From artist-run studios and independent art spaces to world-class collections and established institutions, Bahrain’s galleries are far more than places to admire paintings. They preserve history, support emerging talent and introduce visitors to new ideas. Whether you’re an avid collector or simply an art lover, here’s our guide to some of the island’s most inspiring art galleries.

ABBAS ALMOSAWI ART GALLERY

“Art galleries are essential cultural spaces that preserve heritage, encourage creativity and connect artists with the wider community. As Bahrain’s art scene continues to grow, galleries play a vital role in fostering dialogue, inspiration and cultural exchange.”
– Reji Joy, Curator

Abbas Almosawi Art Gallery offers visitors a chance to explore the work and artistic legacy of one of Bahrain’s most renowned artists, Abbas Saleh Almosawi. Born in 1952, he has been painting Bahrain for over four decades – its old souqs, traditional villages and architectural heritage, creating works that bridge the island’s past and present.
Located in Al Qurayyah in Janabiya, the contemporary gallery features a mix of figurative, abstract and mixed-media pieces, with recurring themes of identity, memory, peace and the transformation of Bahrain’s landscape and society.
Beyond exhibiting artwork, the gallery also serves as a platform that encourages artistic dialogue, cultural preservation and community engagement. Visitors can also learn more about Abbas Almosawi’s Art & Peace Project, established in 1991, which has brought together artists, children and communities across Bahrain and around the world in international peace initiatives.
Although no summer exhibitions are currently scheduled, visitors can still enjoy the gallery’s permanent collection and keep a look out for future programmes and exhibitions to be announced.
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ALBAREH ART SPACE

“Galleries are where an art scene grows up. For more than 25 years, our role at Albareh has been to give Bahraini and Arab artists a serious platform, to connect them with collectors and institutions, and to keep the conversation between cultures alive. Bahrain’s emerging artists don’t lack talent; they need spaces that believe in them, and that is the work we are proud to do.”
– Hayfa Aljishi, Founder

Founded in 1998 by Bahraini art patron Hayfa Aljishi, Albareh Art Space in Adliya has established itself as one of the Gulf’s pioneering platforms for modern and contemporary Middle Eastern art. The gallery has played an important role over the past 25 years in introducing regional artists to international audiences, with many going on to have works acquired by museums and record auction results.
Albareh showcases a wide variety of artistic practices, including painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking, mixed media, installations, conceptual works and calligraphy. Its exhibitions have featured many acclaimed names, such as the Victoria and Albert Museum’s Jameel Prize winner Mehdi Moutashar; Shadi Ghadirian, whose photography sits in the British Museum, the Centre Pompidou and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art; Serwan Baran, who represented Iraq at the 2019 Venice Biennale; and Camille Zakharia, whose photography formed part of Bahrain’s Golden Lion-winning pavilion at the 2010 Venice Biennale.
The space also runs two in-house art studios and an active calendar of workshops, artist talks, screenings, lectures and group discussions. Through its educational arm, Sikkat Albareh, visitors can participate in hands-on creative sessions across many artistic disciplines, including ceramics, mosaics, weaving and jewellery making, led by practising artists.
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AL RIWAQ ART SPACE

Al Riwaq Art Space has grown from a small independent gallery that opened in 1998 into one of Bahrain’s leading contemporary art institutions today. Located in Gufool, the non-profit art and design hub has spent more than two decades supporting artists, encouraging creative exchange and helping shape the Kingdom’s modern art scene.
Under the leadership of Founder and Director Bayan Kanoo, Al Riwaq has built a reputation for presenting thought-provoking exhibitions and community-driven initiatives that connect artists and audiences. The space showcases a wide range of contemporary practices, including painting, sculpture, photography, mixed media, installation art and video works, while also embracing experimental and interdisciplinary projects.
Al Riwaq hosts workshops, artist residencies, talks, film screenings and cultural events, creating opportunities for learning, collaboration and discussion. The space regularly works with local, regional and international artists, making it a dynamic meeting point for creative voices from different backgrounds and disciplines.
This summer, Al Riwaq is preparing a new open-call exhibition scheduled for August 4, inviting artists from around the world to submit their work. Additional collaborations, exhibitions and community-focussed programmes are also planned, ensuring there is plenty for art enthusiasts to look forward to in the months ahead.
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BUSAAD ART GALLERY

“Art and culture represent a cumulative process that contributes to the development of cultural awareness and aesthetic appreciation. Therefore, careful consideration should be given to selecting works that demonstrate both intellectual depth and technical excellence, as such qualities play a vital role in fostering meaningful engagement and enriching the audience’s cultural experience.”
– Ebrahim Busaad, Artist

There’s something special about visiting an artist’s gallery when the building itself is part of the story. Busaad Art Gallery occupies the house where renowned Bahraini artist Ebrahim Mohamed Busaad was born in 1954. Originally owned by his grandfather, the traditional home was built in the 1930s and carefully restored, preserving its original architectural character. Founded in 2014 by the artist himself, Zubaida Al Hashimi and Hamad Busaad (who is also curator, along with Wasan Busaad), the gallery is dedicated exclusively to Ebrahim’s artistic legacy, serving as a permanent museum charting a career that spans more than five decades. Guided by the motto With Art We Excel, the gallery is a non-commercial, non-profit cultural initiative, with all artworks exhibited intended solely for public viewing and cultural enrichment.
Visitors can view a varied collection of oil, acrylic and charcoal paintings, alongside Arabic calligraphy, etching and silkscreen printmaking works, reflecting the breadth of the artist’s creative practice. To keep the experience fresh, the displayed collection is regularly updated, with artworks rotated every three to four months.
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LA FONTAINE CENTRE OF CONTEMPORARY ART

Part gallery, part cultural landmark, La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art has held a unique place in Bahrain’s arts scene since opening in 2002. A short walk from Manama’s historic souq, the centre is housed within a beautifully restored 19th-century building belonging to the Alireza family. Combining traditional Gulf Islamic architecture with the elegance of a European château, the historic landmark, dating back 150 years, has since transformed into a destination dedicated to art, culture and leisure.
Built around a central courtyard and surrounded by a series of interconnected rooms, the former residence offers a fitting home for a gallery, where regularly rotating exhibitions have introduced audiences to contemporary artists working across painting, sculpture, photography, design and multimedia art.
Over the years, La Fontaine has hosted works by many regional and international artists, including multimedia artwork by Jean Marc Sinan (2002), Dream Tracks by Aboriginal artist Irenie Ngalinba (2006), Life Journey by Iranian painter Fereshta Shishine (2018) and more recent contributions such as Beyond the Veil by Spanish artist Iris Morata (2025). Keep a look out for future exhibitions planned from October onwards.
Much more than an exhibition space, the complex hosts cultural events, film screenings and lectures, providing a platform for intellectual dialogue and artistic exchange. It also houses a finedining restaurant, a spa, an open-air amphitheatre and a private museum, making it one of Bahrain’s most distinctive venues.
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MASHQ ART SPACE

Founded in 2015 by Bahraini artist and cultural practitioner Ali Kadhem Al Bazzaz, Mashq Art Space is an independent hub dedicated to creativity, dialogue and community engagement through the arts. Relocated to its current premises in Argan Village, the space has become a meeting point for artists, writers, musicians and cultural practitioners.
Apart from a gallery, Mashq also serves as a multidisciplinary platform for a wide range of cultural activities, including art exhibitions, literary and intellectual gatherings, film screenings, performances, festivals, specialised workshops and cultural events. The space showcases a broad range of artistic practices, including painting, drawing, printmaking, Arabic calligraphy, photography, mixed media, installation art and contemporary visual arts.
Over the years, Mashq has welcomed both emerging and established Bahraini artists, while also providing opportunities for regional and international participants through collaborative exhibitions, residency-related projects and cultural partnerships. This summer, the space is running a children’s art programme alongside workshops in painting, drawing, printmaking and visual arts. Community art initiatives, artist talks and gatherings are also planned through the season.
GO: FOLLOW @MASHQART ON INSTAGRAM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

NADINE GALLERY – ART & DESIGN LOUNGE

“By investing in artists and fostering meaningful cultural exchange, galleries contribute not only to the success of individual creatives but also to reinforcing Bahrain’s position as the Gulf’s leading cultural and artistic hub. Our role is to ensure that Bahrain’s pioneering artistic spirit continues to inspire, evolve and resonate with audiences around the world.”
– Nadine Al Shaikh, Founder

Founded in 2007 by Bahraini artist Nadine Al Shaikh, Nadine Gallery – Art & Design Lounge is a contemporary art and design platform dedicated to supporting both emerging and established artists and designers. With 18 years of experience as a visual artist and curator, Nadine Al Shaikh established the gallery to provide a space where artists can develop their practice, exhibit their work and connect with collectors and wider audiences.
Currently an online gallery, the platform presents concept-led solo and group exhibitions spanning painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, design and mixed media, while placing particular emphasis on supporting women artists. Over the years, it has collaborated with cultural institutions, embassies and galleries across Bahrain and internationally.
Alongside its exhibition programme, Nadine Gallery offers workshops, curatorial services, artist representation and educational programmes covering subjects ranging from professional development to art collecting and creative business. Upcoming events include two group workshops – The Power of Color in Interior Design and Professional Etiquette for Artists – on various dates from July to October, and two exhibitions – Threads exhibition (date to be confirmed) and the return of the Annual Exhibition for Bahraini Female Artists, titled Traces of Time – The Art of Becoming (December 5 to 9).
GO: VISIT NADINE-GALLERY.COM OR FOLLOW @NADINEGALLERYBH ON INSTAGRAM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

RAK ART FOUNDATION

Set within a beautifully restored 1920s Bahraini home in Riffa, RAK Art Foundation brings together heritage architecture and an impressive collection of contemporary art. Once the childhood residence of Founder Shaikh Rashid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, the building retains many of its original features, with preserved walls, colonnades and historic gypsum details creating a striking backdrop for the artworks on display.
The foundation’s world-class collection juxtaposes local and international perspectives, presenting paintings, sculptures and installations that create a borderless visual dialogue. Visitors can explore works by global icons, including Frank Stella, Fernando Botero and Damien Hirst, alongside influential Arab modernists such as Dia Al-Azzawi, Farouq Hosni and Adam Henein.
With curator Yasmin Sharabi overseeing the programme, the collection also pays tribute to Bahrain’s artistic heritage, featuring works by Bahraini trailblazers, including Ebrahim Busaad, Abbas Yousif and Adnan Al Ahmad. Shaikh Rashid’s own artistic evolution is highlighted, from early desert landscapes through to his signature parametric aluminium structures.
For visits, advanced booking is required through the foundation’s official website.
GO: VISIT RAKARTFOUNDATION.COM FOR BOOKINGS OR FOLLOW @RAKARTFOUNDATION ON INSTAGRAM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

RAK ART COLLECTION

Housing more than 260 modern and contemporary artworks, the RAK Art Collection in Saar stands as a premier testament to artistic dialogue. Founded by Shaikh Rashid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa and curated by Yasmin Sharabi and Yasmine Al Maskati, the collection transcends geographical boundaries, bridging the rich heritage of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) with groundbreaking global movements.
Spread across two pavilions and 10 thematic sectors, the collection offers an ambitious exploration of the diverse forces that have shaped the region. In the Main Pavilion, War, Trauma and the Poetics of Ruin examines conflict, displacement and resilience. Reinventing the Sacred reinterprets Islamic geometry and ancient craft techniques. Challenging Norms looks at gender, identity and subversion. Cities of Sand and Steel documents MENA region’s hyper-accelerated urbanisation, while Cartographies of Displacement charts emotional landscapes of memory, longing and exile.
The South Pavilion shifts toward art history. Traces of Modernism explores Bahrain’s own artistic movement and its influences. Pioneers of Modernist Vision honours mid-20th century masters from Egypt, Iraq Morocco and beyond. Recoding Heritage reimagines regional myths and folklore, while The Written Universe reinterprets Arabic letters and calligraphy as conceptual art. The collection closes with Meditations on Place – a quiet space that contemplates place and belonging.
For visits, advanced booking is required through the official website.
GO: VISIT RAKARTFOUNDATION.COM FOR BOOKINGS OR FOLLOW @RAKARTCOLLECTION ON INSTAGRAM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

SAFEYA ALI KANOO HUB FOR ARTS

Created as an artistic and cultural project under the Bahrain Trust Foundation, the Safeya Ali Kanoo Hub for Arts was founded in 2021 by the late Safeya Ali Mohammed Kanoo. Officially inaugurated in 2023, the hub reflects her artistic vision, her support for charitable initiatives, as well as the developmental and social objectives of the Bahrain Trust Foundation.
Far more than a traditional gallery, the hub provides artists and small business owners with a supportive environment that encourages collaboration and professional development. Facilities include art studios, training rooms, a digital design lab, exhibition spaces, an art gallery, a gift shop and a café.
The hub presents a variety of artistic works, including paintings, sculptures, ceramics and mosaic art, and has hosted exhibitions featuring local, regional and international artists. Its resident artists include Dr Seema Haqiqi, Sara Madan, Amal Al Zayani, Amal Sanad, Mohammed Al Bahar and Mashieta bte Tunasir, who contribute to its diverse creative community.
The autumn calendar is already taking shape, with a Children’s Cancer Awareness Month event in September, a collective exhibition featuring local and international artists in October, the ‘3alimny 4’ art exhibition for the children of Hospital Schools and Space for All in November and a series of collective art exhibitions in December, including Bahraini Women’s Portrait 4 and the National Day exhibition.
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