Founded by Sheikha Mai Bint Mohammed Al Khalifa in 2002, this cultural centre has its origins at the turn of the century when it was the site of a majlis hosted by her grandfather, Sheikh Ebrahim Al Khalifa, who once invited thinkers, politicians, poets and writers to gather every Monday to discuss various issues of the day. Now, once again, Monday nights see artists and intellectuals gathered here for lectures and performances in a state-of-the art auditorium. The organisation has also restored several of the area’s local houses that had fallen into disrepair and are now devoted to different aspects of Bahraini culture.