Darat al Funun, the Khalid Shoman Foundation’s arts center, is the most graceful place in Amman to spend an hour with contemporary Arab art. It occupies six historic buildings from the 1920s on the slopes of Jabal al-Weibdeh, set among terraced gardens that also contain an archaeological site. Exhibitions, projects and talks change through the year, and the foundation also runs workshops, film programs, residencies, publishing, and a library and archives open for research. The main entrance is on Nadeem al Mallah Street, just a few minutes from King Faisal Street and Paris Circle, so it is easy to reach from Downtown on foot or by a short taxi ride. The buildings and gardens are as much a draw as the art: stone houses, shaded steps and quiet corners that feel a long way from the traffic below. The neighborhood around it, Jabal al-Weibdeh, is known for small galleries, street art and colorful cafés, which makes the visit part of a wider and very pleasant wander.
What to see
Expect a mixture of exhibitions drawing on the foundation’s own collection and projects by artists from across the Arab world. The program changes, so look at the schedule on the website before you go. Even if the current show is not to your taste, the buildings, the gardens and the archaeological remains in the grounds repay the visit, and the small café-like corners are good for a quiet break.
The neighborhood
Jabal al-Weibdeh is one of the creative corners of the city, with informal art spaces, murals in the alleys and newer cafés painted in bright colors that cater to artists, students and visitors. Plan to walk down from Darat al Funun through the lanes toward Downtown, which gives you a different view of the city from the Citadel and Rainbow Street.
How to visit
The center is open Saturday to Thursday during the day, closed on public holidays and for the whole of August, and it closes earlier during Ramadan, so confirm the days before you go. Gallery visits have generally been free, though special events may differ, so check the website. Allow an hour for the galleries and gardens, and longer if a talk or film is on. Dress comfortably for stairs and uneven paths, and be aware that opening hours can shift around holidays.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided visit to exhibition spaces in historic houses, with gardens and an archaeological site in the grounds.
Best time
Late morning or early afternoon, on a Saturday to Thursday.
How long
About an hour to an hour and a half.
Tips
Check the website for the current exhibition, avoid August and public holidays, and walk down through Jabal al-Weibdeh afterward.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Art lovers and anyone who wants a quiet, beautiful break from the sights.
- Families
- Older children with an interest in art will enjoy it; it is quiet and gentle rather than interactive.
- Couples
- The gardens and houses make for a calm, romantic hour.
- Pair with
- A walk through Jabal al-Weibdeh and a coffee Downtown.
- Time needed
- About an hour.
Good questions
What is Darat al Funun?+
An arts center run by the Khalid Shoman Foundation, with exhibition spaces in six 1920s buildings, gardens with an archaeological site, and programs of talks, films and workshops.
When is Darat al Funun open?+
Saturday to Thursday during the day. It is closed on public holidays and for the whole of August, and closes earlier during Ramadan. Confirm on the website before you go.
Is there an entry fee?+
Gallery visits have generally been free, but special events may differ. Check the website for current arrangements.
Where is it?+
On Jabal al-Weibdeh, a few minutes from King Faisal Street and Paris Circle, with the main entrance on Nadeem al Mallah Street.
What else is nearby?+
Jabal al-Weibdeh has small galleries, street art and bright cafés, and Downtown is a short walk or taxi ride below.
