La Fontaine Center of Contemporary Art, Manama

La Fontaine Center of Contemporary Art is a historical monument. This unique property, which belongs to the Alireza family, is over 150 years old and captures the grand essence of a European chateau, while retaining the charm of fine, authentic Gulf Islamic architecture. The center is the only one of its kind throughout the Middle East and is revered by all as a masterpiece of architectural and artistic glory.

The center was completely restored and renovated by French artist Jean Marc Sinan, who transformed a beautiful residential mansion into a distinctive, exceptional center for art and leisure enthusiasts alike. It took seven years of architectural refurbishment and innovative design, costing millions of dollars in private investment. Today, the project is divided into two sections, the restoration of the old historical monument, the principal building, dating back to the 19th century, and the creation of six new buildings within the old edifice, demonstrating a unique fusion between European and Arab cultures within one of Bahrain's oldest private homes.

La Fontaine Center of Contemporary Art features an art gallery, an open-air amphitheater, an exquisite fine dining restaurant, an exclusive spa, and a Pilates studio, the first of its kind in the Gulf region. The center preserves the four main features of fine Gulf Islamic architecture: the wind tower, the double enclosure, the timber louvers at the balconies, and the portico. A well-balanced architectural design makes the Alireza house known for being the most advanced traditional building in the Gulf.

The masterwork is based on the vision of angles, materiality, textures, proportions of round and geometric volumes. The invisible energy according to the light and the hand-made coloration of each square meter of wall space generate a feeling of harmony as the water flows from the twenty-six-ton, hand-made fountain. The center is a true testament to the blend of traditional and modern architectural design.