Amman is a major Middle Eastern art hub, filled with ever-evolving collections of traditional Islamic and contemporary works. You'll find many of the city's galleries in the central Jabal Amman or hip Weibdeh neighborhoods—head to these inspiring hot spots to see new exhibits, attend events, pick up a souvenir, or even create a masterpiece of your own.

Dar Al-Anda Art Gallery

The terrace at Dar Al-Anda (photo courtesy of Dar Al-Anda)

With an extensive collection of Arabic as well as international art, visual and music events, and a terrace overlooking the old city, Dar Al-Anda, located in Weibdeh is a true crowd pleaser. Art aficionados, casual collectors, and even first timers will find something to love at this Amman oasis: the elegant charm of the architecture, the diversity of the changing collections, or simply the calming effect of strolling around, surrounded by inspiring artwork and unbelievable views. Call ahead to find out about upcoming events and, as long as you’re in the neighborhood, don’t forget to stop by Darat al Funan, our next recommendation—located less than five minutes walking from Dar Al-Anda.

3 Derar Ben Al Azwar Street، Amman

Darat al Funan

Exhibition space at Darat al Funan (photo courtesy of Darat al Funan)

Darat al Funan is much more than an art gallery. It is an influential educational home for art in Amman—offering workshops, activities, and events that foster creativity and discussions. Even the actual site itself is significant: Darat al Funan fills six renovated historical buildings in Weibdeh and even includes an old cave and the ruins of a sixth-century Byzantine church in the southern gardens. Don’t miss the Khalid Shoman Collection, one of the first collections dedicated to Arab contemporary art, where you’ll also find the work of over 140 artists.

Nadim Al-Mallah St 13, Amman

National Gallery of Fine Arts

Temporary exhibit at the National Gallery of Fine Arts (photo courtesy of the National Gallery of Fine Arts)

If you’re interested in contemporary Jordanian and Islamic art, the National Gallery of Fine Arts—housed in two buildings located on opposite sides of the National Gallery of Fine Arts Park—should be at the top of your list. Grab your ticket in Building 2 on the south side of the park and check out the permanent collection housed here before heading upstairs to Jungle Fever, a charming, do-good café with an outdoor terrace, located on the top level of Building 2. Once you’re refueled and ready to go, cross the park to Building 1 where you can explore the temporary exhibits. If you time your visit just right during the summertime, you can wrap up the day with some shopping at the night souk (market) in the park, where local vendors peddle handcrafted ceramics, snacks, and even fresh Arabic bread.

Hosni Fareez St., Amman

Plan your trip to Jordan
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Get Started

Love on a Bike

Colorful displays and handcrafted pieces at Love on a Bike (photo courtesy of Love on a Bike)

Whimsy reigns at Love on a Bike, the art gallery and shop of artist Rima Mallalah. This gallery located off Arar Street (also known as Wadi Saqra Street) is small but worth a visit if you’re looking for colorful handmade gifts—from paintings to pillows, ceramics, and even clothing—or the chance to meet the artist that makes them. Rima runs the gallery and shop on her own, so you’ll have the chance to ask her about her work or inquire about commissioning a piece if you like her style but don’t see the exact item you’re searching for. Be sure to call ahead; although the gallery and shop are open during regular business hours, Rima sometimes closes if she is called away to work on murals.

23 Thi Qar Street, Wadi Saqra, Amman

Jacaranda Images

Jacaranda Images (courtesy of Jacaranda Images) 

If you’ve got limited space in your suitcase but are keen to collect some art from Amman, you’ll find some travel-friendly options at Jacaranda—every piece here is created on paper. This Rainbow Street gallery is also the only place in the city exhibiting Australian aboriginal art alongside other local and international artwork. Jacaranda aims to inspire people from around the world to admire and collect art, so you’ll find the prices affordable and the atmosphere welcoming.

Omar Bin Al Khattab Street (Mango Street), Building # 18, Jabal Amman, Amman

Foresight32 Art Gallery

Wearable art by Lama Hourani available at Foresight32 Art Gallery (photo courtesy of Lama Hourani and Foresight32)

Amman’s first private art gallery, Foresight32 Art Gallery (formerly known as Baladna Art Gallery) established itself as an “incubator” of creative innovation with a vision for creating cross-cultural understanding from the start. Beyond simply showcasing emerging and eminent artists—both local and international—through exhibitions, Foresight32 also hosts cultural workshops, seminars, and training courses on-site at its Sixth Circle location. With so much action at this gallery, it’s best to call ahead and inquire about upcoming events, so you can plan accordingly.

Ibn Al Rumi St 32, Amman

Wadi Finan Gallery

Wadi Finan Gallery (photo courtesy of Wadi Finan Gallery)

For those that like to not only admire art but also create their own, Wadi Finan Gallery near First Circle in Jabal Amman is a great place where visitors can both see and do. In addition to featuring multimedia work by Middle Eastern artists, Wadi Finan Gallery offers several weekly art classes and aims to involve the broader community by collaborating on art therapy sessions with refugees and the disabled.

Mohammad al Shabibi Street, Building 4, Jabal Amman, Amman