The Jeddah Historic District Program, under the Ministry of Culture, has unveiled 'Culture Square,” a landmark project designed to restore Historic Jeddah by establishing specialised centres dedicated to various artistic and cultural disciplines. 

 

By offering immersive experiences, Culture Square aims to enrich the visitor journey while positioning the district as a global tourist destination, in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.

                              

Located on the shores of Al Arbaeen Lagoon, overlooking the historic Jeddah area, Culture Square is home to the Performing Arts Center and the Digital Arts Museum "teamLab Borderless," a recipient of the Makkah Excellence Award for Cultural Excellence, reported SPA. 

 

The square bridges the past and present, a concept reflected in its design and purpose, it stated.

 

The Culture Square project showcases an architectural vision that harmoniously blends the rich traditions of historic Jeddah with forward-looking renewal. 

 

The design integrates the architectural heritage of the region with the interconnected Hijazi urban fabric, preserving its identity and cultural essence. Simultaneously, it aligns with the philosophy of the teamLab Borderless museum, which emphasizes harmony between visitors and artwork. 

 

Saudi Ministry of Culture said the concept is reflected in the building’s sloping roof, which seamlessly merges with the surrounding landscapes, reinforcing the themes of integration and unity with the environment.

 

Spanning a total area of 26,000 sq m, Culture Square comprises two main buildings - Center for Performing Arts and Cinema and The teamLab Borderless museum.

 

Covering 16,000 sq m, The Center for Performing Arts and Cinema serves as the headquarters of the Red Sea Film Festival. It features a grand entrance lobby, a main theater with 868 seats, five cinema halls with 564 seats, a versatile internal lobby, nine dialogue halls, a cinematheque, a restaurant, and three cafes, it stated.

 

The teamLab Borderless museum will come up on a 10,000 sq m area, displays around 80 interconnected works, symbolizing a world without boundaries. 

 

The innovative space blends art, technology, and nature, offering a transformative cultural experience and enriching the Kingdom's cultural landscape.

 

The Performing Arts Center will host a variety of cultural events, including theatrical performances, international festivals, film screenings, and sessions inspired by the spirit of "Al-Markaz." 

 

The center also features restaurants and cafes, fostering spaces for gathering and dialogue. 

Meanwhile, the teamLab Borderless museum embodies the contemporary essence of culture by merging art, science, and technology.

 

"At the heart of Culture Square is the restored historic Bait Amir Al Bahar, located between the Performing Arts Center and the teamLab Borderless museum. Overlooking Hamza Shehata Street, named after the renowned late Saudi poet, the house stands as a testament to the area's cultural richness," said a ministry official. 

 

Known for its distinctive architectural design, the single-floor structure is surrounded by large arched windows and historically served as a lighthouse guiding ships. Its unique design reflects its historical function. 

 

The program has meticulously restored this iconic landmark, demonstrating its commitment to preserving the region's architectural and cultural heritage.

 

The Historic Jeddah Program prioritized public health and environmental sustainability in designing and implementing Culture Square, stated the SPA report. 

 

The project incorporates advanced AC systems with 100% air purification technology, touchless elevators and escalators with ultraviolet sterilization, and a water conservation system that recycles condensate water from cooling units for irrigation purposes. 

 

These measures enhance resource efficiency and demonstrate the program's commitment to environmental preservation, he added.