The one very good thing about art galleries, museums, libraries and book stores is that in order to preserve the items, temperature and humidity are strictly controlled. Voilà, your ideal place to peruse, ponder and consider in climes that are infinitely more bearable than being outdoors. While some of the cultural centers may not have a scheduled program of events until September, they would feature permanent art collections, gift shops and cafes and restaurants nearby.
BAIT AL OTHMAN MUSEUM
An original house, now a historic museum, with exhibits that represent at all aspects of pre-oil Kuwait life. Located in Hawalli, Abdallah Abdullatif Al Outhaman Street. Call 6999 9761 for more information.
DAR AL ATHAR AL ISLAMIYYAH-AMRICANI CULTURAL CENTER AND YARMOUK CULTURAL CENTER
This former American Hospital is located off the Arabian Gulf Road next to the Evangelical Church locally known as the Indian Church in Kuwait City.
With a constant flow of events at both the Amricani Cultural Center and Yarmouk Cultural Center, you won’t be at a loss for things to do here! You can even peruse the permanent art collection at Al-Amricani, you won’t regret it!
The Yarmouk Cultural Centre is located in Yarmouk, Block 3, Street 3, opposite the Gulf and Boubyan Banks. Call them at 6707 0876. Follow DAI on Instagram and visit their website at www.darmuseum.org.kw .
Q8 BOOKSTORE
Another reason to love DAI’s Yarmouk Cultural Centre is because it is home to the non-profit Q8 Books! Peruse away through a massive collection of used books, and find your perfect summer reading list right here! Working hours are from Sunday to Wednesday 5-9pm and Saturday 11am-9pm. Check out their account on Instagram for the latest details.
MUSE LOUNGE
Café, art gallery and bookstore-come-library absolutely packed with couches, sofas and armchairs to relax in. Muse hosts art shows, book clubs, and offers a variety of delectable refreshments. Find Muse on the Basement floor of Symphony Mall, Salem Al Mubarak, Salmiya. Follow Muse on Instagram or call 9419 9853 for more information.
THAT AL SALASIL
You’ll be spoiled with endless literary choices at one of Kuwait’s biggest bookstores and oldest bookstores (That Al Salasil has been operating since 1972)! With a massive flagship location at The Avenues, we can spend all day at That Al Salasil. Feel like chilling at home instead? Check out Salasil Express for delivery. Visit their Instagram account for more details
NATIONAL LIBRARY OF KUWAIT
Established in 1923, the new building houses over 5 million volumes. Located along the Arabian Gulf Road, Kuwait City, Qibla, Block 15 Al Ma’arri Street. Call 2292 9803 for more information. The library regularly hosts book discussions, cultural events, art shows, and there’s a cultural festival coming up in August! Head to their website for more information.
KUWAIT HISTORICAL, VINTAGE AND CLASSIC CAR MUSEUM
This destination is a hit with car lovers! Check out their account on Instagram or visit their website www.KuwaitCarMuseum.com/kw.
KUWAIT NATIONAL MUSEUM [AND PLANETARIUM]
The National Museum has recently been freshly curated and greater care has been taken over the presentation of some of the collections in the halls and corridors of the main building. Often a location for performances in the theatre, it’s worth a promenade taking in the displays in the vast space that is the National Museum foyer. A quick jaunt around the corner from Sadu House. Located along the Arabian Gulf Road, Kuwait City, Qibla, Block 15. Call 2245 6534 for more information.
SADU HOUSE
With a rich and diverse textile heritage of the Kuwaiti culture, from nomadic weaving traditions to urban weaving practices. We LOVE the gift shop, as well as their workshops. Located on the Arabian Gulf Road, next to the National Museum of Kuwait and opposite the National Library. Call 2243 2395, follow them on Instagram and visit their website at www.alsadu.org.kw for more information.
SHEIKH ABDULLAH AL SALEM CULTURAL CENTRE
Peruse six fantastic museums: Natural History, Science, Islamic History, Space, Fine Arts Center and Theater. ASCC is located in Shaab on Gulf Road and has a continuous flow of interesting workshops! Visit their website for more information, www.ascckw.com or call 2206 6444 for further enquiries.
SHEIKH JABER AL-AHMAD CULTURAL CENTRE
Lovingly nicknamed “Jacques” or JACC by the locals, The Sheikh Jaber Al Ahmad Cultural Center houses a Theatre Centre, Music Centre, Conference Centre, the National Library for Historical Documents, and the Kuwait Opera House. JACC offers an array of some of the finest eateries in the country. Located in Shuwaikh, you can follow them on Instagram and Twitter , and visit www.jacc-kw.com for more information.
SOPHIA
The only bookstore-come-library with a piano in it, find Sophia on the M2 floor in The Promenade, located on 3rd Ring Road, Tunis Street, opposite Qadsiya. For more information follow them on Instagram or call 5222 4643.
TAREQ RAJAB MUSEUM
This little museum has an incredibly rich history, housing a collection of over 30,000 artifacts collected over the past 50 years. Located in Jabriya, Block 12, Street 5, and is open from 9 am-12 pm and 4 pm-7 pm on weekdays, and 9am-12pm on weekends. Call them at 2531 7358 for more information and visit their website at www.trmkt.com.
TAREQ RAJAB CALLIGRAPHY MUSEUM
One of the best collections of Islamic Calligraphy you will ever see is right here in Kuwait. Jabriya, Block 12, street 1, directly opposite the New English School of Jabriya. Open to the public with a KD2 entrance fee. Open Sunday to Thursday 9am-12noon and 4pm-7pm and Fridays open 9am-12noon, or visit their website at www.trmkt.com.
THE HUB GALLERY
Peruse this melting pot of creativity and ideas with a gallery space on the ground floor, library and soon the café upstairs. Located off the Arabian Gulf Road, Villa 76. Call 2247 2255 and follow them on Instagram for more information.
