Cultural Foundation: A legacy of art, heritage, and innovation in Abu Dhabi

In 1971, as the United Arab Emirates was formed, its leaders passed a law to construct a building that symbolized the nation's commitment to art, heritage, and innovation. This led to the creation of the Cultural Foundation in Abu Dhabi, the UAE's first cultural and arts center. The vision behind this decision came from Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who believed that a young nation needed more than just infrastructure; it required a place where heritage could be nurtured and ideas could flourish.

In 1973, an international competition was held to design a building that would exemplify the Arab-Islamic style while embracing modern aspirations. The winning proposal was from The Architects' Collaborative, founded by Walter Gropius, the architect who established the Bauhaus movement. This firm, led by Iraqi architect Hisham Al Ashkouri, was tasked with bringing the design to life.

Completed in 1975, the building, with its distinctive three wings encircling a central courtyard, opened its doors in 1981, housing the nation's first national library, performance auditorium, and exhibition center.

Over the years, the Cultural Foundation has evolved into a premier cultural hub, hosting groundbreaking programs that celebrate local and regional culture, showcase various art forms, and foster cross-cultural exchange. With its recent renovation between 2008 and 2018, the building now stands as a modern heritage landmark, ready to embrace a new chapter.

As of 2018, the Cultural Foundation has become a dynamic space where art and community intersect. The renovated 900-seat theater offers a contemporary performing arts program, while the exhibition spaces highlight the UAE's talented artists, curators, and collectives. The annual Art Residency provides artists with studio space and resources to bring their visions to life.

One of the most notable transformations within the Cultural Foundation is the rebirth of the old library as the Abu Dhabi Children's Library. This 5,250-square-meter space, designed as a life-size pop-up book, serves as a vibrant, interactive environment for children. The atrium, which serves as the heart of the building, now hosts the solo exhibition "Two Horizons" by artist Shaikha Al Mazrou, exploring themes of materiality, gravity, and spatial tension from 12 November 2026 to 15 July 2027.

Additionally, the Cultural Foundation's stage presents a diverse range of performances, from Akram Khan Company's "Thikra: Night of Remembering" to S4K's child-friendly adaptation of Shakespeare's Macbeth. Music enthusiasts can enjoy "Jalsat Nights," featuring Emirati artist Muaded Al Kaabi, who blends traditional Emirati sounds with modern arrangements.

Beyond its cultural offerings, the Cultural Foundation is also a center for education and learning. Al Marsam Al Hor, the oldest art education center in Abu Dhabi, provides a variety of programs for teenagers and adults, including painting, ceramics, jewellery making, sewing, comics and illustration, digital Arabic calligraphy, and Islamic geometric art.

The Open Studio on the second floor offers drop-in sessions for those looking to create independently, with a modest fee of AED 30. Lastly, Bait Al Khatt, the House of Calligraphy, focuses on the disciplined art of traditional Arabic script, led by Emirati calligrapher Mohammed Mandi and his team of instructors.