Here There and Everywhere

Expat wanderer

Sadu House Opening

The new, serenely beautiful Sadu House re-opened on December 3, with little fanfare, and a lot of treasures. The history of weaving is beautifully displayed, with spindles, floor looms, raw wool, spinning wool, and huge photos and graphic drawings on the walls. The spaces are inviting. There are spaces where women work with floor looms, and other spaces with standing looms.

Best of all, they have preserved the architecture of one of the few remaining truly Gulf-style houses, built around center courtyards. They have covered over one courtyard with glass, protecting it from the elements but allowing the light to flow freely into the surrounding rooms. The doors are all inlaid or carved, the windows deep and inviting . . . it is a beautiful space, welcoming and well arranged. There is an admirable textiles library and a great gift shop with some truly Kuwaiti items.
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December 5, 2006 - Posted by | Arts & Handicrafts, Cross Cultural, ExPat Life, Kuwait

14 Comments »

  1. Hi I have been to the Sadu house before, and found it to be wonderful! Do you happen to know the hours of operation? I would love to try and get all my co-workers to go, they would love this place. Great post.

    Loca in Kuwait's avatar Comment by Loca in Kuwait | December 5, 2006 | Reply

  2. I don’t really know the hours, but I would bet it opens around 10 in the morning. . . anyone else know? It is worth a visit, and a great place to take visitors, too.

    intlxpatr's avatar Comment by intlxpatr | December 5, 2006 | Reply

  3. Thanks…sounds great. I know that there used to be weaving courses there before.

    jewaira's avatar Comment by jewaira | December 6, 2006 | Reply

  4. Hi!

    Do u by any chance have more pictures? I need some patterns for an art project I’m doing, but Im not currently in Kuwait, and I can’t find anything useful on the internet.

    Q8Sultana's avatar Comment by Q8Sultana | December 7, 2006 | Reply

  5. Sultana, I have a few more photos – what do you need?

    intlxpatr's avatar Comment by intlxpatr | December 9, 2006 | Reply

  6. If you have any close ups of actual sadu patterns, where the colors and designs are more clearly visible

    Q8Sultana's avatar Comment by Q8Sultana | December 9, 2006 | Reply

  7. P.S.: Thanks

    Q8Sultana's avatar Comment by Q8Sultana | December 9, 2006 | Reply

  8. Posted what I could find with designs . . . You really need to buy the new book they put out last summer!

    intlxpatr's avatar Comment by intlxpatr | December 9, 2006 | Reply

  9. After hours do they let people rent it for private parties, weddings and music video shoots?
    The new look Sedu smells like a good place for shutterbugs to do their thing.

    Would you know if they are into offering any guided tours?

    the unassuming Lebanese's avatar Comment by the unassuming Lebanese | December 22, 2006 | Reply

  10. I know that Sadu House is open from 10 – 1 in the mornings, and again at 4 in the afternoon, but I don’t know how late.

    I discovered on my most recent visit that photos are not allowed! I am so thankful I took these photos when I did!

    The spaces are BEAUTIFUL. They would be wonderful for a special group function, reception, etc. I don’t know if they can be rented, but ask!

    There is a guard who points you in the right direction, and there are videos in the museum rooms that explain what you see. No guides, but perhaps one might be arranged, if you asked.

    intlxpatr's avatar Comment by intlxpatr | December 23, 2006 | Reply

  11. […] am on an endless quest to find things actually made in Kuwait. I have actually found a few things – The Sadu House on Arab Gulf Drive, up near the Souk Sharq has a fine selection of hand woven trimmed gift items, […]

    Unknown's avatar Pingback by Mabooch Kuwaiti « Here There and Everywhere | February 25, 2008 | Reply

  12. Dear sir,
    I am curator of the Museum of Bedouin Culture in Israel.
    Recently we received a gift of a Bedouin reed screen. Browsing the Internet I found mention of such a screen in the Sadu House collection. I also found one in the British Musemem.
    I would be very gratefull for any information about the origin and use of such screens.
    Sincerely
    Chavi Feingold, curator

    Chavi Feingold's avatar Comment by Chavi Feingold | June 22, 2009 | Reply

  13. Chavi, here are two possible resources;

    Kuwait Textile Arts Association Tel / Fax 23903462 wovenpieces@yahoo.com or ktaaworkshop@yahoo.com

    Dar Al Athar al Islamiyya (monthly cultural lectures with noteworthy speakers – memberships/sponsorships available) membership@darmuseum.org.kw telephone: 25636528 / fax 25653006 Maidan Hawalli between Al Shaab Park and New Park Hotel. http://www.darmuseum.org.kw

    From Places to Visit in Kuwait/Clubs and Associations

    intlxpatr's avatar Comment by intlxpatr | June 22, 2009 | Reply

  14. Thank you so much for your answer.
    I was away for a while, so I only saw your answer today.
    We hope to put our reed screen on display soon, so all information is important.
    Sincerely
    Chavi Feingold

    Chavi Feingold's avatar Comment by Chavi Feingold | November 17, 2009 | Reply


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