4 interesting things to know about Ithra

Marking a significant cultural milestone in the Kingdom's Vision 2030 plan to promote art, culture, and creativity, Ithra aims to offer unique cultural and creative experiences to the public through exhibitions and cross-cultural, developmental workshops.

Ithra stands as a shining example of Saudi Arabia's commitment to fostering creativity, preserving the heritage of the Kingdom, and encouraging learning and knowledge sharing amongst the local community and young people.

Also known as the King Abdulaziz Centre for World Culture, Ithra was inaugurated by King Salman bin Abdulaziz on December 1, 2016 and officially opened to the public in 2018.

Since its opening, the centre has quickly become a renowned cultural institution, drawing visitors from across the Kingdom and around the world.

1. The Key Pillars

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Ithra works to uphold five core pillars, hosting workshops and exhibitions that support the pillars of culture, creativity, community, art and knowledge.

Acting as a cultural and creative hub, Ithra hosts numerous exhibits, events and performances that represent and foster these ideals, in order share with the public. It is hoped that with the support of projects such as Ithra, Saudi Arabia is a beacon for knowledge and creativity.

Ithra is dedicated to fostering learning and innovation. It offers various workshops, lectures, and seminars on topics ranging from science and technology to art and literature. These programs cater to people of all ages, from children to adults.

2. The Visitors

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With more than twenty different exhibitions, showcases and events, more than 3 million visitors have walked through the doors of Ithra - King Abdulaziz Centre for World Culture, over the past 5 years.

The centre actively engages with the local community, providing educational resources and cultural enrichment opportunities for residents of the Eastern Province and beyond.

Aiming to provide interesting, inspiring and educational exhibitions and events for visitors of all ages, and curating special programs for celebrations such as Eid and Saudi National Day, it is no surprise that Ithra has experienced such a high number of visitors.

3. The Building

An architectural marvel, the building's unique structural shape aims to recognise the past, present and the future.

Ithra's iconic architectural design is a blend of modernity and tradition, featuring a stunning geometric exterior that draws inspiration from the unique geological formations found in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.

The lower level, beneath ground acknowledging the past. The ground level marks the present, and the tallest part of the structure, reaching towards the sky, lights up and represents the bright future ahead.

4. The Library

Ithra houses an extensive library and archival collections, making it a valuable resource for researchers and scholars interested in Saudi culture and history.

As our world moves forward with an increasingly digital-focussed mindset, the library at Ithra is a phenomenal resource. As one of the largest libraries in the region, the library in the cultural centre has more than 315,000 physical books, in both Arabic and English.

The library also offers a 'digital library', filled with audio books and ebooks, alongside access to digital newspapers.

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