The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, has attracted over 3 million visitors since its opening in 2018. The center is a cultural hub that offers a variety of programs and activities, including exhibitions, concerts, workshops, and educational programs.
Ithra's most popular exhibition to date has been "The Impressionists: Paintings from the Musee d'Orsay", which attracted over 1 million visitors. The exhibition featured over 60 paintings by some of the most famous Impressionist artists, including Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh, and Edouard Manet.
In addition to exhibitions, Ithra also hosts a variety of concerts and performances. In 2019, the center hosted a concert by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra of London. The concert was attended by over 2,000 people.
Ithra also offers a variety of workshops and educational programs. In 2020, the center launched a program called "Ithra Talks", which features talks by experts on a variety of topics, including art, culture, and science.
Ithra's success is a testament of the growing interest in culture and the arts in Saudi Arabia. The center has helped to make Dhahran a cultural destination, and it has also helped to promote Saudi Arabia's rich culture and heritage to the world.
Visitor Demographics
Of the 3 million visitors who have visited Ithra since its opening, 83% are Saudi nationals and 17% are international visitors. The most popular age group for visitors is 25-34 years old, followed by 35-44 years old. The most popular time of the year to visit Ithra is during the spring and fall.
Impact On The Community
Ithra has had a positive impact on the community in Dhahran. The center has created jobs, generated economic activity, and promoted cultural exchange. Ithra has also helped to raise the profile of Dhahran as a cultural destination.
Future Plans
Ithra plans to continue to expand its offerings and attract even more visitors in the future. The center is currently working on a number of new projects, including a new exhibition space, a theater, and a children's museum.
Conclusion
Ithra is a valuable asset to the cultural landscape of Saudi Arabia. The center has helped to make Dhahran a cultural destination and has also helped to promote Saudi Arabia's rich culture and heritageto the world. Ithra's success is a positive sign for the future of culture and the arts in Saudi Arabia.
