Dar Al-Anda: A home for contemporary art

AMMAN — In Jabal Luweibdeh, overlooking downtown, lies an old heritage building that dates back to the 1930s. Dar Al-Anda is located in two villas, the main gallery space is in a beguiling heritage villa, and the other villa is for the rooftop on the charming terrace.اضافة اعلان

Dar Al-Anda is a classic cultural spot in Amman, with stunning views of the downtown, as well as Roman and Ottoman ruins.


Dar Al-Anda in Jabal Luweibdeh. (Photos: Huda Dabeet/Jordan News) 


It was founded in 1998 by Majdoline Al-Ghazawi Al-Ghoul; its first location was in Um Uthaina, and then it relocated to Jabal Luweibdeh, chosen for its uniqueness.

The founder worked on the restoration of old buildings while keeping in mind the architectural identity of the buildings and the area.

“My childhood dream was to bring all of the human senses together in one place, to feel, see, hear and smell everything that is beautiful,” she told Jordan News in an interview.

Since its founding, Dar Al-Anda has hosted numerous art exhibitions, welcomed artists to display their work, and featured various artistic events, evenings, and festivals.



Dar Al-Anda in Jabal Luweibdeh. (Photos: Huda Dabeet/Jordan News) 

Dar-Al Anda is an art gallery that also organizes and hosts musical concerts, events, and cultural activities, said Ghoul. 

Although the name Dar Al-Anda is genuinely Arabic, it is not widely used in modern Arabic dialects. It is straight out of a pre-Islamic epic poem by Arab poet Jarir. Anda is an interpolation of nada, the Arabic word for dew, which denotes abundance, according to the founder.



Dar Al-Anda in Jabal Luweibdeh. (Photos: Huda Dabeet/Jordan News) 

“If we were to simplify the meaning of Dar Al-Anda, the most appropriate name would be the home of the giving, which sets the tone for everything we do and believe in,” said Ghoul, adding: “Al-Anda means dew and the most giving.”

Dar Al-Anda has terraces, indoor and outdoor seating areas, and a plethora of sculptures and installations scattered throughout gardens, all set against the backdrop of Amman’s seven hills, the Citadel, and the Arc of Hercules. 


Dar Al-Anda in Jabal Luweibdeh. (Photos: Huda Dabeet/Jordan News) 

Art, according to Ghoul, is a universal and meaningful message that transcends nationalities, languages, and identities. 

“The more civilizations and cultures connect, the more richness of art will be,” she added.


Dar Al-Anda in Jabal Luweibdeh. (Photos: Huda Dabeet/Jordan News) 

Dar Al-Anda opens its doors to artists worldwide as a temporary residence for them in Amman. The art gallery provides space for artists and houses them in a building that is rich in antiquity.

“The guest room has a special and unique theme due to its nearness to the downtown, which gives the artist the spirit of Amman city,” the founder said.
Moreover, Dar Al-Anda plays a unique role in the Jordanian art scene because it hosts, promotes, and exhibits artworks of all kinds, including paintings, installations, sculptures, and more. Dar Al-Anda has one of Jordan’s largest private collections of modern and contemporary art, in addition to artworks by represented and featured artists.


Dar Al-Anda in Jabal Luweibdeh. (Photos: Huda Dabeet/Jordan News) 

Ghoul said that Dar Al-Anda, along with the other art galleries in Jabal Luweibdeh, has enriched the area. She added that visitors usually come to see the old buildings, view the old city and the numerous artworks ranging from paintings to installations and sculptures. 

However, according to the founder, Dar-Al Anda faced several challenges, including a lack of support for art from the authorities.



Dar Al-Anda in Jabal Luweibdeh. (Photos: Huda Dabeet/Jordan News) 

“There is no emphasis placed on the importance of art and culture; art reflects identity, and we lack this affiliation to art,” she said.

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