Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – December 4, 2024 – The Ministry of Culture has unveiled Culture Square, a landmark initiative designed to restore and transform Jeddah's Historic District. This project aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, aiming to position the district as a global cultural destination. Located along the shores of Al-Arbaeen Lagoon, the square features two major artistic venues: the Performing Arts Center and the teamLab Borderless Museum, offering immersive cultural experiences that bridge the past and future.
The Performing Arts Center will host a variety of cultural events such as theatrical performances, international festivals, and film screenings. It will also feature restaurants and cafes, fostering spaces for dialogue and gathering. In addition, the teamLab Borderless Museum, recognized for its innovative approach to blending art, science, and technology, will provide visitors with a unique, boundaryless art experience. The museum’s conceptual approach allows visitors to engage with interconnected works that merge art with nature, promoting a transformative and engaging cultural experience.
At the heart of the square lies Bait Amir Al Bahar, a historic structure that has been carefully restored. This building, once serving as a lighthouse, is a testament to Jeddah's rich cultural and architectural history. Positioned between the Performing Arts Center and the museum, it stands as a symbol of the region’s heritage and its integration into the broader cultural vision of the district. Culture Square blends the architectural traditions of historic Jeddah with modern design elements, creating a space that harmonizes with both the environment and the city’s future aspirations.
Spanning 26,000 square meters, Culture Square includes the Center for Performing Arts and Cinema, which houses a grand lobby, a main theater with 868 seats, and five cinema halls with 564 seats, along with a cinematheque and multiple dialogue halls. The teamLab Borderless Museum, covering 10,000 square meters, will display around 80 interconnected works. The project also incorporates advanced sustainability features such as air purification technology, water conservation systems, and UV sterilization, ensuring a healthy and environmentally conscious space for both locals and visitors.
The opening of Culture Square marks a significant step in the Historic Jeddah Program’s efforts to preserve and revitalize the area, blending cultural preservation with innovation. This development will enhance Jeddah’s appeal as a global tourism destination while supporting the Kingdom’s goals of cultural enrichment and sustainable urban development.