Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Bayt Al-Bader,Q8


Are you interested to know about and see Kuwait’s old architectural creation? Do you want to visit a place which is a perfect combination of traditional and contemporary Kuwaiti architecture? Then the answer is “Bayt Al-Bader”. The house which was built during the years 1838-1848, has been kept as a heritage house, is on the Arabian Gulf Street. The house build from mud and stony rocks, complete with a raised ceiling of wooden baluster, thin rails and palm leaves has many rooms and big private courtyards. The very big drawing room and dining room with pictures of kings and family elders of Bader family and the diwaniya is very impressive. When you visit the house you will notice that the walls are covered with gypsum. The arched entryways and main doors are very impressive. But today the house appears to be deserted was previously the home of Al-Bader family. It is presently used as the exhibitions venue of local handicrafts by the National Museum. You can access Bayt Al-Bader easily through myriad ways, since it is strategically located on the Arabian Gulf Street near the National Museum and the Al-Sadu House.

Whenever we visit the National Museum, most of the time taking family members from India and friends, plan a visit to this heritage house. There is no entry fee. It remains open along with the National Museum as it’s a part of the museum now. But it will depend on your luck to find a guide or caretaker. First time we visited there was no one and we moved around ourselves. We even found some rooms closed though most of them were open. Next few times, we either found a caretaker or guide who took us around.

Next time you visit the National Museum; you can plan a visit to “Bayt Al Bader” and don’t forget your camera.









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