An Art Lover's Guide to Jordan

The Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts should be first on your list to visit if you’re looking for a comprehensive insight into the history of contemporary and Islamic art from the Middle East.

Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts, Hosni Fareez Street, Amman, Jordan, +9626 463 0128

Bringing together the visual arts and many other forms of artistic expression, Darat al Funun is one of the more edgier galleries in Amman, regularly hosting film screenings, innovative art performances and cultural events throughout the year.

Nadim Al-Mallah St 13, Amman, Jordan, +962 6 464 3251

Jacaranda’s focus on works on paper is distinctly unique within the contemporary art scene in Amman. Exhibiting and selling works from both emerging and established, local and international artists, Jacaranda hopes to encourage and support the culture of collecting, by providing more affordable pieces across the mediums of print, photography and drawing.

If you’re an art collector visiting Amman, then head down to their space on Rainbow Street in Jabal Amman, as the works are all on paper and they are easy to roll up and travel with.

‘Umar Ibn Al Khattab, Amman, Jordan, +962 6 464 4050

Darat al Tasweer is a specialised centre for photography aiming to stimulate, inspire and introduce the craft of photography and its new technologies to both amateur and professional photographers in Jordan. The centre is run by Jordanian renowned photographer Linda al-Khoury, who encourages young people from across the country to pursue a professional career in photography. The centre organises festivals and exhibitions throughout the year, as well as training for those interested in photography.

Complex No 29, Kullyet Al Sharea St 29, Amman, Jordan +962 7 7786 1891

Fann Wa Chai translates into English as ‘Art and Tea’, a very fitting name for an art café located in Jabal al-Weibdeh. Also owned and managed by Linda al-Khoury, Fann Wa Chai hosts regular exhibitions from artists and photographers from a variety of disciplines. On the menu at the café, you will find an array of healthy fresh juices and hot drinks, as well as some vegan and organic food and snacks.

Complex No 25, Kullyet Al Sharea St 25, Amman, Jordan +962 7 9808 2004

Although street art in Amman is a relatively new phenomenon, the city is home to several incredibly talented graffiti artists including Suhaib Attar and Yara Hindawi, so keep an eye out for their murals around the city.

The Creative Art Center offers a variety of creative courses ranging from pottery and print-making to drawing and painting. All classes are taught by practising professional artists to a small group of students from beginner level to professional.

Complex No 399 King Abdullah II St 399 11814, Amman, Jordan +962 7 7982 1077

Wander around one of Amman’s most hip and idyllic districts on a four-hour walking artistic tour of Jabal al-Weibdeh. On the tour you will be guided through al-Weibdeh’s stone buildings and tree-lined streets right to the heart of the contemporary art scene in the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts and Darat al Funun.

More information and booking here.

Amman Design Week is an annual immersive experience centred around design, innovation and creativity. An array of different programmes are on offer throughout the week with an aim to ignite and stimulate discourse around design and other related crafts among professionals and enthusiasts alike. An established oasis for creativity, Amman Design Week presents a critical cross-section of design in the region, and highlights the diversity of Jordan’s rich cultural tapestry.

Artmejo is a digital platform for all things art in Amman. Not only does it promote local artists through sharing their work with a wider audience on social media, but it also works to create opportunities for them to exhibit in galleries and creative spaces. They are also working to bring live coverage of the crème de la crème of arts events both locally and regionally.

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