The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture’s building with its unique architecture rises as a shining beacon of knowledge in Dhahran’s skyline. This cultural institution, which is an initiative by Saudi Aramco, is significantly located near the Prosperity Well where oil was first discovered in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The purpose of this ambitious initiative is to accelerate the Kingdom’s transformation into a knowledge-based economy as envisioned by HM King Abdullah who laid the foundation stone for this iconic building.
The Center features a modern architectural design, state-of-the-art technologies, unique learning tools, and enriching programs. It is an important platform for artists, designers, intellectuals and innovators. The Center – a diverse cultural space – has a 21st century library, an idea lab, an oasis for children, a four-gallery museum, art exhibits, an archives gallery, an energy exhibit, and a knowledge tower which stands at its heart to offer educational programs that cater to all age groups and fields. The Center’s programs were all designed to inspire the community, enrich the culture, and support the Kingdom’s efforts towards establishing a knowledge-based economy.
Since 2012, the Center has introduced a number of initiatives including a modern and contemporary arts exhibition in collaboration with Centre Pompidou, the Bridges art residency which aims to create cross-cultural dialogue, and most recently the introduction of the ‘Ithra Art Prize’.