The Saudi Ministry of Culture established the first cultural center in Riyadh‘s Diplomatic Quarter. As an exchange center for knowledge, the center appreciates a diverse community of thinkers, creators, and creative individuals.
The “First Court”, whose opening ceremony was sponsored by Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, the Saudi Minister of Culture, in the presence of several intellectuals and artists, is an integrated art and culture center. It provides various spaces for art exhibitions, workshops, and cultural forums. In addition, the cultural and knowledge space that the center will provide for visitors from all walks of life.
In his speech during the opening ceremony, Prince Badr bin Farhan expressed the Ministry’s pride in opening the “First Court”, the cultural and creative destination, and a new cultural center for the Ministry.
He indicated that the establishment of the “First Court” with the support of the Royal Commission for the City of Riyadh, to transform it into a cultural space, provides a space for creative expression and dialogue between cultures, in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
The “First Court” will contribute to advancing the cultural and artistic scene, and creating opportunities for international exchange. This enhances the status of the Kingdom and its cultural representation.
The center is located in the historic building of the First Bank in the Diplomatic Quarter, formerly known as the Saudi Hollandi Bank in the capital Riyadh. This was the first commercial bank to operate in.
It is considered one of the prominent landmarks in the Diplomatic Quarter with its distinctive design consisting of cylindrical columns in the frame. The columns feature ornaments engraved in the Inajdi style.
