If you are a history buff who is interested in discovering the rich inheritance of Arab kingdoms, then you must visit the National Museum of Saudi Arabia. This museum is an art and culture space detailing the history of the Saudi monarchy. Here you can explore numerous examples of Arabian and Islamic art as well as architecture. It has the most famous galleries, a mall theme park, a library, a mosque, a garden, and an old courtyard covering an area of about 28,000 square feet of space. Also, it's surrounded by the beautiful Al-Wadi Park, making this place worth visiting. The state-of-the-art museum is one of the finest in the Middle East and is famous for its modernist architecture.
History of National Museum of Saudi Arabia
As a part of the King Abdul-Aziz-Historical Center, the National Museum of Saudi Arabia was established in Riyadh in 1999. This museum is a cultural and civilizational center that focuses on the history of the Arabian Peninsula. It has eight galleries named Man and the Universe, the Pre-Islamic Era, Arabian Kingdoms, Islam, Arabian Peninsula, Universe, and First and Second Saudi States, the unification, the Hajj, and the Arabian Peninsula. This museum reflects the history of its people through its expansive displays. Here you can explore the ancient civilizations that arose during the early, middle, and late Arab kingdoms.
Important Highlights: To Know More About the National Museum
There are several amazing highlights that one can explore while visiting the Saudi National Museum. From the famous eight halls and old car showrooms to beautiful exhibitions and much more, here you will be able to discover numerous astonishing things reflecting the incredible history of Saudi Arabia. Below we have listed some of those important highlights that one must know before visiting the museum.
- Eight Halls
- Old Cars Showroom
- Exhibitions and Events
- Architecture
- Park
1. Eight Halls: Known for Some World-Class Artifacts
There is a total of eight halls in this famous Saudi National Museum, each hall has its own highlights. The first hall is Man and the Universe related to the early days of human society; the second hall is the Arab Kingdoms exhibiting 14 pre-Islamic Arabian Kingdoms that existed in the Arabian Peninsula. The third one is the Pre-Islamic Era reflecting the lifestyle of the typical Arab life, the fourth one is Prophet Muhammad’s Mission revealing both about Prophet Muhammad’s family. The fifth one is Islam and the Arabian Peninsula highlighting the timeline of the Arabian Peninsula. The last four halls are the First and the Second Saudi States, the Unification of the Kingdoms and The Hajj, and the Two Holy Mosques.
2. Old Cars Showroom: A Paradise for All Car Lovers
If you love vintage cars then you must visit the National Museum of Saudi Arabia. You will have a wonderful experience at the ancient car showroom of the museum, which includes the vehicles that King Abdulaziz Al Saud, the founder of Saudi Arabia drove. From the Rolls-Royce to Phantom III All-Weather which was a gift from Winston Churchill in 1946 to the King, here you can discover several old model cars. These classic cars are one of the best attractions in Saudi Arabia reflecting the history of the automobile industry. The line, the quality, and the finishing of the cars are amazing.
3. Exhibitions and Events: Explore the Rich Heritage of the Country
The museum famous for its modernist architecture exhibits everything from Neolithic rock art to replicas of the buildings of old Jeddah. It's one of the best places to visit in Saudi Arabia with incredible exhibitions reflecting the ancient civilizations. The National Museum with over 3,700 antiquities, 900 figurative works, 45 models, and 45 films throughout the eight exhibition halls, is a complete paradise for all history buffs. Here you can explore the Islamic culture in Arabia, Saudi Heritage, Arabian kingdoms, and Islam in the Arabian Peninsula.
4. Architecture: Admire the Magnificent Design
Under the leadership of a famous architect named Raymond Moriyam, the Saudi Arabia National Museum was designed. Its design was inspired by the shades and structure of the Red Sands found in Riyadh. It includes the consolidation of collections of small and regional museums to represent a consolidated history of the country. The design of the museum is a mixture of classic object displays and thematic set-piece reconstructions. It is the most inspiring residential architecture, landscaping, urbanism, interior design, and much more from the world’s best architects.
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5. Park: Enjoy the Lush Greenery and Peaceful Atmosphere
The attractive National Museum is located in an alluring park-like setting full of lush greenery, and outdoor gardens. Wandering around the manicured lawns, benches, and plenty of nooks will give you a peaceful experience. Towards the south of the museum lies the Al Watan theme park attracting tourists and locals. The serene beauty and the beautiful atmosphere of nature makes this one of the top museums in Saudi Arabia and a place you must visit for a heavenly atmosphere.
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National Museum of Saudi Arabia Additional Info
This Saudi National Museum with its rich Arabian prehistory, culture, and art is a fascinating place to be explored. It's the most entertaining and biggest museum with modern architecture and beautiful gardens. Also, it’s a cultural landmark in Riyadh and there is always more to discover here. Located in the heart of Saudi Arabia, it is situated around the Masmek Fortress to Al Murabba Historical Palace.
Location: Al Murabba, King Abdul Aziz, Historical Center, Riyadh 12631 11481, Saudi Arabia
Timings: Saturday to Thursday - 08:00 am - 09:00 pm, Friday: After 4 pm
How to reach: One can reach the National Museum of Saudi Arabia by bus
- Bus to stop – Olaya Bound Bus Stop
- Bus to stop – Sulaymaniyah Bound Bus Stop
Tickets: One can book the tickets for the National Museum of Riyadh through online mode and the entrance fee is SAR10. Also, children didn’t require any fee to enter the museum.
So, get ready to explore the prominent history of the Arabian Peninsula with the help of the National Museum in Saudi Arabia. This museum plays an important role in preserving the rich culture and heritage of the country. It provides a modern educational environment for local communities and visitors of all ages. Providing you with a glimpse of the past, this is a top spot to learn, and discover beautiful ancient works. So, take advantage of the best Saudi Arabia tour package to visit this amazing museum, and delve into this beautiful country known for its rich culture, numerous historical attractions, mesmerizing the Red Sea, and much more.
National Museum of Saudi Arabia - FAQs
There are numerous highlights of the National Museum of Saudi Arabia. Below we e have listed some of those important highlights.
- Eight halls
- Pop by the Hall of King Abdulaziz
- Exhibitions and events
- A perfect place to unwind
The Saudi Arabia National Museum is located at Al Murabba, King Abdul Aziz, Historical Center, Riyadh 12631 11481, Saudi Arabia. It’s a part of the King Abdul Aziz Historical Center and was established in Riyadh in the year 1999.
The eight galleries of the National Museum of Saudi Arabia are Man and the Universe, The Pre-Islamic Era, Arabian Kingdoms, Islam, Arabian Peninsula, Universe, and First and Second Saudi States, The unification, The Hajj, and the Arabian Peninsula.
One can reach the National Museum of Saudi Arabia by bus. This museum is a cultural and civilization center focusing on the history of the Arabian Peninsula. It's located in the al-Murabba neighborhood of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The timings of the National Museum of Saudi Arabia are Saturday to Thursday - 08:00 am - 09:00 pm and Friday after 4 pm. The best time to visit this National Museum is on weekends to avoid the crowd.
There are over 3,700 antiquities in the National Museum of Saudi Arabia. Also, with 900 figurative works, 45 models, and 45 films this museum is a place where one can explore the Islamic culture in Arabia.
It will take an average of around 2 to 3 hours to go through the entire National Museum of Saudi Arabia. This museum with all basic facilities including separate and well-maintained restrooms for men and women, air conditioning, and helpful staff is the place one must visit.
Saudi Arabia is known for its rich culture and history and has hundreds of historically important sites, ruins of ancient towns, the incredible beauty of AIUIa, countless palaces, and the world’s largest Oasis Al-Ahsa.
