The Kingdom is rich in history and local culture, and the National Museum in Riyadh brings together both modern and ancient artefacts of historic and cultural importance.

The Saudi National Museum in Riyadh, part of the King Abdulaziz Historical Center cultural complex, has been showcasing the Kingdom’s antiquity and treasures since 1999. Visitors are immediately teleported on a journey that takes them through thousands of years of history, from the reign of the empires of Arabia to the unification of the Kingdom. The museum is spread over eight exhibition halls that display the region’s history and inform about Islamic culture, Saudi heritage, and so much more.

There’s lots to explore inside, and if you don’t know where to start, here’s a helping hand with a roundup of some of the most interesting artefacts to look for.

Why visit the National Museum?

Let's start at the beginning: why visit at all?

The museum has encouraged youth to connect with their roots and foster a sense of pride in their land. For locals and tourists, it is a must- visit that enriches experience and education by uncovering hidden stories about the Kingdom. As a history buff and someone seeking culture, the National Museum should be a part of your itinerary, as it takes you on an unforgettable journey of Saudi’s spectacular past.

Domestic Quarters in Qaryat Al Faw

The history of Qaryat Al Faw goes back to the first century AD.

Extensive digs in the ancient city have uncovered a number of two-storey houses, constructed with clay and trimmed stones. This house is an example. It includes a set of rooms with an en suite bathroom on the ground floor and stairs in the middle leading up to the upper floor. Available to travellers and pilgrims, the spot was so remote that people didn’t feel the need to build any walls to guard it.

Mamluki Door From Al Aznam Fort

An important fort on the Egyptian coastal pilgrimage route during the Mamluk and Ottoman eras, Al Aznam is located 40km south of the city of Duba. A castle was built there during the Mamluk Sultan Muhammad bin Qalawon era to boost security at Al Aznam station. It was restored by Mamluk Sultan Qansuh Al Ghawri in AD1510, with Khashqadam Al Khazen supervising. The square-shaped fort appears to have had octagonal towers on each corner. Inside, there’s a central courtyard with rectangular rooms, with arches opening on both sides. There’s also a large reception room with three pointed arches.

Sasanian Coins

Discovered in the Eastern Province’s Tarout Island, these ancient coins provide a glimpse into the prosperous Sasanian Empire and its influence on the Arabian Peninsula. Originating in the 3rd century, the Persian dynasty was known for its military power and spread its influence across different regions, including Iran, Iraq, and some parts of Saudi. The coins are crafted from metals and showcase complex designs and markings that shine a spotlight on the social and cultural aspects of the Sasanian Empire.

The Rosetta Stone (Reproduced)

Found in Memphis, Egypt, the stone dates to 196BC and contains an official message about King Ptolemy V Epiphanes. The inscriptions say the same thing in three different scripts, but when it was discovered, there was nobody who could read the Egyptian hieroglyphs; scholars could only understand Ancient Greek. The Rosetta Stone subsequently became important in helping them read hieroglyphs.

A reproduction of the Rosetta Stone is engraved with several languages, including Ancient Greek.

More to See

The National Museum boasts eight halls: Man and the Universe, Arab Kingdoms, Pre-Islamic Era, Prophet’s Mission, Islam and the Arabian Peninsula, First and Second Saudi States, Unification of the Kingdom, and Hajj and Two Holy Mosques.

Don’t worry if you’re not in Riyadh; you can still explore the museum through a virtual tour organised by the Ministry of Culture and the Museums Commission.

Open Monday to Wednesday & Saturday: 9am-7pm, Thursday: 9am-10pm, Friday: 2pm-10pm.

The museum is closed on Sundays.

nationalmuseum.moc.gov.sa

@SaudiMuseum

Al Murabba, King Abdulaziz Historical Center, King Saud Rd., 2722, Riyadh 12631

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