The Barjeel Art Foundation is an independent initiative presenting curated exhibitions drawn from Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi’s collection. Its work spans exhibitions, publications and public programmes focused on Arab art, with exhibitions shown at venues in Sharjah.
- Where: The collection wing at Sharjah Art Museum opened in May 2018.
- Another venue: Maraya Art Centre is in Al Qasba, Sharjah.
- From the hotel: Barjeel Art Foundation is about a 14-minute drive from Telal Hotel Apartments, which offers four-star rooms.
- Before you go: Exhibition listings and visitor access can vary, so check the official site before you go.
What the foundation presents
The foundation presents exhibitions, publications and public programmes intended to encourage critical dialogue about Arab art, both locally and internationally. Its curated exhibitions draw on the collection of Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi.
The foundation’s collection wing at Sharjah Art Museum opened in May 2018. That followed its first exhibition at Maraya Art Centre in Sharjah in 2010, giving the foundation a history of presenting work through more than one cultural venue.
How should you check exhibitions and visitor access?
Check the foundation’s own exhibition information and the relevant venue’s visitor details before making plans. The foundation’s work has appeared at Sharjah Art Museum and Maraya Art Centre, so confirm the venue for the exhibition you intend to see rather than assuming every show is at the same location.
For a Maraya visit, the centre is in Block E at Al Qasba, a leisure district on the canal between Al Khan and Khalid Lagoons. Visit Sharjah describes Maraya as a venue for exhibitions, lectures and regular art workshops for all ages; it also has a free book exchange and a contemporary art space.
How do you get from Al Qusais to a Barjeel exhibition?
The route depends on the exhibition’s venue. Barjeel Art Foundation is about a 14-minute drive from Telal Hotel Apartments in Dubai’s Al Qusais area. For a show at Maraya Art Centre, check the route to Al Qasba specifically before setting out.
Dubai’s intercity bus services include routes connecting Dubai with Sharjah, but the published route information does not establish a complete journey from Al Qusais to Maraya. Check current transport details and the exhibition venue’s visitor information when planning the trip.
Pair the visit with a Sharjah outing
Maraya Art Centre’s location in Al Qasba puts an exhibition visit within a leisure district along the canal between Al Khan and Khalid Lagoons. You can plan the gallery as one stop in a wider day out; a Sharjah day trip from Al Qusais provides broader context for planning time in the emirate.
For another art-focused stop, consider how the exhibition’s venue shapes the day: the foundation’s collection wing is at Sharjah Art Museum, while Maraya is in Al Qasba.
If you are also planning time in Dubai, the museums and heritage stops in Old Dubai include the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood and Coffee Museum. Confirm the location and access details for the specific exhibition before you travel.
FAQs
What is the Barjeel Art Foundation?
It is an independent initiative that presents curated exhibitions from Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi’s collection, alongside publications and public programmes focused on Arab art.
Where can you see Barjeel exhibitions?
The foundation’s collection wing is at Sharjah Art Museum, and its first exhibition was held at Maraya Art Centre in Sharjah. Check the exhibition listing for the venue of a particular show.
What else is at Maraya Art Centre?
Maraya hosts exhibitions, lectures and regular art workshops for all ages. It also has a free book exchange and a contemporary art space.