This new exhibition at Ithra showcases the beginning of Saudi art
Happening until November
The King Abdulaziz Centre for World Culture, better known as Ithra, is known for its wonderfully insightful exhibitions, ones that make you want to return time and time again. Now, we get to explore Bedayat: Beginnings of the Saudi Art Movement at Ithra.
Unfolding at the Great Hall until Saturday November 7, the new exhibition titled Bedayat: Beginnings of the Saudi Art Movement at Ithra offers a comprehensive look at the emergence and development of Saudi Arabia’s art scene during the formative period from the 1960s to the 1980s.
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It features a diverse range of pioneering artworks, alongside recently uncovered archival materials being shown to the public for the first time as part of this initiative.
This brand-new exhibition is based on in-depth research conducted by the Visual Arts Commission, including site visits, interviews with artists, and extensive documentation, which led to the discovery of how the first generation of Saudi artists developed distinctive visual languages.
The research also showcased how the previous generations of artists built their artistic ecosystems through emerging networks and initiatives.
The exhibition explores how artists combined Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural heritage with social and economic transformations, while also drawing inspiration from global art trends. The result: the glorious development of a dynamic and unique art scene in the Kingdom.
The glorious exhibition is an initiative of the Visual Arts Commission presented in collaboration with the King Abdulaziz Centre for World Culture (Ithra). It is a travelling exhibtion which was originally showcased in Riyadh at the Saudi National Museum from January to April 2026.
The exhibition is free to enter and makes for the perfect afternoon activitity, be it just by yourself or with a group of friends too.
Location: Ithra, King Abdulaziz Centre for World Culture
Dates: Until Sat Nov 7
Timings: 9am to 11pm
Visit: ithra.com
Images: What’s On archives
