The Rashad Shawa Cultural Center was a cultural center built in 1985, in Rimal, Gaza, State of Palestine.[1] The place was named after its founder Rashad al-Shawa, the city's Palestinian mayor who served in office for 11 years. The building was completed 1988,[2] formally opened in 1992, and destroyed by Israel in 2023.[3]
The building was two-story tall, with triangular roof. The center had a meeting place, where people meet for celebrations, the Tamari Sabbagh Library, and a stage for films and performances.[2]
It was designed by Syrian architect Sa’ad Mohaffel. Mohaffel was influenced by tropical architecture and the proximity to the Mediterranean sea, with the design aligned on a west-east access to naturally ventilate the building, a shaded southern terrace for sun protection, and an open-grid suspended ceiling for air circulation. He chose concrete as the primary construction material both for aesthetics and because it was the most affordable material available in Gaza. Mohaffel believed that despite the availability of concrete, builders in Gaza had not had opportunity to learn specialized techniques and their participation in the project would advance craftmanship in the community.[4]
Artist Laila Shawa designed the stained glass panels in the large foyer and library.[3]
In September 2009, the cultural center had a three-day festival, that featured training workshops. The workshops were designed for filmmakers to learn from the films exhibited.[5]
The stage hosted performances from Mohammed Assad, Reem Talhami, and other iconic Palestinian musicians. International leaders, including Nelson Mandela, Jacques Chirac, and Bill Clinton, gave speeches there.[3]
During a brief truce in the 2023 Israel–Hamas war it was found that Rashad Shawa Cultural Center had been reduced to rubble. Gaza City Municipality told reporters that Israeli forces intentionally targeted landmarks for destruction.[6]