024. What makes this institution different is the founder’s vision, which is not only to support global, regional, and local art collections, but also to encourage collectors to share their privately- owned art collections with the world at curated exhibitions.
What’s On at the moment? Floating above the water, the white building brags aesthetics that alone can be deemed as a work of art. Art exhibits around the space welcome visitors to BFAF, which currently hosts three exhibitions: Echoes of the Orient – an exhibition from the founder’s private collection, Reclaiming Visions, and The Sculpture Garden. You can visit the current exhibitions until August 15, after which new exhibitions will be set up. To deepen your appreciation of the exhibitions, you can join Michaela Watrelot, the foundation’s curator, who will shed light on the collection through guided tours.
More than just an art space To help nurture a deep appreciation for art, the foundation will host a programme of cultural and educational workshops, lectures, panel discussions, art talks and educational films. Readers can also take a moment to enjoy an impressive collection of art-themed books, during their visit. This will be open to everyone, in the hope of igniting a passion for the arts in future generations. Entry to the art foundation is free. Bassam Freiha Art Foundation, Cultural District, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, open daily, 10am to 8pm, free entry. Tel: (0)2 642 2338. bfaf.ae
Located a stone’s throw away from Manarat Al Saadiyat, the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation sports minimalist architecture that complements neighbouring cultural landmarks, while still standing out in a white façade as it seems to float above the water underneath. Large glass panes allow passers-by to sneak a peek at the art inside, but make sure you stroll around the outside to admire the sculptures located in the water. By the main entrance, take a moment to enjoy sculptures in the garden. Out back, you will also find another smaller exhibition space, bragging the same unique design which also hosts exhibitions. For an even more beautiful sight, visit BFAF at night, where the structure stands out as if dusted with golden flecks of glitter.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info). 2024-05-09T08:42:16Z dg43tfdfdgfd