The National Museum of Saudi Arabia stands as a renowned cultural landmark, drawing visitors from across the globe with its captivating exhibits. Established in 1999, the museum is nestled in Al-Murabba near Riyadh, encompassed by the natural beauty of two adjacent parks: al-Wadi to the north and al-Madi to the east. Housing an impressive array of artifacts from throughout Saudi Arabia, the museum showcases the rich history of the region, making it a must-see destination for any history enthusiast exploring the wonders of Saudi Arabia.

History of The National Museum of Saudi Arabia

The National Museum of Saudi Arabia was an integral component of the Murabba Development Plan, which focused on revamping the old Murabba Palace district. The museum project involved the creation of over 100,000 square feet of gallery space, spread out across eight unique galleries. The entire process, from initial design to construction, spanned a period of 26 months, during which the museum was built from the ground up.

Architecture

The National Museum of Saudi Arabia won an international design competition and was created by renowned architect Raymond Moriyama. Its design was inspired by the beautiful oasis of Riyadh and the Red Sands found in the area, offering a visually stunning tribute to the city's origins. The structure's limestone walls and granite detailing, as well as its unique positioning and contemporary design, distinguish it from neighboring buildings. The National Museum's galleries provide an insightful look into the current state of Saudi Arabia, culminating in a final gallery that focuses on the two holy mosques and the Hajj pilgrimage. 

General Information

Before visiting the National Museum of Saudi Arabia, here are few things you should know:

Umrah Companions: A renowned Umrah provider agency also offers travel and tourism experience along with its Umrah Packages. Secure your Umrah package and explore Saudi Arabia in one go. 

Location of Museum: Nestled at a prime location on King Saud Road, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The location is easily accessible. 

Opening hours: The National Museum is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and closes at 4:00 p.m. on Fridays. 

Entry fee: The Riyadh National Museum entry fee is around 10 SAR.

Nearby attractions: The National Museum is located at a prime location, there are many popular attractions near it, including Masmak Citadel, Riyadh Zoo, Al Faisaliyah Center, Kingdom Center Tower, and Ad-Diriyah. 

Facilities: The Riyadh National Museum boasts various facilities to ensure a wonderful experience for visitors, including separate, well-maintained restrooms for men and women. The entire complex is air-conditioned, and at the entrance, the visitors are greeted by friendly and helpful staff. 

Exhibitions at the Riyadh National Museum

The museum's building consists of eight halls or galleries, each reflecting upon various topics, including:

Man and the Universe

• This hall reflects upon the early days of the human era. The main focus of the hall is to highlight the impact of changes in the Earth's surface on Human lives. The hall has a list of displays, including:

• A piece from a large meteorite that was found at Wabar Craters in the desert of Rub al Khali. Various interactive displays also shed light on how the solar system works and the working of tectonic plates. 

• These displays also provide valuable insights into the geology, geography, and development of flora and fauna in Saudi Arabia. 

• Visitors can also find a large skeleton of extinct animals like Platybelodon and an Ichthyosaur. 

The Arab Kingdoms

The exhibition hall on the ground floor of the museum delves into the fascinating history of the Arabian Peninsula, focusing on the 14 pre-Islamic Arabian Kingdoms that existed between 5000 BC and 700 AD. The hall is adorned with an array of ancient artifacts and items that offer a captivating glimpse into the lifestyles of the people from that era. These kingdoms are as follows:

• Obaid (5300 BC – 3600 BC)

• Dilmun (2400 BC – 1700 BC)

• Ad (4000 BC – 3500 BC)

• Thamud (3500 BC – 3000 BC)

• Midian (1700 BC – 1050 BC)

• Qedar (10th Century BC)

• Ghassanid (400 AD – 700 AD) and more

The Pre-Islamic Era

The ground floor features a hall dedicated to the Pre-Islamic Era, also known as the Jahiliya Era Hall. This exhibition showcases artifacts that provide insight into the lifestyle of the typical Arab people before the arrival of Prophet Muhammad PBUH. The items on display represent various cities such as Makkah, Jasrash, Yathrib, Khaibar, and others, offering visitors a glimpse into the pre-Islamic Arabian culture. Additionally, the hall also explores the origins of various Arabic scripts and calligraphy.

Prophet Muhammad's PBUH Mission

The first-floor hall provides insights into the life of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. It features exhibits related to his birth, family, and migration from Makkah to Madinah. In addition, there is a family tree depicting the members of Prophet Muhammad's family. Visitors can access the adjacent gallery or hall using a bridge.

Islam and the Arabian Peninsula

On the first floor, there's another fascinating hall featuring the historical timeline of the Arabian Peninsula. The exhibition covers the period from the advent of Islam following the arrival of Prophet Muhammad PBUH to the overthrow of the Ottoman Empire at the onset of World War I.

First and Second Saudi States

This exhibition on first floor focuses on the culture and history of the two Saudi states between 1744 and 1824. Under the glass, a large model of Diriyah is shown. It has been constructed to allow proper examination. Step into history and immerse yourself in the rich culture of the two Saudi states from 1744 and 1824 in this extraordinary exhibition. Discover a breathtaking model of Diriyah perfectly preserved under glass, allowing for a detailed examination.

Unification of the Kingdom

Dedicated to the legendary King Abdul Aziz, this hall on the first floor vividly illustrates his triumphant recapture of Riyadh and the establishment of his kingdom in 1902, marking the birth of the Third Saudi State.

The Hajj and the Two Holy Mosques

Prepare to be awed by the magnificent gallery showcasing a grand model of Makkah and its surroundings. Uncover the significance of Hajj, Masjid-Al-Haram, and Masjid-Al-Nabwi while witnessing the influential role of King Abdul Aziz in their development.

Final Words

Riyadh, the captivating capital of Saudi Arabia, stands as one of the most renowned cities in the region. This bustling metropolis boasts an array of captivating tourist attractions, with the National Museum of Saudi Arabia being a standout highlight. Within its walls, the museum offers a fascinating journey into the history of Saudi Arabia and ancient Arabic culture, providing valuable insights and knowledge for history enthusiasts. If you're planning to secure an Umrah package from Funadiq, be sure to include a visit to the National Museum in your travel plans for an enriching and educational experience.