Al Riwaq Art Space

Al Riwaq Art Space is a free contemporary gallery on Al Guful Avenue in the Block 338 area of Adliya, Manama, Bahrain, and an easy find for visitors who prefer art to shopping. Located in Bank House 1, it presents rotating exhibitions by Bahraini and regional artists in painting, photography, sculpture and installation. It is listed by the Ministry of Culture as open daily from about 10:00 to 22:00, though hours should be confirmed before visiting. The space is light and uncluttered, and a visit takes about an hour, with wall labels in Arabic and English and staff available to explain the artists' work. Because the shows change often, the gallery rewards repeat visits, and opening evenings are a good way to meet local artists. It sits among the cafes and restaurants of Block 338, so late afternoon is the best time, when the light is soft, visitors are few and the neighbourhood is waking up for dinner. The surrounding streets have murals and photogenic villa facades. Photography is usually allowed without flash, but visitors should check the rules for individual shows. Visitors are asked to keep voices low and avoid touching works. A taxi or Careem from Bab Al Bahrain takes around ten minutes, and the gallery is near Al Fateh Grand Mosque, making a combined cultural outing straightforward.