Arts Square, Bait Al Serkal

The Al Shuwaiheen area is one of the oldest areas in Sharjah, dating back to the end of the 18th century. It has been reconstructed and restored between 1993 and 1995, including five heritage buildings and a mosque. The newly constructed Sharjah Art Museum was inaugurated in 1997, during the 3rd Sharjah Biennial.

The Arts Square in the center interconnects the surrounding art spaces and serves as venue for artworks, projects, interventions, performances, workshops and events in the public space.

Built in the 19th century, the Al Serkal house was a former home of the British Commissioner for the Arabian Gulf. After other use, in the early 1960s it was transformed into the first hospital in Sharjah, where many prominent residents of the city were born.

It was restored between 1993 and 1995 together with other heritage buildings in the Al Shuwaiheen area. The beautiful three-storey building has a total area of 2600 m2, and an interior courtyard of aproximately 440 m2.

Bait Al Serkal serves the Sharjah Art Foundation as one of the venues for the Sharjah Biennial and for changing exhibitions.