4 of the best exhibitions in Riyadh to check out
Immerse yourself
“When the going gets tough, the tough get going” is how I’d describe Riyadh activities in the summer. The city essentially turns into a sauna (without any of the relaxation), so to combat it, we take things indoors (ah, sweet air conditioning). And an activity that’s been popping off in the city is iconic exhibitions. Here are the exhibitions in Riyadh you need to check out ASAP.
Cities Under Quarantine: The Mailbox Project
View this post on Instagram
Opening to the public today (Wednesday August 28), Cities Under Quarantine: The Mailbox Project gathers hand-bound, artist-designed books created during the pandemic and mailed from Beirut to 22 cities around the world. The books were sent across to be filled with sketches, drawings, and thoughts by the designated artists. Presented for the first time in Riyadh as a living archive of solitude, resilience, and connection. Explore the books, join the conversations and performances, and reflect on how art preserves memory.
Location: Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art (SAMOCA)
Prince Faisal Bin Fahd Arts Hall Exhibition: Summer 2025
View this post on Instagram
Through an intergenerational lens, 43 Saudi and Saudi-based artists explore how personal and collective histories inform evolving identities and catalyse social change. The exhibition reflects on the narratives, values, and lived experiences passed down by families and communities, tracing their impact over time. The works in this exhibition, spanning a range of media and approaches, from figurative representations to symbolic abstraction, delve into themes of memory, migration, cultural hybridity, and resilience.
Location: 9346 King Saud Rd, An Namudhajiyah
Timing: Sat to Thu 4pm to 10pm, Closed Sun
Cost: Free
Solo Series 2025
Misk Art Institute presents the second edition of the Solo Series—a dedicated platform honouring influential Saudi artists and their contributions. This year’s Solo Series spotlights Khaleel Hassan Khaleel and Dr. Mohammed Alresayes, two pioneering figures whose work has left a lasting impact on Saudi visual culture. Through their unique artistic languages, both artists explore themes of heritage, identity, and creative expression, offering a deeper understanding of Saudi Arabia’s evolving art landscape.
Location: Prince Faisal bin Fahd Arts Hall
Timing: Sat to Thu 4pm to 10pm, Closed Sun
Cost: Free
Two Swords and a Palm: Archive of the Saudi Emblem
View this post on Instagram
