The exterior of King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture
Courtesy of King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture

King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture

Dhahran, Saudi Arabia

Its striking forms rise 295 ft. from the desert, but this is no mirage. The new King Abdulaziz Center, also known as Ithra, is a cultural hub that reflects “the changes sweeping Saudi Arabia,” says director Ali al-Mutairi. Designed by Norwegian firm Snohetta, the center houses an auditorium, exhibition halls and a library of some 200,000 books. —Casey Quackenbush

TIME may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.