Saudi Arabia to open its own museum of contemporary art

After hosting many festivals and sporting events this year, Saudi Arabia now wants to open up to the world of art. In a recent statement, the Saudi Ministry of Culture and the Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) announced the upcoming opening of the Saudi Museum of Modern Art. With this first museum, Saudi Arabia aims to stimulate not only tourism but also its cultural sector.

View this post on Instagram

Saudi Arabia. The UNESCO world heritage site close to Riyadh was closed when I visited. I asked the guards if I could enter and was directed to offices near by. A very helpful man from the Ministry of Culture gave me a special pass to enter. I was then free to explore the first capital of Saudi Arabia and the palace of the king, which dates back to the 15th Century. Saudi Arabia is a remarkable place, with friendly and generous people. #saudiarabia #riyadh #addiriyah #travel #adventure #adventuretravel #everycountryintheworld #chasing193 #travelswithmydeaduncle #travellerscenturyclub #travelphotography #wanderlust #explore #traveladdict #instatravel #thebesttravelled #nomadmania

A post shared by Lawrence Williams (@larrymakasutu) on Dec 19, 2018 at 10:12pm PST

What we know about this museum

So little information has been provided, particularly on the choice of the architect who will design the museum or on its opening date. Its location, though, has been disclosed. It is the Bujairi district of Diriyah, on the outskirts of Riyadh, which will have the honor of hosting the building. A not insignificant choice when you know that it is the place of origin of the royal family and that the site is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Diriyah, known as “the pearl of Arabia”, is a real Saudi treasure, rich in palm plantations and traditional raw brick architecture.

”Diriyah was chosen as part of the country’s plan to make it an open destination for the world, rich in discoveries and encouraging creative artistic expression.”