A new Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art is opening in Diriyah soon
Not to be confused with SAMoCA Jax
Saudi Arabia and contemporary art are having a moment. Having just celebrated the opening of the Black Gold Museum, and biennially hosting the Diriyah Contemporary Arts Biennale (currently in its closing weekend), the Kingdom is now all set to welcome SAMoCA Diriyah soon.
Diriyah Company has awarded a USD490 Million (SAR 1.84 Billion) construction contract for the Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art (SAMoCA), in Diriyah, to a joint venture between Hassan Allam Construction Saudi L.L.C. and Albawani Company Ltd.
The museum, designed by Godwin Austen Johnson with multidisciplinary support from Rafaat Miller Consulting, is expected to become one of Diriyah’s most prominent upcoming landmarks. It has a total area of 45,252 square meters, while the overall project area extends to 77,428 square metres.
SAMoCA is a flagship project by the Museums Commission. It aims to document, research, exhibit, and champion Saudi modern and contemporary art practices. The museum will serve as a premier centre of artistic exploration, deepening understanding and appreciation of Saudi modern and contemporary art, while supporting Saudi artists across generations to imagine and shape the Kingdom’s creative possibilities.
The Saudi Museum of Contemporary Art will have its main headquarters in Diriyah, while SAMoCA Jax will continue as a dynamic exhibition space within the creative district of Riyadh, allowing for a diversity of rhythms between the two spaces. This iconic asset will further elevate Diriyah’s reputation as the Kingdom’s capital of culture.
The Ministry of Culture inaugurated the first Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art (SAMoCA) in 2023, positioning it as a catalyst for cultural enrichment as the country’s first museum dedicated to contemporary art through a range of programs and initiatives.
While an official opening date hasn’t been revealed just yet, stay tuned to What’s On Saudi Arabia for the latest.
For more information, please visit: museums.moc.gov.sa
Images: Provided
