King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture - Ithra - Dharan

We entered in the afternoon,it was me,my wife and our 8 yr. old son. We visited the library floor by floor, what a great collection of books. When we reached the 5th floor, i saw a nice spot to read, sadly we were aproached by a lady working there, she nicely told us that children are not allowed in that floor, so we just decided to go down and head to the museum. i hope we were informed earlier. We went to buy tickets to ithra museum and and childrens museum. the ladies in the ticketing do not know the what time the session starts for children's museum, which is a bit odd considering its their job. After we got the tickets, we headed to ithra museum, in the ticket scanning, we were informed that 1 section is not allowed for kids. that information should have been extended to us by the ladies in the ticketing before we purchased ticket, right? i told them at the ticket scanning, I cant leave my son outside a section while we enjoy the artwork, can I now. the response was, his entrance is free, you did not pay for him, kinda rude huh. someone who seems to be their supervisor aproached me and apologized. I wanted to just refund the tickets but i dont want to ruin the experience for my wife and son. We entered arcade 1, after around 3 minutes, the guy at the ticket scanning came to us. He said, i told you that you cant enter here. My reply was how should i know which arcade im not allowed to enter. there should be someone in the entrance of the arcade to inform guests about this.im clearly irritated at this point. So we left arcade 1 and walked down to arcade 2. Art is subjective. i was expecting more. Arcade 3, the concept was nice, it just lacked depth for me. the lighting made it difficult to see the sea creatures and other images projected on the walls. the interactive stuffs that they have are mostly damaged and not working, probably due to wear and tear or poor maintenance. Arcade 4, is very simple but informative. i hope they expand this section. we left the ithra musem and waited in the lobby. after less than an hour waiting at the lobby, we were finally allowed to enter the kids museum. we were warmly welcomed and a guy informed us about the available activities. the painting session was composed of giving kids paint and paper, with background music playing, i thought it could have been a more entertaining and memorable experience for the kids. You can see that the staffs tried their best to entertain however many of the interactive items at the first floor are broken, not functioning properly or kind of dirty. it was already dark when we left the building. Ithra is clearly made to impress and make you say wow, sadly the service does not do the same.

A very beautiful place. If you want to study, they have a library. Also, every occasion, such as the National Day, they do very activities. The places are very wonderful, and entry is free. Plus there is a museum here that teaches you all about saudi history, and there is a cinema. Staff here are incredibly nice. 10/10 place

The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, affectionately known as Ithra, stands as a Saudi Arabia's unwavering commitment to art, science, and knowledge. Nestled in the vibrant heart of Dhahran, Ithra is not just a cultural center; it's an oasis of inspiration and enlightenment. The architectural brilliance of Ithra is a marvel in itself. The contemporary design is awe-inspiring, with its sleek lines and innovative use of space. The building itself is a work of art, an emblem of modernity that welcomes visitors with open arms. But what truly makes Ithra exceptional is what's inside. From world-class art galleries that showcase both local and international talent to a library that rivals some of the greatest in the world, Ithra is a treasure trove of culture and creativity. Each visit is an expedition into the realms of the mind and heart. The art exhibitions are a visual symphony of creativity and thought-provoking concepts. They challenge the senses and provoke contemplation, making every trip to Ithra an intellectual adventure. The curated collections often feature a diverse range of artistic expressions, ensuring there's always something new and exciting to discover. However, Ithra is not solely about appreciating art—it's about nurturing innovation and education. The center hosts a rich tapestry of workshops, lectures, and events suitable for all ages and interests. Whether you're a budding artist or a curious scientist, Ithra has something to offer. The library, a sanctuary for bibliophiles, houses a vast collection spanning numerous genres and languages, inviting you to embark on a literary journey. The staff at Ithra embody a profound passion for their work. Their dedication to enhancing visitors' experiences and sharing knowledge adds to the welcoming atmosphere. They are eager to guide and assist, making your exploration of Ithra all the more enriching. Whether you're a local resident or a traveler discovering Saudi Arabia, Ithra is a destination that must not be missed. It transcends boundaries, broadens horizons, and ignites inspiration. It is a cultural oasis that celebrates the arts and sciences, a testament to Saudi Arabia's rich heritage and forward-thinking vision. Ithra is a beacon of light in the world of culture, beckoning all who enter to immerse themselves in the beauty of human creativity and knowledge.

It’s a marvelous place with plenty of books, history and paintings. We visited all the 4 museums earth, art,tradition and light & energy. They have a big library expanding to 4 floors with different books from all over the world. There is a children museum and workshops for kids too. Entry and library is free but if you wish to visit those 4 museums then it costs 35SAR per person.

One of the most fascinating places I've ever been to. The museum is a fusion of traditional and modern technology that made it highly interactive. All corners scream innovation Plus the building itself is an exceptionally stunning!