By Passant Hisham & Shakir Reshamwala
KUWAIT: The Gardenia expo at Kuwait National Museum has been extended until February 7 after overwhelming public demand. Architect Bashar Al-Salem, Founder and CEO of Kayan, told Kuwait Times the fourth season of Gardenia has witnessed more than 50,000 visitors, exceeding all expectations. He said a range of activities and workshops are planned for this week, with artisans from more than 30 countries participating in the World Craft Forum.
Asrar Al-Jazzar, a loyal visitor who has attended Gardenia since its first season, this year felt different. For the first time, she experienced the exhibition from behind a booth, participating with her handmade crochet products. “I built connections with the booths behind us and the ones in front. We all became familiar with each other,” she said.
Al-Jazzar said she hopes the event will eventually run throughout the winter season, an idea she says comes up often among her friends. “They keep saying, ‘Why don’t they make this permanent?’” Al-Salem acknowledged there have been calls to make Gardenia a yearlong event, but said the infrastructure and facilities at the National Museum are too antiquated.
Having watched Gardenia grow over the years, Al-Jazzar felt this edition carried a different energy. The number of booths had increased, along with the variety of food options. “This year, I’m almost here every day trying something new.” She also noticed changes in the overall experience. More activities were added for children, and art exhibitions were introduced for the first time. Together, she said, the expansion made this season feel fuller than previous ones.
For some visitors, the sadness came from discovering Gardenia too late. On her way to an art workshop, Estabraq said she had only managed to visit twice. “I found out about it by chance through my mum last week,” she said. “I wish it would stay longer, at least until winter ends. Even during Ramadan, it would work. The night atmosphere and the lights are beautiful.” What sets Gardenia apart, she added, is its location. “The fact that it’s inside a museum,” she said. “You suddenly move between exhibition spaces, inside and outside. It feels more curated – not like the usual pop-ups or fairs.”
A few steps away, Edson, a plant vendor participating for the second year, shared a similar sense of attachment. Unlike last season, when he split his time between multiple events, this year he joined Gardenia full-time. “The interaction was very good,” he said, noting that he formed friendships with neighboring booths and nearby cafés. His most memorable moment came on opening day in January, when crowds filled the space and visitors stopped to take photos, ask questions and talk about caring for plants at home.
Nearby, Hessa sat with friends at one of the cafés, coffee cups spread across the table. “The place is such a vibe,” she said. “It feels like a breath of fresh air.” Among the visitors was a Korean family enjoying the exhibition. The father, Min-Jae Lee, said, “Winter is such a precious time for people in Kuwait, so more outdoor activities like this are much needed.”
Gardenia is an annual cultural and outdoor exhibition. In its fourth season, the event was scheduled from January 15 to 31, now extended till Feb 7, at the National Museum of Kuwait, bringing together cafés, restaurants, local artists and small businesses alongside art, design, music and creative activities. This year’s edition featured more than 200 artists, over 20 training workshops and collaborative pavilions, highlighting arts, culture and community engagement alongside food and retail experiences. The exhibition forms part of Kuwait’s cultural calendar and aims to offer visitors an interactive, multifaceted experience that blends creativity with outdoor leisure. Kuwait Times and Kuwait News are media sponsors for the event.
