When planning a holiday, what is the first thing that pops up? Beaches, malls, food, temples and market and museums? The list is endless. Out of all these, which one is your go-to place? Museums, right? Why? Do you have a keen interest in discovering what is new in the world of art? People are taken on a journey of ancient history. So, if you are planning your own family vacation, then think of the museums in Jeddah. What more can you ask for? What are you waiting for?
So, what are your plans this weekend? If you haven’t made any yet, go to the museum and explore the world of ancient artifacts and scriptures. It would be What more can you ask for when it comes to having the best time of your life?
Museums in Jeddah: Discover The Rich History Of Saudi Arabia
The culture vultures and art enthusiasts have found their happy place in Jeddah: the museums, of course. The Islamic artefacts to old artwork give visiting the Jeddah museums a whole new meaning. So, it is safe to say that Jeddah is a one stop holiday destination that attracts millions of people from around the world. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get a sneak into some of the museums you should explore.
- Abdul Raouf Kalil’s Museum
- Al Tayebat International City Museum
- Jeddah Sculpture Museum
- Matbouli House Museum
- Nassif House Museum
- Darwish Salamah Museum
- Bait Al Balad
1. Abdul Raouf Kalil’s Museum
With a massive collection of over several artifacts, Abdul Raouf Kalil’s museum Jeddah is said to be one of the most bizarre museums. Home to a mosque, Saudi heritage house, Islamic heritage house, world heritage house and general heritage gallery. Found sitting within the Al Tayebat International City complex, the museum is not like any other museum people have seen as it has been designated with information with illustrations, several computer programs and halls showcasing antiques that date back to the Islamic civilization.
Well, the museum just got a little more bizarre as it has 18 halls that include A Hall For The Information Center, A Hall For The History Of King Abdulaziz, A Hall For Saudi Folklore And National Culture, A Jewelry Hall, A Hall For Metals And Inks, And A Hall For Art Schools International Plastic Arts And Various Halls For The Arts.
Location: Raihanat Al Jazirah, 8786, Al Faisaliyah District 3170, Saudi, Jeddah 23442, Saudi Arabia
Timings: 8 am- 12 pm, 5- 9 pm
2. Al Tayebat International City Museum
Al Tayebat International City Museum is a historical landmark that reflects the rich history and culture of Saudi Arabia. With 365 halls at the museum, tourists will get a glimpse of all the antiquities, spread out over 4 floors. Most exhibits offer a reflection of Saudi’s heritage whilst other’s offer a reflection of Islam.
Tourists will discover several artifacts that date back to the Islamic civilization and scientific discoveries. If you’re a history buff, then Al Tayebat museum Jeddah, a part of the international Tayebat city of science and Knowledge is the place to explore. You will discover and learn about the world’s past and cultures. So, are you excited to discover what’s hidden behind those doors? Go ahead and make plans to visit.
Location: Raihanat Al Jazirah, 8786, Al Faisaliyah District, Al Faisaliyah District 3170, Saudi, Jeddah 23442, Saudi Arabia
Timings: 8 am- 12 pm, 5- 9 pm
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3. Jeddah Sculpture Museum
The sculptures have been carved out of natural elements like the wind and salt of the sea. Over the years, the sculptures have been damaged and restored back to their former glory. The sculptures today are displayed in the open-air museum called the Jeddah Sculpture Museum. Whole new creativity is seen in every inch of the sculptures. It is by far one of the best museums in Jeddah to explore at least once while on vacation.
It is the only museum that is said to have the largest collection of sculptures and statues in the world. Aren’t you fascinated and eager to visit the museum? It is not like any other place tourists have been to earlier.
Location: 2903 طريق الكورنيش، Al Hamra District, حي الحمراء,، Jeddah 23321, Saudi Arabia
Timings: 24 hours
4. Matbouli House Museum
Once upon a time, the museum was a traditional Hijazi merchant’s home, found nestled at Al-Qossani Alley in Al-Balad District, Jeddah. The 400-year-old museum was created in a modern architectural style. This Jeddah museum is no ordinary museum as it is a home owned by a rich local family. The stunning wooden- latticed balconies, ancient gramophones, classic stairwells, stunning wooden ceilings, antiques and local artefacts are some of the main features of the house museum.
The house museum is one of the best places to visit in Jeddah as it offers an insight into the traditional lifestyle of the ancient Arabs. When you do plan to visit the place, ensure you have a translator with you to help you understand the history and importance of the house.
Location: 3352 زقاق القمصاني, حي البلد، 6974, Al Balad District, Jeddah 22236, Saudi Arabia
Timings: 5 – 10 pm
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5. Nassif House Museum
Back in the late 1800s, the historic Nassif house was built for the governor of Jeddah, Omar Nasseef Efendi. Also known the “the house with the tree”, the house museum has been a museum and a cultural center since 2009. The Ottoman-style architecture is one of the many features of this Jeddah museum and despite being renovated several times, the house museum has managed to preserve the architecture.
Some of the artwork seen at the museum dates back to the 19th century. One of the most interesting things to see is the Arabic calligraphy done on the doors and hallways. The museum is home to over 16,000 books that belong to the central library at King Abdulaziz University.
Location: F5MQ+J2Q، الذهب، البلد، Jeddah 22236, Saudi Arabia
Timings: 8 am – 11:55 pm
6. Darwish Salamah Museum
An ordinary house to a masterpiece museum, the Darwish Salamah museum is one of the places to visit in Saudi Arabia. The history behind the museum is quite interesting as it narrates the story of Darwish Ali Salamah, a retired Saudi air force colonel who survived a plane crash.
The interesting thing about the museum is that it wasn’t always one, as it used to be home once upon a time. The retired colonel transformed his home into a museum filled with breathtaking miniatures of historic buildings and mosques, creative sculptures and artistic statues.
Location: 3029 Al Ruboua Al Arabiah, Al Hamra District, Jeddah 23321, Saudi Arabia
Timings: 4:15 – 6:15 pm
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7. Bait Al Balad
If you're wondering where to go, then Bait Al Balad museum is a must visit. The museum was once a headquarters for the British legation in Jeddah from 1915 to the mid 1930’s. It is now a museum filled with all kinds of artefacts, photographs and ephemera that showcase the history of Jeddah.
The structure is an example of Hejazi architecture, something tourists should get a glimpse of. What more can you ask for? It is one of the most interesting places to visit in the Middle East.
Location: F5QM+432، الكنداسه، البغدادية الغربية، Jeddah 22233, Saudi Arabia
Timings: 24 hours
Jeddah museums are one of the ideal places to explore when it comes to discovering the heritage of Jeddah and the history of Saudi Arabia. Museums are one of the most fascinating places to visit as discovering the past, present and future of a place is intriguing. Hence, what are you waiting for? Make plans with your friends and family and explore the world of antiques and artefacts.
Are you planning a vacation to Saudi Arabia? Known for its Arabian coffee, deserts and much more, Saudi Arabia is an interesting country to visit. So, when you do make plans, avail of the Saudi Arabia holiday package.
Museums in Jeddah - FAQs
Abdul Raouf Kalil’s Museum, Al Tayebat International City Museum, Jeddah Sculpture Museum, Matbouli House Museum, Nassif House Museum, Darwish Salamah Museum and Bait Al Balad are some of the museums in Jeddah tourists should visit in Jeddah.
November to early march is the best time to visit Jeddah as the weather is pleasant. Tourists can explore the museums along with various other attractions.
Tourists can spend exploring Jeddah in 3 days. It is one of the most stunning places to visit at least once.
The museum is located at Raihanat Al Jazirah, 8786, Al Faisaliyah District 3170, Saudi, Jeddah 23442, Saudi Arabia. It is one of the most unique museums, home to a mosque, Saudi heritage house, Islamic heritage house, world heritage house and general heritage gallery.
The Nassif house museum was built for the governor of Jeddah, Omar Nasseef Efendi back in the late 1800s. One of the main features of the museum is the Ottoman- style architecture.
8 am- 12 pm and 5- 9 pm are the timings for Al Tayebat International City Museum. It is a historical landmark known to showcase the rich history and culture of Saudi Arabia.
Jeddah is one of the safest and most stunning places to visit at least once. People should add it to their bucket list.
The masterpiece museum was once home to a retired a retired Saudi air force colonel who survived a plane crash. The colonel converted his home into a musuem.
