Bassam Freiha Art Foundation is a non-profit, philanthropic institution in the Cultural District of Saadiyat Island. Several art patrons exhibit their incredible collections here, sharing the same hall as HE Bassam Freiha’s art pieces.
As the BFAF is free to visit and open to everyone, it allows the public to explore the stunning artwork by national and international exhibitors. So, let’s discover more about this iconic art foundation that encourages art patrons to showcase their work globally.
Overview of Bassam Freiha Art Foundation
Bassam Freiha Art Foundation (BFAF) is a non-profit association founded by philanthropist and art collector HE Bassam Said Freiha. He has been collecting Orientalist art for over 50 years and displays his collection in this very foundation.
Additionally, the BFAF hosts exhibitions featuring works from Freiha’s collection as well as national and international patrons under the same roof. This is the only private art foundation on the Saadiyat Cultural District that is free and open to the public.
The Bassam Freiha Art Foundation’s primary objective is to support emerging talent, promote art education, and engage the public with the arts. For this reason, BFAF conducts various art workshops and offers multiple educational programs to introduce art to individuals.
Location
Bassam Freiha Art Foundation, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), is located in the Cultural District of Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi.
How to Get to Bassam Freiha Art Foundation
Whether you prefer Abu Dhabi public transport or your own vehicle, reaching the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation is convenient. Located in the Cultural District near Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Highway, it is easily accessible for both visitors and residents.
Here we’ve included various ways to reach the outstanding art foundation in the heart of Saadiyat Island, BFAF:
By Bus
If you are a frequent user of the Abu Dhabi bus service, you can easily get there as multiple buses have routes to BFAF. You can take Bus 120, 121, 125, 127, 170, or 187 to the Cranleigh Tower / Jacques Chirac Street bus stop. From there, it is only a 6-minute walk to this outstanding art foundation.
By Taxi
Another way to reach Bassam Freiha Art Foundation is to take a cab and get there more comfortably. You can hail a taxi, book a ride online via taxi apps or call the TransAD hotline (600-535-353).
By Car
Those who prefer reaching BFAF by car can take Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Highway (E12). Then, take an exit to Laffan Street and go onto Jacques Chirac Street in the Cultural District.
Nearby Communities
Several residents from the nearby residential areas can visit this exceptional art foundation and appreciate the talent from around the globe. These areas also include some of the best gated communities in Abu Dhabi:
- Al Zahiya: 9-minute drive away
- Saadiyat Marina District: 12-minute drive away
- Al Danah: 16-minute drive away
- Saadiyat Beach Residences: 16-minute drive away
- Hidd Al Saadiyat: 17-minute drive away
Things to Do at Bassam Freiha Art Foundation
Bassam Freiha Art Foundation is more than just an art gallery. It also conducts several art workshops and educational programs, inviting regional and international individuals to get insights into the art world.
1. Attend Exhibitions
One of the primary features of Bassam Freiha Art Foundation is its publicly open fine art exhibitions. From majestic art pieces by new artists to globally recognised art patrons, BFAF allows everyone to showcase their talent.
Some of the successful exhibitions organised at BFAF that displayed the most iconic collections of both regional and foreign artists are:
- Echoes of the Orient
- Reclaiming Visions
- The Sculpture Garden
- Hour Eternal: 20 Years of Emirati Abstraction
- Visions of the Orient: Highlights from the Bassam Freiha Art Collection
- The Sculpture Garden
- Lines from Letters
2. Register in Educational Programmes
Whether you want to learn about art history or participate in art tours, BFAF offers various educational programmes. This way, you can learn how to interpret exhibits and peek into artists’ minds. So, let’s discuss more about these art programs:
Curator-Led Guided Tours
Do you want to be a part of guided art tours? If yes, you can join Dr. Michaela Watrelot, the foundation’s curator, for insightful tours of the exhibitions. You can find interpretations and engaging stories with him that deepen visitors’ appreciation of the art.
Art Dialogues
You can also attend moderated sessions featuring industry experts, local artists and art professionals. This is an enriching platform to understand diverse artistic perspectives and cultural narratives.
Art History Evenings
Another outstanding art program by BFAF is taking notes on exploring current exhibition themes and art history. In this session, you can gain knowledge from the world’s best artists through informative sessions led by BFAF’s curator and distinguished guest speakers.
3. Participate in Workshops
Artist-led workshops provide a unique opportunity for hands-on learning and artistic growth, allowing emerging talents to learn from established artists. These workshops are open to everyone, from kids to adults, and offer mentorship and career advice.
Some of the successful workshops conducted at Bassam Freiha Art Foundation are as follows:
- Ink Printing and Abstract Collage Workshop
- Creative Writing Workshop
- Islamic Geometric Patterns Workshop
- Emirati Women’s Day Workshop
- Full Moon Workshop
- Tote Bag Painting Workshop
Opening Hours
You can visit Bassam Freiha Art Foundation during the following hours:
- Wednesday to Monday: 10:00 am to 08:00 pm
- Tuesday: 09:00 am to 08:00 pm
Contact Details
For more information, you can contact BFAF’s official number at +971-2-642-2338.
Nearby Art Centres
Since Saadiyat Island is renowned for various art centres, Bassam Freiha Art Foundation is near several top-notch art galleries in Abu Dhabi. Some of these nearby art foundations, exhibitions and centres include:
- UAE Pavilion: 1-minute drive away
- Manarat Al Saadiyat: 2-minute drive away
- Abu Dhabi Art Fair: 2-minute drive away
- Bubble Planet: 2-minute drive away
- Rizq Art Initiative: 14-minute drive away
FAQs
Bassam Said Freiha is a Lebanese-born entrepreneur, diplomat and philanthropist, who established Bassam Freiha Art Foundation in Abu Dhabi. He is the President and Managing Director of Dar Assayad SAL, a major Pan-Arab publishing company.
Yes. Bassam Freiha Art Foundation is the only free-to-visit art foundation in the Saadiyat Cultural District, which is open to the public.
Yes, ample parking is available at the location for visitors’ convenience.
All in all, Bassam Freiha Art Foundation is an exceptional all-in-one institute where you can exhibit your masterpieces, learn about the arts, and attend workshops. Since the foundation is non-profit, you can attend all its programmes for free.
For more helpful guides on art galleries and museums, explore the Property Finder Blog!
