5 reasons to visit the National Museum of Saudi Arabia
Look forward to exciting activities…
Housed within striking modernist architecture and flower-wreathed gardens, the National Museum of Saudi Arabia exhibits everything from Neolithic rock art to replicas of the buildings of old Jeddah, as well as transporting visitors on a magically interactive tour of the ages.
Now, let’s talk about the five reasons you should visit the National Museum of Saudi Arabia in Riyadh.
It shows a glimpse of the past
The National Museum of Saudi Arabia is a cultural landmark highlighting Saudi Arabia’s heritage and reflecting the history of its people through its expansive displays.
It explores the ancient civilisations that arose during the early, middle, and late Arab kingdoms, moving into the pre-Islamic era. Standout displays include some of the earliest Thamudic, Aramaic and Islamic writings carved into stone slabs, alongside a wealth of archaeological finds, such as murals from an Assyrian palace, ornate jewellery, and pottery.
So much to learn
As our history teacher taught us, primary sources are first-hand access to the subject of our research. The National Museum of Saudi Arabia has over 3,700 antiquities, 45 models, 900 figurative works, and 45 films throughout eight exhibition halls themed around a different part of the region’s history, such as Saudi heritage, Islamic culture in Arabia, Arabian kingdoms, The Prophet’s Mission, and Islam in the Arabian Peninsula.
You can make your way through the museum hallway along the yellow-dotted path as you explore the exhibits with their well-lit, informative, and interactive displays. So, if you’re looking for primary sources for your research about Saudi Arabian history and landscapes, the National Museum is full of them. Also, it’s the perfect place for expats who are new to the country.
A perfect place to unwind, too
We love that the museum is located in a beautiful park-like setting, where you can wander through the idyllic, lush outdoor gardens. Stroll around the path dotted with manicured lawns, benches and plenty of nooks from which to sit and people-watch. Plus, towards the south lies the Al Watan theme park, which attracts locals and tourists alike.
Pop by the Hall of King Abdulaziz
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Love vintage cars? There is a showroom of old cars used by King Abdulaziz Al Saud, the founder of Saudi Arabia. Here, visitors will get to see up close the magnificent craftsmanship of a range of vehicles, with the most significant being the Rolls-Royce Phantom III All-Weather, a gift from Winston Churchill in 1946 to the King.
Check out its latest exhibition
The ‘Perfumes of the East’ exhibition has made its first international stop in Riyadh. Unfolding through three distinct spaces at the National Museum – from the raw beauty of nature to bustling town streets and the setting of a private home, the exhibition enables visitors to experience the evolution of perfume-making through a blend of historical treasures and modern artistic expressions.
Perfumes of the East, until Sept 14, Mon to Wed & Sat 9am to 6pm, Thurs 9am to 9pm & Fri 2pm to 9pm, National Museum. Tickets are priced at SAR29 and can be purchased here.
National Museum of Saudi Arabia, King Saud Rd, Al Murabba, Riyadh 12631, Sat to Wed 9am to 7pm, Thurs 9am to 10pm & Fri 2pm to 10pm. SAR10 per person. @SaudiMuseum
Images: Social