Former hospital is being restyled as the Irqah Laboratory for Creative Arts and is expected to be fully operational by 2026 Center will comprise a theater, studios, a library, exhibition rooms, an outdoor area for cultural festivals and a dedicated space for young creatives RIYADH: The transformation of Irqah Hospital into a cultural center is continuing apace, with parts of the new facility set to open as early as next year, the Ministry of Culture said. The former hospital is being restyled as the Irqah Laboratory for Creative Arts and is expected to be fully operational by 2026. Spanning 100,000 square meters, the center will comprise a theater, studios, a library, exhibition rooms, an outdoor area for cultural festivals and a dedicated space for young creatives. It is intended to provide a nurturing and stimulating environment for artists and creators from across the Kingdom and all over the world. As well as its permanent facilities, the laboratory will host a variety cultural and educational events throughout the year. The Ministry of Culture announced plans to convert Irqah Hospital, which is located to the west of Riyadh, into a cultural center in 2021. Opened in 1987, the building ceased operations more than 20 years ago and for many years stood neglected and abandoned. In that time it has occasionally been used as a space for creative events, such as the Visual Arts Commission’s annual street art festival, Shift22, which last year showcased the work of more than 30 graffiti artists from around the world. The ministry also used it as the venue for a scripts and calligraphy exhibition, which highlighted the significance of calligraphy to Arab culture and identity. The preservation of historical buildings and creation of opportunities to enrich the nation’s art and cultural scene are part of the Ministry of Culture’s remit under the umbrella of Saudi Vision 2030.