Art in Ramallah

It has become clear to Palestinians that resistance has many shapes and forms.  Mahmoud Darwish, Ibrahim touqan and Ghassan Kanafani are prime  examples of writers who proved the importance of literary content. Through their words, they have transmitted their suffering and pain to millions of readers, and influenced hundreds of writers. This created a new era for writing and art; A new purpose was found. Years later we still appreciate the effects of their words on the world.

This is called literary resistance, it is one of many types of resistance through arts. In Palestine, you are surrounded by hundreds of artists who aspire to make a change in the world.

On Palestinian soil, hundreds of miles of land are occupied by the israeli separation wall, which aims to separate the palestinian territories from israel. However, Palestinians have changed this wall into an art canvas with thousands of graffitis conveying the difficulties Palestinians go through.

Many Graffiti artists have painted various paintings on the wall. However, Banksy (a mysterious British artist) went a step further upon opening the “hotel with the ugliest view in the world“. In fact, “the Walled Off Hotel“ has a view of the separation wall In Bethlehem (Belen). With an incredible museum inside the hotel, he has revealed the Palestinian situation through satire and emotion. It is an incredible place to visit, and is definitely a one of a kind experience.

(photos from the walled of hotel)

During the last few years, the focus on art has significantly increased in the west bank. Through the opening of “the Palestine Museum“, there were some exhibitions, including one called “Jerusalem lives“. You could find pieces of modern art, integrated with other classics. “

Yasser Arafat Museum“ has played an important role as well. While it celebrates the life and work of the former Palestinian leader and president Yasser Arafat, it explains the recent history of the Palestinian cause in very profound manner. This museum is set in the same building Arafat was beseiged in during the second Intifada, and you can actually see his old office, bedroom and other parts of the compound. 

(photos from Yasser Arafat Museum)


The last important museum is “The mahmoud Darwish museum“, surrounded by a beautiful park, and close to Ramallah“s most important theater “Ramallah cultural Palace“. The museum celebrates the work and life of the late poet. Cultural centers have also been focusing on art and philosophy and connecting them to the Palestinian cause, by Including workshops and various activities.

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(photos from Mahmoud Darwish Museum)







(photos from events in Ramallah Cultural Palace)
Dar Zahran“ is an old house in the old town of Ramallah, his owner turned the house into an art gallery and a souvenir shop. Upon visiting his house, people are fascinated by his generosity and kindness. He offers  a brief introduction about his house and family, which is coincidentally one of the oldest families of Ramallah. On the Website, Dar Zahran is described as “For 250 years, this building has been the property of the Ramallite Dar Zahran Jaghab family, serving as a family home, guest chamber, and the place of residence of Ramallah's Mukhtar (leader)...A visit to Dar Zahran is a journey through centuries of Arab Christian life in Palestine.A visit to Dar Zahran is a journey through centuries of Arab Christian life in Palestine.







(Photos from Dar Zahran)