Bait el Gahwa

A traditional house restored tucked away in Muharraq, through narrow winding lanes next to the Kurar House and one of the latest from the series of projects by Sh. Ebrahim bin Mohammed Centre for Culture and Research, headed by Sha. Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa. Its Bait el Gahwa otherwise known as the House of Coffee. Walking through the lanes in the cool air (yes its cool here), the scent of coffee lingering and the Bahraini rich cultural presence welcomes us with open arms again with this recent opening. Its always a rich cultural delight when going to these places!

Bait el Gahwa is a recently opened cafe, a great place to unwind after some sight-seeing around the freej (neighborhood). They serve traditional Arabic coffee and other varieties such as nespresso to suit modern tastes. The interior is light and modern designed by Bahrain Interior Designer, Ammar Basheir, of MelaBlu Interiors.

"I love Muharraq's traditional architecture, and when designing the House of Coffee, respected this while bringing in modern design, so there's a juxtaposition of old and new and an element of surprise when you enter through a small wooden, traditional Bahraini door. Inside, the lines of the space reflect the patterns of the coffee leaf, as well as the shapes made by grounds in the bottom of a cup. We've mixed coffee essence into the paint on the walls and integrated coffee beans into the floors, so that the whole space speaks the international language of coffee, uniting people from all over the world." exclaims Ammar.


Credits: Time Out Bahrain, Sh. Ebrahim bin Mohammed Centre for Culture and Research, two photos me .

Bin Matar House- A Pearl Merchants House restored

A rich history of Bahrain has been reflected yesterday as we saw the opening of the newly restored Bin Mattar House in Muharraq. Under the patronage of HH Crown Prince Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

It is one of latest in the series of projects by Shaikh Ebrahim Bin Mohamed Al Khalifa Center for Culture and Research, sponsored by Arcapita, which focuses on the restoration of traditional Bahraini houses of well-known Bahraini families who had a strong cultural personality, and were part of a large history of Bahrain. The juxtaposition of the traditional Bahraini Architecture with modern design elements, and the long hard efforts of Shaikha Mai bint Mohamed Al Khalifa has made by restoring historical sites like these a place worth visiting, rather than facing demolision and having a part of a rich history of Bahrain gone.

It was designed by well-known Bahraini Architect Mussa bin Hamad and built in 1905.
The house was used in many ways during the years. First, it was used as a permanent majlis by Salman bin Hussein Mattar. In the 1940s, it was used as a clinic by Dr. Bandar Kar, and during the 1950s to the 1980s, it housed the Al Eslah Club. The Bin Mattar family used the upper level of the building until 2002. It later took 18 months to restore this house, extending it with some added amenities.

Now a museum, the Bin Mattar House (Memory of the Place) is reflecting a large history of the pearls of Bahrain. On the ground floor lies displays of pearls, trade implements, historical documents, and photographs of the Bin Mattar Family. While on the upper floor, it focuses on the family, especially Haj Salman Mattar.

The Bin Mattar House will be open to the public from today. The timings are expected to be from 8am to 1pm and 4pm to 8pm, except Fridays.

More about bin mattar house, click here

A round of Art Therapy

After a stressful few weeks, I decided to give myself some Art therapy. I headed over in anticipation to Bahrain National Museum to see the 35th Bahrain Annual Fine Art Exhibition. In its 35th year, the show is one of the key events that helps boost Bahrain's progressive growth in the Arts and Culture.

I was welcomed with a variety of mediums from 67 Bahraini Artists, all either well-known artists who have established themselves within the region and abroad, and some just starting out. There were colorful displays of oil paintings, photography, sculptures from marble, metal, pottery works, as well as a video installation. As I wandered through the exhibit, I kept thinking about the different ways each individual approached in creating their art, some were abstract artists, other used intricate details in their work. The Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa, who opened the exhibition, asked the artists to convey Bahrain's modern message in calling for peace and stability through different art forms. He stressed that Art is the only language understood by people worldwide despite their cultural and intellectual backgrounds. Art is a universal language understood by many..I definitely agree :)

A Potpurri of Local Talent

To all art lovers in Bahrain or in the GCC, make time in your weekend calendar to visit the Art Exhibitions around Bahrain. Love them all!! Let yourself wander aimlessly around beautiful art works by local Bahrainis.. see how they have communicated their art to the audience..from paintings, to photography, to sculpture..I can't find the words to say it, how can you describe a melange of art thats colorful, emotional, and gives you a different perspective?!.. its never too late..go and enjoy! :)

From: October 23 to November 1 at the Banyan Tree Resort and Spa.
Artists: Nabeela Al Khair, Faika Al Hassan, Lobna Al Amin, Balqees Fakhroo, Kareema Taha, Ali Al Mahmeed, Fuad Falah, Khalil Hammad and Ali Al Koofi.

and also Ebrahim BuSaad's exhibition in Dar Albareh Art Gallery, Bahrain until October 30.