At the beginning of the last century, Muharraq was the capital of Bahrain and the center of major public and governmental projects for better administration, planning, and education. The official and general public shared the vision for progress and development. The history of this island as detailed in preserved documents tells us about the leaders and unique individuals who were behind these projects. One of these outstanding personalities was Shaikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, a leader in the fields of education, culture and the social sciences. From his majlis in Muharraq, he corresponded with leading figures all over the world in search of knowledge and enlightenment and weekly debates were held at his majlis on matters of culture, philosophy and the arts.

For the sake of the memory of this great man, the Shaikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Center for Culture and Research was established as a forum for dialogue between people in philosophy, literature, poetry, culture and the arts.

Since it's opening, the Center for Culture and Research has hosted over 200 speakers, philosophers, poets, and thinkers, who have presented their thoughts in the center’s weekly lecture program. As the demand for cultural activities and a need for the preservation of our Bahraini heritage grew, the center expanded.

Since its inception, the project has been restored around ten traditional Bahraini houses in Muharraq and Manama, many belonging to leading Bahraini personalities or families.

The challenges associated with building an expansion to a traditional house in one of the most intrinsic quarters of Muharraq wasn't short, but the determination of the authorities and enthusiasm of the neighbors to see the cultural program completed helped shape the auditorium.

While structurally challenging, the auditorium wraps around itself to provide the movements of light to the inner space, this was conceived due to how close the neighboring structures were, making it difficult for a diversified program during the day. As a result, the inner space provides not only the opportunity of daily use but also creates an open invitation to neighbors to be part of the cultural development of Bahrain.

Name: Cultural Center Auditorium
Location: Muharraq, Bahrain
Client: Ministry of Culture
Status: Completed