Explore Amman’s Art: Top 5 Cultural Hotspots in Jordan
Thinking of visiting Amman and wanting to get your culture fix? Or maybe you’re a local trying to get a little bit more in touch with your artsy side? Then this is very much the article for you. I am going to share the lowdown on the coolest cultural spots you totally have to check out. You can discover history, contemporary works, and also places where traditions genuinely come alive.
1. Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts
This place? It is so cool! The Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts, very much a landmark in Amman, very much exists to display art from Jordan, and other countries, too it’s almost from all across the globe, with a rather strong focus on pieces from the developing population. What might you see? A bunch of paintings, sculptures, and also some rather impressive installations. These will likely very much showcase loads of different points of view, so it is not really just Jordanian artists here.
For a start, in 1980 they were trying to create this amazing archive of arts from different places, focusing mostly on Asia and Africa. Then they wanted to support art locally, so, the place got bigger. It’s not one space but is, like, two buildings that offer a peek into arts across modern works, from paintings, and sculptures, to textile pieces and even ceramics. So it is not surprising so many people have given it great reviews.
That what I would say too it’s almost a must-see stop in Jordan to check out work by Jordanian and also international artists, especially for Middle Eastern and Islamic modern art. I mean it! It’s open every day but Friday and entry costs about five bucks per person. I am suggesting this might very well provide you with, a lot of perspective!
Hours: Saturday to Thursday, 9 AM – 4 PM (closed Fridays).
Admission: Around 5 JOD.
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2. Darat al Funun
Darat al Funun? Now, that is so really very much an art space situated in a few renovated historical houses, and gardens as well. This place, it is actually totally for contemporary art. Founded by Suha Shoman, Darat Al Funun translates from Arabic as a home for the arts.
Now, Darat Al Funun opened to the public in 1993 and showcases art from the Arab population. Located in central Amman and built around a historical archaeological site, this campus of houses are from the 1920s architecture era, next to the remains of a sixth-century Byzantine church, that really holds within its space a pretty stunning look into different art forms, so it might be more than just a gallery.
The cool thing is that Darat gives some lovely artsy residencies, workshops, and different cultural happenings. That helps bring together some talented local artists and very much some other regional artists from around the world, so it brings arts, and communities, together and it’s amazing. The main target audience tends to be artists and also, the local Amman community as well.
Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 10 AM – 7 PM (closed Fridays and Saturdays).
Admission: Completely free.
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3. The Citadel
Okay, let’s go back to history now! That one thing? Well, The Citadel does date all the way back to the Bronze Ages, that is correct. Very much a historical site resting right smack dab in the center of Amman. Now? What remains is mostly the Roman Temple of Hercules. and you also get Ummayad Palace ruins right, these ones overlook just about everything.
While that may be cool. Did you get a bunch of museums that you may typically get in a place specializing in artwork and creations?, the archaeological digs totally help give a good look into the past. What is also very much striking here is that from this spot up on a high spot in the city, you get an awesome panorama of all of Amman, pretty cool right?
Okay. When is this totally gorgeous historical space open? Uh, It is totally up to the tourist seasons. It is not typically open on Fridays for instance and for those hoping to visit the Citadel, I am going to advise to always make sure that you check their social media account for official updates prior. The space also features an Archeological museum, so plan on being at the space for more than one hour if you want to explore everything.
Hours: Saturday to Thursday, 8 AM – 7 PM (summer); 8 AM – 4 PM (winter); Friday hours vary, so it tends to be best to check before you plan a visit.
Admission: around 3 JOD.
Read our full review: Amman Citadel Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Amman Citadel)
4. Rainbow Street
Time for one that can almost, maybe, depend on who you are with, get categorized a bit for tourists. I suggest going during the day, so too it’s almost more safe. Rainbow Street? What a spot! If you are hoping to take just a pretty brisk stroll around. The location, while filled with residents, so may make parking quite very hard, and narrow for traffic driving, has some arts, street style.
What can one totally find to appreciate. Well, lots and lots of spots with a range of some cool local art, hip stores, and places selling all sorts of local trinkets and souvenirs. Also, like anyplace hip these days? Coffeehouses and dining. Very good dining experiences, indeed.
But there are so really some older houses and buildings around that also display that part of Jordanian culture and designs, but again. Just. Stay aware and don’t stick out too much in your attire for your safety when visiting there, I am begging you! This spot very much attracts visitors because it tends to be a place where cultural treasures and also that super contemporary modern lifestyle tends to meet up together to party, like awesome fusion styles, you get it?
Hours: Most places open around 10 AM, but hours vary a lot.
Admission: Going is totally free, that’s right!
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5. Local Markets (Souks)
Amman, and the whole country to be sure. Is a total great hub to grab a lot of artisanal styles! So, Amman, that capital spot has some must see souks to grab stuff from that represents so much of the history there. Like. It goes into that very specific niche of getting unique treasures that very much display just so many points of view, alright?
Like, gold stuff, hand made products, textiles, anything, right? Well there are so many hidden places to totally experience to witness a range of Jordanian styles, and creations. Souk Jara is one of many markets there where native crafters sell work by locals. Other markets showcase other gems. But again, you know, be aware of your place when you head in to appreciate it right?
It has stuff that dates as far as the times the Bedouins very much ran stuff! Many vendors display a mix, so you kind of can view just everything when you hop spot to spot around that marketplace spot.
Hours: Times tend to vary widely by specific market. Souk Jara opens up Fridays in the summer. Plan for daylight times unless told otherwise. It depends!
Admission: Very free to go in! Prices depend on what you find. Obvious.
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Art spots, that are super amazing and very, very must-see for art fans? Amman just absolutely brings so really great options.
- Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts: View pieces that cover art spanning global origins!
- Darat al Funun: So cool since they really help support regional creations.
- The Citadel: Find ruins of old eras, also super great to go if you are wanting a lovely background location to take pictures and or selfies at.
- Rainbow Street: Stroll and explore many boutique hubs that make that strip, iconic and that also mix together art forms!
- Local Markets: Look through cool, artisanal work that is very hard to discover somewhere else.
Read our full review: Amman art scene Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Amman art scene)