Riyadh (Saudi arabia) Explored: 24 Must-See museums to Add to Your Bucket List
Our guide features 24 can’t-miss museums in Riyadh (Saudi arabia) for your next adventure. Explore the best of Riyadh (Saudi arabia) with our list of top-rated museums. For thrill-seekers, we’ve compiled 24 exciting museums. Journey through Riyadh (Saudi arabia) and discover 24 fascinating museums with unique stories.
Information about Riyadh (Saudi arabia)
Riyadh – the capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – is located on a desert plateau in the center of the country, and embraces many distinctive towers, the most important of which is the Kingdom Tower, which is 302 meters high with a bridge high in the sky connecting the two towers together, and the Faisaliah Tower, which is located in the Olaya district and has a height of 267 meters; It is located in the historical neighborhood of Deira, the Al-Masmak Palace, built of adobe and bricks, and it is one of the most famous historical monuments in Saudi Arabia. In addition, the city of Riyadh is famous for its huge and luxurious shopping complexes, including the Riyadh Gallery Mall, which is distinguished by its wonderful interior designs, and includes various international shops and various restaurants. Riyadh contains many parks and gardens, including the Peace Park, which is located near the Palace of Government and extends over an area of 312,000 square meters of green spaces and water bodies, and King Abdullah Park, which attracts millions of visitors.
A list of the best Museums in Riyadh
We’ve carefully curated a list of the top 24 museums in Riyadh (Saudi arabia) , based on visitor ratings and reviews. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, our guide will help you plan the perfect outing. Our team has scoured the city to find the best museums, from museums to restaurants to gardens. Let us be your guide to Riyadh (Saudi arabia) ‘s museums scene and experience the sights and flavors that make it unique. Don’t waste your time searching for the best spots – we’ve done the work for you. Trust our expertise to make the most of your time in Riyadh (Saudi arabia) .
1- Shaqra Heritage Museum
Shaqra Heritage Museum – The Shaqra Heritage Museum collection is an important source for researchers and those interested in the sciences of history and archeology and those interested in the lives of Saudis in the Riyadh region throughout their various stages of history. Ground Arabic Sessions.
Place address: 7744+GQF, Shaqra 15518, Saudi Arabia
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2- Alajlan Art Gallery
Alajlan Art Gallery – The Art of the Wet Seven Exhibition is one of the most prominent art galleries in the city of Riyadh, where art exhibitions are constantly organized, whether these exhibitions are dedicated to Saudi artists or international artists, or result from cooperation between Saudi artists and other Arabs or internationals, which encourages many interested in art to come To it and see the paintings displayed in it.
Place address: Prince Muhammad Ibn Saad Ibn Abdulaziz Rd, Al Malqa, Riyadh 13521, Saudi Arabia
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3- Colors of Saudi Riyadh
Colors of Saudi Riyadh – It is a national program launched by the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage in 2012 AD, through which it sought to emphasize the importance of photography as one of the main elements contributing to the upgrading of the tourism system in the Kingdom, in addition to adopting promising Saudi talents in the field of photography and encouraging them to highlight the tourism potential of the Kingdom through programs Colors and its various activities extend throughout the year, beginning with the annual competitions for the colors of Saudi Arabia, passing through the continuous photographers’ trips throughout the year, the traveling exhibition of the winning pictures in the competition, and the Saudi Colors book that documents the best winning pictures and participation in the competition, and ending with the great annual forum that includes an annual exhibition of pictures The competition, and pavilions for the participating parties, in addition to a rich scientific program of training workshops and practical sessions that expose everything new in the world of photography and films. The exhibition will be held at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center.
Place address: King Abdullah Rd, King Abdullah, Riyadh 12451, Saudi Arabia
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4- Al Hmdan Heritage Museum
Al Hmdan Heritage Museum – The great importance of the Hamdan Heritage Museum compared to other museums in the city of Riyadh is due to the fact that it is specialized in the history and heritage of the Najd region. Arabic sessions, and many other tools and collectibles.
Place address: الطرفاوي، الخليج، Al Khaleej, Riyadh 13224, Saudi Arabia
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5- King Abdul Aziz Historical Center
King Abdul Aziz Historical Center – The King Abdulaziz Historical Center occupies a distinguished position in the cultural life in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as it carries the message of introducing the Kingdom and its history throughout the ages, especially the historical stages associated with the Islamic call and its spread from the Arabian Peninsula to the world. The center includes in its facilities a meeting hall, galleries, a large garden, and a number of indoor and outdoor squares.
Place address: 2722 الملك سعود، المربع، الرياض 3437 1428،، Al Murabba, Riyadh 12631, Saudi Arabia
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6- Historic Diriyah Fort
Historic Diriyah Fort – The historic Diriyah Castle was the seat of the rule of the first Saudi state, which explains the great historical importance it enjoys today in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, especially as it is located in an area that UNESCO considers a world heritage site. The castle attracts those interested in antiquities and history researchers, as the guides take them on a tour around the castle and help them find the information they want.
Place address: PHMG+C84, Al Traif, Ad Diriyah 13711, Saudi Arabia
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7- Al Masmak Fortress
Al Masmak Fortress – The story of building Al-Masmak dates back to the era of Imam Abdullah bin Faisal bin Turki bin Abdullah bin Muhammad bin Saud, who began building it in the year 1282 AH corresponding to 1865 AD within a large palace in the heart of Riyadh, and this fort was part of that palace. Al-Masmak or Al-Masmak means the thick and high fortified building, as historians called it several names, including the fort, the castle, and Al-Masmak or Al-Masmak, but the last name is the common one. In its construction, adobe and mud mixed with hay were used. The foundation was built of stones. Its outer walls were covered with a plaster of clay. Wood from trunks of tamarisk trees, palm branches, and palm fronds covered with a layer of mud were used to cover the ceiling. The museum contains pictures, maps, models, display cabinets, some old weapons, and some pieces Folklore and the audio-visual hall. The halls of the Masmak Museum: – The main courtyard – Riyadh, the time of its recovery – The storming of the Masmak – The Pioneers – Historical Riyadh – The Masmak Fortress – The uses of the Masmak – The last hall, the sections of the Masmak – The Gate – The Mosque – The Majlis – The Well – The Towers .
Place address: Al Masmak Palace Museum, 6937 Al Thumairi St, Ad Dirah, 3153، Riyadh 12634 6937, Saudi Arabia
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8- Murabba Historical Palace
Murabba Historical Palace – The historic Murabaa Palace was built using local building materials and with an exquisite architectural design in the traditional Najdi style, by order of King Abdulaziz, to be a residence for him and his family, then it was converted into a museum of great historical and archaeological value and importance, as it includes both artifacts, clothing and ceramic arts Official documents, photographs and other great collectibles.
Place address: 2722 الملك سعود، Al Murabba, Riyadh 12631, Saudi Arabia
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9- Mishkat Interactive Center
Mishkat Interactive Center – The Mishkat Interactive Exhibition undertakes a very important task for the future of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its inhabitants, as it is keen to motivate tomorrow’s leaders of smart and ambitious children and youth to discover all scientific fields and acquire the necessary skills to work and contribute to them, especially renewable energy sciences and atomic energy, which have become among the most important scientific issues that occupy the world .
Place address: العقارية بلازا، طريق العليا العام طريق العليا العام ,العليا، Al Olaya, بوابة A، Riyadh 12244 7235, Saudi Arabia
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10- Happiness Museum
Happiness Museum – The Museum of Happiness is not a traditional place, as this museum is dedicated to drawing a smile on the faces of its visitors, and providing them with moments of happiness and fun that are represented in the unique rooms that come from fantasy worlds, including the duck room, which includes a large number of small yellow duck game, room The big pink teddy bear, the coloring room with huge pens, and many others, are some of the sections that people enjoy discovering when visiting.
Place address: مطار الملك خالد الدولي،، طريق،، Riyadh 11564, Saudi Arabia
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11- King Fahad Cultural Centre
King Fahad Cultural Centre – The King Fahd Cultural Center is one of the landmarks of the city of Riyadh of great importance, as it plays a prominent role in Saudi cultural life by organizing exhibitions, seminars, and events related to arts and culture, including musical and performance shows using hologram technology, in addition to theatrical performances and screening of international, local and Arab films.
Place address: JMQ3+798, Ar Rafiah, Riyadh 12752, Saudi Arabia
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12- National Museum
National Museum – The Saudi National Museum is a huge national museum in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Opened in 1999, it is located in the eastern part of the King Abdulaziz Historical Center in Riyadh. Designed by architect Raymond Moriyama, the design idea came from the colors and shapes of the red sand dunes outside Riyadh. The western facade of the museum represents the smooth surroundings of the dunes, with the outer borders forming a crescent pointing to Mecca. This façade connects to a large atrium, which also connects to a smaller courtyard that separates the museum into north and south. The northern wing represents the pre-Islamic period and is connected by a bridge with the southern wing, which displays Islamic history. In addition to the presence of two galleries for holding special exhibitions, and there are eight galleries, they are: – Man and the Universe. This hall contains a large part of a meteor that was found in the desert of the Empty Quarter. There are many interactive models about the solar system, the geology and geography of the Arabian Peninsula, and about the plant life there. And this hall ends with the man from the Stone Age. The Arab Kingdoms This gallery displays the ancient kingdoms, especially Dilmun and Midian. The hall also contains cities from these kingdoms, such as Al-Hamra, Dumat Al-Jandal, and others. There are also displays of late Arab kingdoms that settled in Al-Aflaj, Najran and Ain Zubaydah. Pre-Islamic period This hall is specially equipped for the pre-Islamic era until the dawn of Islam. And cities like Mecca, Jerash, Khaybar. And also markets such as Okaz, Al-Majaz, and Habesha. Also, this hall displays many examples of the text and handwriting revolution. The Mission of the Messenger Here presents the life and mission of the Prophet Muhammad. On one wall is the Prophet’s family tree in fine detail. Islam and the Arabian Peninsula This hall is about the beginning of Islam in Medina and the history of the rise and fall of the Islamic Caliphate. The first and second Saudi states present here the history and culture of the two Saudi states. – Unification This hall displays how King Abdul Aziz united the country. The Hajj and the two holy mosques are a huge model of Makkah and its environs.
Place address: The National Museum of Saudi Arabia, 9283 طريق الملك فيصل، المربع، الرياض 12631 2964،، Riyadh 12631 2964, Saudi Arabia
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13- Old Diriyah
Old Diriyah – Diriyah is the birthplace of the first Saudi state, a historic crossroads for pilgrims and merchants, and home to one of the kingdom’s most ambitious heritage developments. Its mud-brick walls once housed a thriving desert city founded in 1446 on the banks of Wadi Hanifa and was a center of culture, commerce and a haven for those Those looking for relief from the heat of the desert, and today it includes many rich heritage sites open to the public, and the historic city in all its components embodies the spirit of the nation’s history and its promise for its future. The Diriyah Museum provides an opportunity to walk through the ruins of Al-Turaif district and learn about the importance of specific elements in Salwa Palace, and provides an interpretation of the history and development of the first Saudi state through artifacts, drawings, models and documentaries.
Place address: Wadi Hanifah St, Al Bujairi،، Ad Diriyah 13711, Saudi Arabia
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14- King Abdulaziz Historical Center
King Abdulaziz Historical Center – The King Abdulaziz Historical Center is one of the most important civilizational and cultural landmarks in the capital, Riyadh. It was inaugurated on the fifth of Shawwal in the year 1419 AH, on the occasion of the hundredth anniversary of the founding of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by King Abdulaziz. The High Authority for the Development of the City of Riyadh laid the planning foundations, the intellectual content, the urban and architectural design of this civilizational edifice, and supervised the stages of work on it. The King Abdulaziz Historical Center was established to be a national landmark at the level of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and to be a cultural center and a bright civilized facade that reflects the history of the Arabian Peninsula and the eternal message of Islam. The King Abdulaziz Historical Center is located in the Al-Murabba neighborhood in the center of Riyadh, and occupies an area of four hundred and forty thousand square meters.
Place address: King Abdulaziz Historical Center (National Museum), King Faisal Rd, Al Murabba، Riyadh 12631, Saudi Arabia
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15- Currency museum
Currency museum – The Currency Museum in Riyadh is considered one of the best museums in Riyadh at all, as it is one of the specialized cultural museums in the entire world. This museum contains many different rare currency holdings, as all the currencies that exist in this museum date back to the past centuries, so this museum contains some different currencies that date back to more than 15 centuries ago, in addition to that it contains a wide range of rare currencies Which dates back to pre-Islamic times, and also contains a group of different currencies that people used to deal with during the Islamic era, in addition to different groups of modern-day currencies, all this besides that the museum contains many different raw materials and equipment that enter and contribute In the manufacture of various currencies, whether paper or metal, it is worth noting that this museum contains five halls that were elegantly designed, and the holdings are displayed with high accuracy and ingenuity.
Place address: Currency Museum of Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority, 3896 المعذر، المؤتمرات، الرياض 12712، Riyadh 12712 6868, Saudi Arabia
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16- Naila Art Gallery
Naila Art Gallery – Gallery Naila has played an important role in promoting art and integrating and attracting a large-scale art-loving audience. The gallery was established to be a support platform not only for local creativity but also for art and culture in general, and to be a link between the local audience and the international art scene. The Gallery is an institution dedicated to appreciating art and working to support and highlight the vibrant art scene in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The gallery presents an active and ever-changing program of exhibitions and events that includes workshops, art seminars and many artistic activities. The gallery has a rich program of exhibitions and activities. It also displays a wide variety of works of art, including paintings, sculptures and historical collectibles. The gallery has also developed the Nyla Projects platform, which provides ongoing support and mentoring to artists. The gallery works with artists – internationally and locally – and provides them with the necessary guidance and assistance to complete a specific artwork. The Naila Gallery has cooperated with many international facilities, museums and galleries to provide its audience in Riyadh with a wide range of artistic and cultural experiences. Solo exhibitions were also held for professional artists such as Ahmed Mualla and Farouk Hosni, as well as exhibitions for international, regional and local artists. The gallery has also collaborated with international non-profit initiatives promoting art and culture such as the British Council and the German Cultural Centre. The gallery has established regional partnerships with galleries such as Art Space, Tajalliyat Gallery, and Al Bareh Gallery. The gallery is committed to its role as a meeting platform between artists and the local audience and works to strengthen and enhance the artistic community in Riyadh.
Place address: معرض نايلا للفنون | Naila Art Gallery, Said Ibn Khalid, Al Mathar Ash Shamali, Riyadh 12334, Saudi Arabia
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17- Mono Gallery
Mono Gallery – Mono Gallery hosts a very large collection of art pieces and paintings that Saudi, Arab and international artists supervised their production with professionalism and creativity, making it one of the most important art galleries in the city of Riyadh, which attracts large numbers of visitors throughout the year who are interested in all kinds of arts and follow the city’s cultural scene.
Place address: 3915 الامير فهد بن محمد بن عبدالعزيز،, Hittin, Riyadh 13517, Saudi Arabia
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18- Forum for Fine Arts Hall
Forum for Fine Arts Hall – tour with a friend in Al Multaqa Gallery for Fine Arts might be a really great idea, especially since Al Multaqa constantly hosts art exhibitions by Saudi and international artists that shed light on various topics in a distinctive creative style. The curators and supervisors of the exhibitions undertake the task of coordinating the paintings in an attractive and consistent manner so that the visitors will like it.
Place address: 3595 Prince Hadhlul Ibn Abdulaziz, King Fahd, Riyadh 12274, Saudi Arabia
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19- Saqer-Aljazirah Aviation Museum
Saqer-Aljazirah Aviation Museum – An air museum that recounts the historical development of the Royal Saudi Air Force, from its inception at the hands of King Abdul Aziz to what it has reached in this era. The museum consists, in its first phase, of a covered main exhibition hall that contains real planes that entered service in the Saudi Air Force and small models of some planes, in addition to four screen booths and a corner for the history of the Air Force. In the upper part, the visitor gets to know a group of weapons such as missiles, bombs, ranks and military clothing There are also some petrines that contain military decorations and medals. The Royal Saudi Air Force Museum or Saqr Al-Jazira is located on the eastern ring road of the city of Riyadh between exits 10 and 11. A Lockheed L-1011 Tri-Star aircraft bearing the Saudi Arabian Airlines logo is visible from the ring road. The aim of establishing the museum is to preserve the historical legacy of the Air Force, which tells the story of continuous success for more than 80 years. The establishment of the museum is located in the east of the Riyadh Air Base, specifically on the (Eastern Ring Road) Airport Road, in order to be a tourist attraction for visitors to the city of Riyadh. The museum is a shining front for the Armed Forces in general and the Air Force in particular.
Place address: Saqr Aljazeera Aviation Museum, الطريق الدائري الشرقي الفرعي،، King Abdullah, Riyadh 12451, Saudi Arabia
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20- Museum of Illusions
Museum of Illusions – Many options are available for visitors to the Museum of Mystery of all ages, where specialists and guides undertake the task of guiding visitors into worlds of fantasy and mystery in which visitors see many tricks and mysterious phenomena and listen to a detailed explanation about each of them, in addition to the presence of many puzzles that need time to solve, which can be Visitors buy them as souvenirs and take them home.
Place address: Park Mall, Northern Ring Branch Rd, Al Aqiq, Riyadh 13511, Saudi Arabia
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21- Museum for Science and Technologys History in Islam
Museum for Science and Technologys History in Islam – In 2015, the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage in Riyadh issued a license for this distinguished museum, which was established by Imam Muhammad bin Saud University in cooperation with the Institute for the History of Arabic and Islamic Sciences at the University of Frankfurt, Germany. The Museum of the History of Science and Technology in Islam is located in the city of Riyadh, specifically at Imam Muhammad bin Saud University, and it is the first museum of its kind in the region. This museum includes many valuable holdings such as a group of Muslim inventions dating back to the period between the third and tenth century AH, monitoring and navigation machines, some war machines and many other items related to architecture, engineering, Islamic medicine, optics, chemistry and technical physics. Do not hesitate and visit it with your family or friends and enjoy learning about the wonderful Islamic scientific history.
Place address: Museum for Science and Technology‘s History in Islam, Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh 13318, Saudi Arabia
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22- King Salman Science Oasis
King Salman Science Oasis – King Salman Science Oasis combines being an educational center and an entertainment place at the same time, as those in charge of it are keen to organize educational events through which they deal with various sciences such as chemistry, astronomy, space science and other sciences, in addition to scientific experiments in an interesting, fun and creative manner that attracts and encourages all ages To develop their skills and develop their knowledge.
Place address: طريق الملك عبدالله،, Al Raed, Riyadh 12354, Saudi Arabia
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23- Museum of Dulm fragrant history
Museum of Dulm fragrant history – Al-Dilam Museum, the fragrance of history, is one of the museums of the Riyadh region in Al-Kharj Governorate, the Al-Dalam Center. It was founded by Ali bin Omar Al-Sabran. The museum is located in a rented building of one floor and includes a number of heritage pieces that were presented in five wings. Agricultural and leather goods, old doors, lighting tools, scales and measures, clothes and woolen coffee ware. The launch of the museum is considered to be in 1412 AH, as it had its beginnings in his house and its small area, and it consisted of some old legacies, pictures and books, after that he moved to this site in 1432 AH.
Place address: متحف الدلم عبق التاريخ، Ad Deerah, 4634, Ad Dilam 16222, Saudi Arabia
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24- Dar Al Ezz Museum
Dar Al Ezz Museum – The Diyar Al-Ezz Museum is one of the largest currency museums in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It was established by Saeed Ali Al-Ghamdi in the city of Riyadh, Al-Muzahimiyah Governorate. This distinguished museum contains about 12,000 pieces of various ancient currencies. This museum consists of three exhibition halls, each next to the other. The first hall is located on an area of 88 square meters “4 x 22 m”. This hall has been allocated for displaying banknotes and coins of various types, shapes, and different periods of time. The second hall is located on an area of 40 square meters “4 x 10 m”. This hall has been allocated for the display of some women’s clothing, some old documents, cooking tools, food and drink as well, as well as decorative tools, pottery, leather and various stamps. The third hall This hall contains prints, stamps as well, and some authentic artifacts. It contains a large collection of postage stamps, the number of which exceeds 60,000 stamps. This hall also contains old magazines, rare photos, and some documents.
Place address: Dar Al Ezz Museum, الأحمدية، Al Muzahimiyah 19678, Saudi Arabia
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Conclusion
We hope our guide has inspired you to explore the unique and fascinating region of Riyadh (Saudi arabia) . From its stunning natural wonders to its rich cultural heritage, Riyadh (Saudi arabia) is a destination that promises to leave you awe-inspired and enriched. We encourage you to take your time and immerse yourself in the local culture, learn about the history and traditions of the region, and connect with the people who call it home. Remember that every journey is a personal one, and your experience in Riyadh (Saudi arabia) will be different from anyone else’s. So, don’t be afraid to follow your instincts, take a detour, and explore the unknown. As you journey through Riyadh (Saudi arabia) , we invite you to embrace the unexpected and discover the hidden treasures that await. We hope that our guide has been a valuable resource in planning your trip, and we look forward to hearing about your travels. Safe travels, happy exploring, and until next time!