Saudi Arabia is a country rich in history and heritage. To highlight this treasure the country has many museums and castles reflecting the unknown. Visit the fascinating museums in Saudi Arabia to explore the country’s rich culture and traditions. The history dates back 4000 years, and has been preserved in various museums in Saudi Arabia. Take your chance to discover the grandeur of the country and delve into its ancient relics and weaponry. Here is the list of best museums that you must while you are on a trip to Saudi Arabia.
Delve in The Heritage With 8 Best Museums in Saudi Arabia
It is an undeniable fact that Saudi Arabia has all the potential to captivate and surprise you with its surreal beauty and astonishing past. Here is the list of Saudi Arabia’s Museum that must be visited not just for entertainment but also to understand the affluence of the country in terms of cultural heritage.
1. Dar Al Madinah Museum
The museum represents the fascinating heritage of Medina through its rich photo galleries and city models depicting the evolution of Prophet’s Mosque. Being one of the best museums in the Saudi Arabia, Dar Al Madinah Museum comprises of many artefacts from the ancient Islamic era but the center of the limelight is the red and black Ottoman Mahmal from 1792.
The relics presented in the museum includes bow of Saad Ibn Abi-Waqas, an archer and companion to the Prophet Muhammad. The museum initially was well-known Hejaz Train Station and eventually it was transformed into a museum which is segregated into various sections explaining the history and life of the city.
Location: Safwan Ibn Malik Al Tamimi, Al Mabuth
When to visit: Monday to Thursday and Saturday & Sunday – From 11: 00 AM to 7: 00 PM
2. Tayebat Museum
Jeddah is a melting pot of plenty of traditions and cultures. If you are a historian and you love exploring ancient architecture then this museum in Saudi Arabia definitely has an abundance of things to offer. History is all about going back in time and 2500 years is a really long time. Get your hand on the recreation of Hijazi architectures, ancient manuscripts and Arab history. Spanning in 10,000 square meter the museum is beautifully decorated and has 12 buildings and nearly 300 rooms.
Location - Rayhanat Al Jazirah, Al Faisaliyah District, Al Faisaliyah District 3170, Saudi, Jeddah 23442 8786, Saudi Arabia
When to visit:
- Monday to Thursday & Saturday to Sunday – From 8: 00 AM to 12: 00 PM, 5: 00 PM to 9: 00 PM
- Closed on Friday
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3. Scitech Technology Center
One of the most famous science museums in Saudi Arabia, Sultan bin Abdulaziz Science & Technology Center (Scitech) is one of the ideal places to visit in Saudi Arabia, to spend your day delving into the interactive exhibitions related to science and tech. Take a dig in the deep oceanic beauty exploring the Marine life of rising high in the sky through an astronomical observatory. Understanding natural phenomena such as waning and waxing of the moon and many other stunning scientific processes, along with tech watching exhibitions.
Location - Corniche, Alkurnaish, Al Khobar 34412 31952, Saudi Arabia
When to visit:
- Monday to Thursday – From 8: 0 AM to 3: 00 PM, 4: 00 PM to 10: 00 PM
- Friday and Saturday – From 4: 00 PM to 10: 00 PM
- Sunday - From 8: 0 AM to 3: 00 PM, 4: 00 PM to 10: 00 PM
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4. King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture
Widely known by the alias name "Ithtra" this science center in Saudi Arabia is one of the most beautiful spaces that you will come across. King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture Is Known for its richness in Arabic culture. With 18 stories the museum is a work of progressive architecture encompassing exhibition centers, and a library with an enormous collection of books. Ali Al-Mutairi the director of Ithra says that "“The center is a place where ideas and dreams take shape." Check out their science sessions and talk shows. A perfect for children giving them an opportunity to learn with an interesting edge.
Location - Riyadh 11564, Saudi Arabia
When to visit:
Monday to Sunday – From 12: 00 PM to 2: 00 PM and 4: 00 PM and 8: 00 PM
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5. Aloqilat Museum
This place is a hub for rare historical evidence, and relics belonging to the first residents of the area. Visiting the museum is one of the best things to do in Saudi Arabia apart from enjoying the royal vibes of the country. If you want to learn about the history and the origin of Saudi Arabia then visit the museum, trace the documents, check out the gallery and you are good to go!
Location: 418, Wahtan, Buraydah 52342, Saudi Arabia
When to visit:
Monday to Sunday – From 8: 00 AM to 12: 00 PM, 4: 00 M to 6: 30 PM
6. Tabuk Castle
Dated back to 35 BC, Tabuk castle is yet another tourist attraction that Saudi Arabia boasts of. If Saudi Arabia has captivated you with its history, then you can quench your thirst further by visiting the castles and forts in Saudi Arabia. Tabuk castle is an architectural marvel depicting life and the periods in which the castle was constructed. The name of the castle is picked from the Holy Quran. For its stunning architecture and design, the castle is voted the best, in the category of best museums in Saudi Arabia. It consists of 2 mosques, an open courtyard, watchtowers and a water cistern. The castle has now been converted into a museum holding an extensive collection of historical documents from the time of prophet Muhammad.
Location – Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
When to visit:
- Monday to Thursday and Saturday & Sunday – From 7: 00 AM to 1: 45 PM, 4: 00 Pm to 8: 00 PM
- Closed on Friday
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7. National Museum of Saudi Arabia
Visiting the National Museum of Saudi Arabia and prep yourself for the journey full of culture, traditions art and history. Enjoy the interactive exhibits, models of ancient buildings, collections of art, antiques and manuscripts. Spanning to a total of 28000 square meters museums, with 8 galleries. There are many exhibitions that are permanent and executed throughout. Visitors can also install Saudi national museums’s app and take virtual tours of the museum online.
Location - Riyadh 11564, Saudi Arabia
When to visit:
Monday to Sunday – From 12: 00 PM to 2: 00 PM and 4: 00 PM and 8: 00 PM
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8. Red Sea Museum
The Red Sea Museum of Saudi Arabia is located at Bab Al Bunt building in Al-Baladin historic area of Jeddah is yet to be launched. The museum will focus on the celebration of navigation, Pilgrimage and diversity in every form along with the cultural and historical background of Mecca and medina. As per the reports it is said that the museum will consist of more than 100 artworks, temporary and permanent exhibitions along with education programs catering to all. Launching in 2022 this museum in Saudi will be a home for rare manuscripts, and historical evidence.
Location: Jeddah
Timings: n/a
Now that you have come across the list of best museums in Saudi Arabia, plan a visit to closely know about the heritage of the rich country. The museums serve as the perfect source of information to learn about the history of the place and how its people worked during those times. There are many other mind-boggling landmarks in the country that must be explored by people from all over the world. If you are one those curious travelers who wants to know more about a new place, take advantage of Saudi holiday packages and visit the country to understand better.
Museums in Saudi Arabia - FAQs
Here is the list of Saudi Arabia’s Museum that must be visited not just for entertainment but also to understand the affluence of the country in terms of cultural heritage.
- Dar Al Madinah Museum
- Tayebat Museum
- Scitech Technology Center
- King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture
- Aloqilat Museum
- Tabuk Castle
- National Museum of Saudi Arabia
- Red Sea Museum
The Red Sea Museum of Saudi Arabia is located at Bab Al Bunt building in Al-Baladin historic area of Jeddah is yet to be launched. The museum will focus on the celebration of navigation, Pilgrimage and diversity in every form along with the cultural and historical background of Mecca and medina. As per the reports it is said that the museum will consist of more than 100 artworks, temporary and permanent exhibitions along with education programs catering to all.
One of the most famous science museums in Saudi Arabia, Sultan bin Abdulaziz Science & Technology Center (Scitech) is one of the ideal places to visit in Saudi Arabia, to spend your day delving into the interactive exhibitions related to science and tech. Take a dig into the deep oceanic beauty exploring the Marine life of rising high in the sky through an astronomical observatory. It is located in Corniche, Alkurnaish, Al Khobar 34412 31952, Saudi Arabia.
Yes, Tabuk castle is an architectural marvel depicting life and the periods in which the castle was constructed, the name of the castle is picked from the Holy Quran. Dated back to 35 BC, Tabuk castle is yet another tourist attraction that Saudi Arabia boasts of. If Saudi Arabia has captivated you with its history, then you can quench your thirst further by visiting the castles and forts in Saudi Arabia.
Tayebat Museum is open on Monday to Thursday from 8: 00 AM to 12: 00 PM and on Saturday to Sunday – 5: 00 PM to 9: 00.
Visit the National Museum of Saudi Arabia and prep yourself for the journey full of culture, traditions art and history. Enjoy the interactive exhibits, models of ancient buildings, collections of art, antiques and manuscripts. Spanning to a total of 28000 square meters museums, with 8 galleries. There are many exhibitions that are permanent and executed throughout.
Yes, the museum represents the fascinating heritage of Medina through its rich photo galleries and city models depicting the evolution of Prophet’s Mosque. Being one of the best museums in the Saudi Arabia Dar Al Madinah Museum comprises of many artefacts from the ancient Islamic era but the center of the limelight is the red and black Ottoman Mahmal from 1792. The relics presented in the museum includes bow of Saad Ibn Abi-Waqas, an archer and companion to the Prophet Muhammad.
No, Tayebat Museum is closed on Friday. The museum remains open on Monday to Thursday & Saturday to Sunday – From 8: 00 AM to 12: 00 PM, 5: 00 PM to 9: 00 PM.