Central Bank of Kuwait Headquarters

The Central Bank of Kuwait’s headquarters building symbolizes the nation’s economic power in the 21st century.

Located in the Sharq commercial and financial district, the structure is formed by a triangular, truncated pyramid tower intersected by a podium that houses reception and banking halls, conference facilities, dining and banquet rooms, and a museum.

The geometric forms echo Kuwaiti architecture’s style and order. The two walls facing the sun are predominantly stone, while the northern elevation is glass. Horizontal slots with recessed window openings minimize solar gain. At night, the all-glass viewing platform at the top of the building glows like a lighthouse. In contrast to the stone facades, the transparent north elevation looks out across the Gulf, expressing Kuwait’s historic openness to commerce and trade and offering panoramic views.

Visitors enter the building through an expansive lobby, which features a wall with full-height, backlit, onyx pleated panels.

A retail branch of the bank is on the ground floor. On the second level, a conference facility accommodates corporate events and can be subdivided for smaller gatherings. Overlooking the Gulf, a 330-person auditorium is cantilevered beyond the line of the angled eastern elevation. A two-story juice bar at the opposite end offers views west toward the city.

HOK collaborated with Kuwait City-based PACE.