Top Museums in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is one of the most diverse tourist destinations, housing a collection of museums that reflect its rich history and cultural diversity. In this article, we will take a quick look at some of the leading museums in the Kingdom that inspire visitors.
Museums in Riyadh
King Abdulaziz Historical Center - The National Museum
The King Abdulaziz Historical Center is located in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, built on the old palace site in Al-Murabba, about 1.5 kilometers north of the old city. In 1999, the site saw the establishment of many cultural institutions focusing on Saudi history. The remains of old palaces were renovated to restore their original spirit. The center includes various buildings and facilities, such as an old house courtyard, a mosque, a library, a conference building, gardens with grass and tall trees, and water fountains.
In the southern direction, the park features a small entertainment area attracting both local visitors and tourists. Additionally, the center houses a collection of traditional houses that were part of the original museum but are now used as reception centers for major events and celebrations. The museum hosts seasonal celebrations during national days and holidays to enrich the visitor experience and celebrate Saudi culture and heritage.
Note: You can book your entry ticket to the museum online.
Operating Hours: Saturday to Wednesday from 09:00 to 19:00, Thursday and Friday from 14:00 to 22:00, closed on Sundays.
King Fahad Cultural Center
The King Fahd Cultural Center, covering an area of 100,000 square meters, is designed with the latest contemporary architectural and artistic techniques. It contains several halls, including the main theater, a small theater, a lecture hall, an exhibition hall, a planetarium, a library, and a museum, along with administrative and supporting facilities. The center took five years to build, executed by a consortium of specialized global companies under the supervision of the General Directorate of Projects and Maintenance at the General Presidency of Youth Welfare.
Al Masmak Palace Museum
Built in the 14th century AH during the reign of Imam Abdullah bin Faisal, the fortress was used as a private residence for the Imam and a place for governance and finance management. This fortification is notable for its sturdy walls and height, designed for protection against external threats. The structure lacks windows or ordinary openings, featuring only two entrances and small apertures for firing rifles during battles.
The term "Masmak" or "Masmak" signifies a massive and strong structure. The fortress was sometimes used as an ammunition and weapon store before being converted into a historical landmark and then a museum showcasing the region's cultural and historical heritage.
Operating Hours: Daily from 08:00 to 21:00
Murabba Historical Palace
Al-Murabba Palace is one of the prominent historical landmarks in the Al-Murabba area of Riyadh. It was the first palace built outside the old city limits and is named after its square shape, measuring 400x400 meters.
The palace is a stunning example of traditional society's respect for home privacy. It consists of 32 rooms spread over two floors, with reception halls for the king's guests and administrative offices for his staff and guards.
Operating Hours: Saturday to Thursday from 09:00 to 12:00 and from 17:00 to 20:00, Friday from 17:00 to 20:00
Saqer Al-Jazirah Royal Air Force Museum
Enjoy visiting the Saqer Al-Jazirah Royal Air Force Museum, showcasing the history of the Royal Saudi Air Force from its inception to the present day. The museum has both indoor and outdoor exhibition areas, displaying various aircraft in the outdoor section and detailing the history, uniforms, and weapons of the Air Force inside. The museum also hosts air shows during special occasions.
Visiting Hours: Daily from 16:00 to 21:00
Entrance Fee: SAR10 per person
Museum for Science and Technology‘s History in Islam
Located at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, this museum aims to introduce researchers and university scientists to the rich historical foundation upon which their university is built, following in the footsteps of pioneering scholars. The museum also aims to accelerate the pace of new inventions and scientific achievements.
Operating Hours: Sunday to Thursday from 07:30 to 14:30
Al-Faisal Museum for Arab-Islamic Art
The King Faisal Museum for Arab and Islamic Art is dedicated to preserving and promoting human heritage and enriching the academic and cultural scenes. The museum undertakes four main tasks: managing collections, providing studies and research, restoring manuscripts, and coordinating exhibitions and events.
It also contributes to training and education in Saudi Arabia by organizing training courses, collaborating with the "Live Saudi Arabia" program, and offering internship opportunities for university students. Established in 1983 and inaugurated in 2017, the museum offers workshops and lectures on art, history, and culture.
Note: The museum is currently temporarily closed.
Operating Hours: Daily from 09:00 to 21:00, except on Fridays when the museum is closed.
Entrance Fee: Free
Museums in Jeddah
Al Taybat International City Museum of Science and Information
Founded by Abdul Raouf Khalil, the Tayebat City Museum for Science and Knowledge reflects his passion for global civilizations and cultures. The museum immortalizes the life and values embodied in the neighborhood and emphasizes the principles of solidarity and goodwill.
Khalil studied in Cairo, where he became acquainted with Islamic heritage through mosques and museums. He began collecting artifacts representing heritage and its models and founded the museum in 1400 to showcase global heritage and culture.
Operating Hours: Daily from 09:00 to 12:00 and from 17:00 to 21:00, closed on Fridays.
Entrance Fee: SAR50 per person, SAR25 for students, and free for people with disabilities.
House of Islamic Arts
House of Islamic Arts is the first museum in Saudi Arabia dedicated to Islamic art. It aims to enhance cultural activity and preserve Islamic heritage. The museum encourages scientific research, provides educational and research programs, and promotes volunteer work. It offers sensory communication experiences and virtual visits to help visitors understand Islamic history.
The museum actively participates in cultural and scientific exhibitions and activities, fostering collaboration with regional and international museums and organizations. It aims to build relationships and communication with researchers and those interested in Islamic artifacts and arts.
Note: A tour guide and paid headphone service are available at the museum.
Operating Hours: Daily from 10:00 to 23:00, except Fridays from 17:00 to 23:00
Ticket Price: SAR30 for visiting one site, SAR45 for two sites, and SAR60 for all sites. Family tickets (2-6 people) are 50 SAR50 for one site, SAR80 for two sites, and SAR100 for all sites. For students SAR20 for one site, SAR30 for two sites, and SAR40 for all sites.
Nassif House Museum
Nassif House, where King Abdulaziz Al Saud stayed in 1925, has been converted into a museum and cultural center reflecting the Kingdom's history. Visitors can enjoy a tour of the house, which used to receive ambassadors, and explore historical photos depicting stories from the past. The museum's area is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Operating Hours: Daily from 08:00 to 00:00, except on Sundays from 08:00 to 12:00 and from 18:00 to 00:00
Museum of Home Art
Established in the house of Sheikh Abdul Raouf Hassan Khalil in 1999, the Home Art Museum reflects the cultural and civilizational diversity of humanity. It offers a unique perspective combining the religious, intellectual, cultural, and social aspects of civilizations, highlighting Saudi Arabia's heritage from the past to the present.
Operating Hours: Daily from 09:00 to 12:00 and from 17:00 to 21:00, closed on Fridays.
Entrance Fee: SAR80 per person, SAR40 for students, and free for people with special needs.
Dar Al-Madinah Museum in Medina
The Dar Al-Madinah Museum presents the history of Medina from its inception as Yathrib to ancient times, the prophetic migration, and the Islamic caliphates. It houses over 2,000 rare artifacts reflecting the city's heritage and culture, documenting its natural and demographic developments over time.
Note: A two-hour tour is sufficient to explore the museum and learn about its exhibits, guided by a tour guide.
Operating Hours: Saturday to Thursday from 11:00 to 19:00
Entrance Fee: SAR25 per person, SAR15 per child.
Tabuk Castle Museum
Tabuk Castle is one of the most important historical landmarks in Tabuk, dating back over five centuries. Built on the old road connecting the Levant and Medina, it was a crucial stop for pilgrimage caravans. The castle includes a mosque, watchtowers, a large courtyard, and a museum displaying artifacts and stories of the region's history and culture.
Note: A half-hour visit is enough to explore the museum.
Operating Hours: Daily from 08:00 to 20:00
Entrance Fee: Free
Taybeen Museum in Al Khobar
Taybeen Museum offers an exciting journey to the past, detailing social life from the 1970s to the late 1990s. The museum contains thousands of items reflecting the era's character, bringing joy to visitors, including foods, drinks, devices, and games that evoke fond memories.
Operating Hours: Saturday to Wednesday from 4 PM to 10 PM, Thursday and Friday from 4 PM to 11 PM, closed on Sundays.
Entrance Fee: SAR28 per person, SAR18 per child (2-15 years old).
Najran Regional Museum
The Najran Regional Museum offers a unique journey through local history and heritage, showcasing inscriptions from various historical periods, including pre-Christian eras and caravan routes. The museum provides insights into the region's development through maps and documentary photos. It highlights the past life of the residents, displaying artifacts that shed light on local history.
Thanks to its strategic location on the old trade route, Najran has over 100 archaeological sites, including Greek, Syriac, Thamudic, and Nabataean texts and inscriptions from the early Arab periods. Visitors can see these in the museum, offering a window into the region's popular heritage and lifestyle, including building, agriculture, and industry methods. The museum complements a visit to the historic city of Al-Ukhdood, about 14 kilometers from Najran city.
In conclusion, these institutions offer unique opportunities to explore arts and history, enhancing cultural awareness and exchange in the community. If you want to enjoy these and more, check out WINGIE’s exclusive deals to find the cheapest flights to Saudi Arabia.
