- Address: Al Murabba, King Abdul Aziz, Historical Center, Riyadh 12631 11481, Saudi Arabia
- Tel: +966 11 402 9500
- Website: nationalmuseum.org.sa
- Opened: 1999
- Architect: Raymond Moriyama
The National Museum of Saudi Arabia is the main, most interesting and informative museum of the country. It is included in the complex of the historical center of King Abdul-Aziz. This place is very different in concept from the classical museums. It exhibits are viewed in a single composition, and not as separate items.
The National Museum of Saudi Arabia is the main, most interesting and informative museum of the country. It is included in the complex of the historical center of King Abdul-Aziz. This place is very different in concept from the classical museums. It exhibits are viewed in a single composition, and not as separate items.
The history of the best museum of the country
The National Museum of Saudi Arabia became part of a plan to improve the ancient Murabba district in Riyadh . It was created in preparation for the great celebration - the celebration of the century of Saudi Arabia. For design and construction from scratch it was given only 26 months. Above the main museum of the country worked the famous Canadian architect Raymond Moriyama. Inspired by the shapes and colors of the golden sand dunes, he created his best creation - the National Museum of Saudi Arabia.
Architectural style of the museum
Undoubtedly, the main highlight of the museum building is the western facade. Its walls stretched along Murabba Square. From the outside they resemble the contours of the dunes, smoothly turning into the shape of a crescent moon. All the bends of the building are directed towards the Islamic shrine - Mecca . From the western wing opens a huge hall, on the east side a smaller wing. The proportions of the southern and northern wings are the same. Each of them has its own patio.
Unique historical collection
The impressive collection of the National Museum reproduces the history and life of Saudi Arabia from the Stone Age to the present. You will see a collection of archaeological finds, jewelry, musical instruments, clothes, weapons, utensils, etc. Eight exhibition halls are divided into the following subjects:
- "Man and the Universe". The main exhibit of the exhibition is part of the meteorite found in the Rub-el-Khali desert . In addition, here you can see several skeletons - dinosaurs and ichthyosaurus. An exhibition devoted to the Stone Age is of interest. Through interactive displays you can get acquainted with the geography and geology of the Arabian Peninsula, trace the development of flora and fauna.
- "The Arab Kingdom". This part of the museum is dedicated to the early Arab kingdoms. The exposition shows the ancient cities of Al-Hamra, Davmat Al-Jandal, Timaa and Tarot. At the end of the exhibition you can see the civilizations that flourished in Ain Zubaid, Najran and Al-Aflaaj.
- "The pre-Islamic era." You can see models of cities and markets, get acquainted with the evolution of writing and calligraphy.
- "Islam and the Arabian Peninsula." The gallery tells about the time devoted to the birth of Islam in the Medina , as well as the history of the rise and fall of the Caliphate. Part of the exhibition illustrates the time from the Ottomans and Mamluks to the first Saudi state.
- "Mission of the Prophet". The whole exhibition is devoted to the life and work of the Prophet Muhammad. The central wall is decorated with a huge canvas with a family tree, clearly and clearly presenting the family of the prophet to the smallest detail.
- "First and second Saudi states". This exposition is dedicated to the stories of the two early Saudi states. Interestingly, the detailed model of the city of Ed Diria can be seen right in the glass floor.
- "An association". The gallery is dedicated to the King of Saudi Arabia Abdul-Aziz. Here you will get acquainted with his biography and the history of reign.
- "Hajj and two sacred mosques." This exposition describes the history of the main shrines of Islam. The central exhibits of the exhibition are the models of Mecca and its environs, the handwritten Koran.
In addition to the main exhibitions, the National Museum of Saudi Arabia collected magnificent collections of cold weapons, national clothes, jewelery with precious stones, etc. A huge hall was given to an exhibition of cars that belonged to the King of Saudi Arabia.
To tourists on a note
Foreign guests will be comfortable in the museum. All information, except Arabic, is also presented in English. In addition, you can watch mini-theaters and video presentations. Thus, you are virtually transferred to Medina during the period of the Prophet Muhammad or travel along Madain Salih .
Features of visit
The National Museum of Saudi Arabia works daily, except on Saturday. Anyone can visit it, the entrance is free. There is a museum on this regime:
- Tuesday from 9:00 to 13:00 - visit for women, from 16:30 to 21:00 - men;
- Saturday - Monday from 9:00 to 13:00 - visit for men, from 16:30 to 21:00 - family visit;
- Wednesday - Thursday from 9:00 to 13:00 - a visit for men, from 16:30 to 21:00 - a family visit;
- Friday from 16:30 to 21:00 family visit.
It is forbidden to shoot videos and take photos inside the museum.
How to get to the National Museum?
The central bus station is located 17 km from the city center in the area of Azizia, therefore it is better to get from the airport by a white official taxi (30 min.). The cost of the trip is approximately $ 8-10. Not all taxi drivers speak English, so it's better to ask for a stop near the Murabba Palace (Qasr al-Murabba), it is located next to the museum.