Darat al Funun
Darat al Funun
4.5
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
94 reviews
Excellent
55
Very good
28
Average
8
Poor
2
Terrible
1
Jeff K
Pittsburgh, PA2,353 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
I don’t consider this a must see sight but I enjoyed it. They had a nice variety of art and also provided a good history of the buildings and their renovation.
It’s not the most organized place. There was a guy who pointed me to the entry after my first attempt failed but there wasn’t anyone there who could answer questions. I would like to have seen more of the surrounding buildings but couldn’t figure out if it was possible or how to do it.
No complaints about the price. It’s free.
It’s not the most organized place. There was a guy who pointed me to the entry after my first attempt failed but there wasn’t anyone there who could answer questions. I would like to have seen more of the surrounding buildings but couldn’t figure out if it was possible or how to do it.
No complaints about the price. It’s free.
Written January 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
starlightShanghai
Victoria, Canada4,609 contributions
May 2012 • Friends
Darat al Funun -- The Khalid Shoman Foundation -- Amman, Jordan
This lush hillside complex is home to some of the most evocative artwork in the Arab world. In fact, the entire multi-level complex is a work of art in itself, set in a fragrant, brightly coloured botanical landscape.
The lower level features a small, well-preserved archaeological site of Roman ruins and the remains of a Byzantine church. There are plenty of shaded areas around this site in which to relax and drink in the ambience.
Low-rise stairs alternating with paved pathways lead all the way from the lower level to the upper level of the complex -- a very comfortable walk and, for the most part, completely shaded by brightly coloured bushes or trees.
One can catch an occasional glimpse of Amman’s cityscape from various points along the path. What is particularly interesting is that here -- in the midst of Jordan’s capital city -- is an oasis of complete peace and tranquillity, the only noticeable sound being the quiet gurgling of the tiny octagonal fountains along the way.
The exhibition halls, with their intricately tiled floors, are at the mid and upper levels.
The artwork -- all produced by Arab artists -- is multi-media: video and audio; visual and performing; fine art and architecture, the latter seen in the design of the exhibition halls themselves. The main focus is, however, on the visual arts: paintings, drawings and sculptures.
Many of these art pieces have as their themes: war, violence and oppression. For me, most of the pieces were very educational, and many of them triggered questions to which I could find no answers. All of the artwork elicited some kind feeling within me -- indifference was not an option.
At mid-level, there is also a small alcove where visitors can sit under a canopy of flowering trees and bushes, breathe in the surrounding spicy and floral scents, and savour a variety of light refreshments.
Of all the places I’ve ever visited in Jordan, this place is one of the most unusual and one of the most beautiful.
This lush hillside complex is home to some of the most evocative artwork in the Arab world. In fact, the entire multi-level complex is a work of art in itself, set in a fragrant, brightly coloured botanical landscape.
The lower level features a small, well-preserved archaeological site of Roman ruins and the remains of a Byzantine church. There are plenty of shaded areas around this site in which to relax and drink in the ambience.
Low-rise stairs alternating with paved pathways lead all the way from the lower level to the upper level of the complex -- a very comfortable walk and, for the most part, completely shaded by brightly coloured bushes or trees.
One can catch an occasional glimpse of Amman’s cityscape from various points along the path. What is particularly interesting is that here -- in the midst of Jordan’s capital city -- is an oasis of complete peace and tranquillity, the only noticeable sound being the quiet gurgling of the tiny octagonal fountains along the way.
The exhibition halls, with their intricately tiled floors, are at the mid and upper levels.
The artwork -- all produced by Arab artists -- is multi-media: video and audio; visual and performing; fine art and architecture, the latter seen in the design of the exhibition halls themselves. The main focus is, however, on the visual arts: paintings, drawings and sculptures.
Many of these art pieces have as their themes: war, violence and oppression. For me, most of the pieces were very educational, and many of them triggered questions to which I could find no answers. All of the artwork elicited some kind feeling within me -- indifference was not an option.
At mid-level, there is also a small alcove where visitors can sit under a canopy of flowering trees and bushes, breathe in the surrounding spicy and floral scents, and savour a variety of light refreshments.
Of all the places I’ve ever visited in Jordan, this place is one of the most unusual and one of the most beautiful.
Written June 20, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jack G
Cincinnati, OH81 contributions
Apr 2018 • Family
This is a special place nestling in the hillside of the trendy international quarter of Jabal Webdeh. Darat al-Funun has a series of galleries and outdoor spaces displaying its collections and special exhibitions with a focus on contemporary artists of the Arab world, as well as a small but excellent art history library. There are ruins of a Byzantine church on the site, and many of the structures reuse late Ottoman period structures. There's also a small cafe and garden with great views where you can get snacks and drinks.
The place is not easy to access for those with mobility needs or wheelchair users due to the steep slopes and steps. Also, check the website for events, screenings, seminars, and exhibition dates, especially as their exhibits can rotate periodically each year. The current exhibit running until October 4 is "Truth is black, write over it with a mirage's light" which really is worth seeing.
Don't miss the iconic statue by Iraqi artist Ismail Fattah installed outside on the platform with the city view in the background. My only gripe about Darat al Funun is that the sculpture and art outside (including the iconic statue) is not clearly labelled, so you are not sure what you are looking at, at least when I visited last. Overall, a great place to spend an hour or two and a great part of Amman's cultural life.
The place is not easy to access for those with mobility needs or wheelchair users due to the steep slopes and steps. Also, check the website for events, screenings, seminars, and exhibition dates, especially as their exhibits can rotate periodically each year. The current exhibit running until October 4 is "Truth is black, write over it with a mirage's light" which really is worth seeing.
Don't miss the iconic statue by Iraqi artist Ismail Fattah installed outside on the platform with the city view in the background. My only gripe about Darat al Funun is that the sculpture and art outside (including the iconic statue) is not clearly labelled, so you are not sure what you are looking at, at least when I visited last. Overall, a great place to spend an hour or two and a great part of Amman's cultural life.
Written July 13, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
May C
Shoreham-by-Sea, UK101 contributions
Nov 2018
Took us a while wandering some small back streets in order to find this gallery. It was so worth it. You go in via a small wrought iron gate, up a few stairs and find yourself looking at the remarkable remains of the Byzantine church of St George. There is not very much left but a few columns, however the space and tranquillity of the setting is lovely. The path winds up through the garden to the galleries and a small cafe. The exhibition we saw had a powerful emotional impact.....photographs of life for people in Palestine. The coffee in the cafe courtyard also packed a punch and there is a great view of the city. In the morning we had visited the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts, which was good but the atmosphere here was so much more vibrant. If you only have time for one gallery make it this one.
Written November 17, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RaymondgGordon
Amman, Jordan20,087 contributions
Sep 2014 • Couples
It is not easy to find.Ask you taxi driver to take you to a well known place near it .it is the Lusmella Hospital and just walk down hill 20 meters you come to it.Lush green inside not really landscaped a bit rough but green and shady.A small area at entrance for seating then you order Arabic tea or coffee that just about all you can get.It is cheap very cheap.you can wonder down narrow steps through out the garden and old ruins all over the site.Not much of art gallery not much on show.Few employees just sitting around I am not sure if they are paid or volunteer.I used it a lot before I found my home in downtown Amman while I was looking for home.We went there and had our sandwich from outside from downtown enjoyed a cold drink in the shade and had a kip before continue searching for our home.
the place is very much under utilized it has a great potential .
the place is very much under utilized it has a great potential .
Written June 20, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LewishamMan
London, UK5 contributions
Mar 2013 • Friends
Climb the hills, negotiate the hugely long flights of steps and you will get to the house of art. Darat al-Funun is 'organised' of several terraces that are in themselves lovely - and at ground level it has wonderful Byzantine church as a bonus. The collection changes regularly.- Ghost Buildings when we were there, and much more. And you can have tea (or better yet fresh lemon juice with mint) in the gardens, listening to the water and watching the gliding cats. Don't miss it. Nothing to dislike - unless you hate hills & steps.
Written April 10, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cedar
Jordan61 contributions
Sep 2012 • Couples
This is an old Arabian house that was renovated and turned into an art museum. As old Arabian houses, this house has a fountain in the yard and around it you can sit and enjoy something to drink.
There is no entrance fees, the place closes on Fridays.
I highly recommend this place for a break even if you are not so much into art.
There is no entrance fees, the place closes on Fridays.
I highly recommend this place for a break even if you are not so much into art.
Written January 9, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
June C
26 contributions
Jan 2023 • Family
Very small gallery walking distance from Rainbow St (up hills). Interesting old maps and a relaxing place to visit. Takes about 45 mins. Not a must see place.
Written January 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Taz J
Amman, Jordan22 contributions
Feb 2019 • Business
Well this place has lots of stories and one of the oldest houses in Amman. I grew up in this house, as it used to be my aunt's house before they decided to sell it to shoman. I am happy that they have preserved it well and made it an art gallery, and an icon where a lot of people visit. It's a place everyone must visit for the amazing projects they have and the beautiful art they exhibit.
هذا المكان لديه الكثير من القصص وهو من أقدم المنازل في عمان. نشأت في هذا المنزل بحيث كانت تسكن به عمتي وزوجها واولادها قبل أن يقرروا بيع المنزل لعائلة شومان. أنا سعيد للحفاظ على هذا المنزل وتاريخه و لتحويله إلى معرض للفنون وأيقونة في عمان ليستمتع الناس في زيارته. مكان يجب كل شخص أن يزوره للأعمال الجميلة المعروضة
هذا المكان لديه الكثير من القصص وهو من أقدم المنازل في عمان. نشأت في هذا المنزل بحيث كانت تسكن به عمتي وزوجها واولادها قبل أن يقرروا بيع المنزل لعائلة شومان. أنا سعيد للحفاظ على هذا المنزل وتاريخه و لتحويله إلى معرض للفنون وأيقونة في عمان ليستمتع الناس في زيارته. مكان يجب كل شخص أن يزوره للأعمال الجميلة المعروضة
Written April 30, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jennie
Media, PA32 contributions
Jan 2018 • Friends
Darat Al Funun is an incredible respite from the bustle of Amman, a beautiful cultural center, and a house for meaningful contemporary art. Its garden and view of al-balad (downtown Amman) provide a serene backdrop for readers and art-lovers alike. Plus, their cafe has the BEST Lemon and Mint. Keep an eye out for film viewings - an experience like no other and they always bring fabulous films!
Written February 8, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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