The discovery centre at the hub of Massar’s activity will be a 1 modern cultural facility at the heart of Damascus. It will be sited within a 12-hectare public park; the building taking the shape of the Damascus rose is scheduled for completion before the end of 2012.

Situated between the national museum and opera house, between the Barada-River and the university campus, and on one of the city’s main thoroughfares, the discovery centre and park will provide a major new public facility in a city with relatively few open green spaces and high-quality places for families.

The aim of the Discovery Centre is to foster in young people an appreciation of their world, and empower them to play a role in building their future. As well as dramatic exhibition spaces, it will house hands-on activity rooms, laboratories, media rooms, debating chambers, theatre spaces and its own television studio. A conventional library will complement an internet café. Facilities will be provided for school groups as well those with special needs. The centre can accommodate 500,000 visitors each year.