The Al-Arbaeen Lagoon in Historic Jeddah has been transformed into an open-air art gallery, featuring 14 world-class sculptures by international artists. This initiative, led by the Ministry of Culture and Jeddah Municipality, aims to revitalize the area’s visual identity through the language of contemporary art. The sculptures create a dynamic dialogue between the past and present, blending the site’s heritage with modern artistic expression.
Notable works on display include Victor Vasarely’s “The Illusion of the Second Cube,” Alexander Calder’s “Rouge” and “Flexibility of Balance,” Arnaldo Pomodoro’s “Circular Mass,” Joan Miro’s “The Bird,” and Lorenzo Quinn’s “Giving and Receiving Love.”
These installations are part of a broader movement to reimagine public spaces as platforms for cultural engagement. By integrating art into the urban environment, the project invites residents and visitors to explore the intersection of architectural heritage and contemporary creativity.
jeddah’s artistic transformation unveiled
The initiative underscores the growing role of art in shaping urban identity and fostering public appreciation for visual beauty in shared spaces. It positions Historic Jeddah as a vibrant cultural destination that welcomes creativity from around the world. Over the past few decades, Jeddah has undergone a significant transformation, with art playing a pivotal role in shifting from traditional forms to a global visual narrative.
This project serves as a model of institutional collaboration, highlighting the importance of art in reshaping cities to reflect their historical uniqueness and future aspirations. The widespread art installations in Historic Jeddah capture the spirit of the place and open new horizons for cultural expression. They affirm the vital role of art in creating a city with a universal human dimension, inviting both locals and visitors to explore a unique blend of history and contemporary creativity.
