Saudi Arabia has a rich history behind its formation. The culture, tradition, and religion of the country can astonish you with their surreal beauty. All these elements can be explored by visiting the museums in Saudi Arabia. These museums have preserved the beautiful past of the country in the artifacts, weaponry, and ancient relics. But out of hundreds of museums in Saudi Arabia, which ones should you visit? To remove your confusion in choosing the best museums in Saudi Arabia, here’s a list of the best ones that might come in handy.

The 10 Best Museums in Saudi Arabia:

01. National Museum of Saudi Arabia:

Out of all the museums in Saudi Arabia, the National Museum of Saudi Arabia is the most significant one if you want an insight of art, culture, traditions, and history of the country. The museum stands amidst flower-wreathed gardens and is surrounded by modern architecture. From Neolithic rock art to the replicas of old Jeddah buildings, you will find everything here. Explore the 8 halls of the museum that blend perfectly with a regular rotation of activities, guest exhibitions and programmes.

  • Location: Riyadh 11564, Saudi Arabia
  • Opening Hours: Monday - Sunday | 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm
  • Entry fee: 10 riyals ($2.66)

02. Dar al-Madinah Museum:

Dar al-Madinah Museum exhibits around 2,000 rare artifacts that portray the heritage and history of al-Madinah. Comprised of 14 halls, this museum focuses on the history of Madinah and its importance during the post-Hijrah Muslim period. The exhibitions at the museum display rare photographs and visual galleries regarding the history of the city during different eras. A bow affiliated to Saad Ibn Abi-Waqas (a famous Muslim archer and one of the companions of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W)), an exhibition on the history of Masjid al-Nabawi, and a model of the Haram al-Sharif are the most notable exhibits of the museum.

  • Location:  Safwan Ibn Malik Al Tamimi, Al Mabuth
  • Opening Hours: Monday - Thursday and Saturday - Sunday | 11:00 am to 7:00 pm
  • Entry fee: 25 riyals ($6.66)

03. Al Bassam Heritage House:

Built according to Najdi style architecture, Al Bassam House represents the vital combination of the distinguished Najdi architecture with diversified designs. This unique style of the traditional architecture can insulate and reduce the consequences of the harsh heat during the summer season. The large mud house features a strong construction, accuracy of division, and a high height of the ceilings.

  • Location: 3XQ8+QX3, Ad Dulayah, Unayzah 56219, Saudi Arabia
  • Opening Hours: unspecified
  • Entry fee: unspecified

04. Scitech Technology Center:

Spanning an area of 21,700 square meters, the Sultan bin Abdulaziz Science & Technology Center broadens the scientific and cultural outlook of tourists. You can explore the universe at the Earth and Space hall, observe human anatomy at The Living World, and check out marine life at Our Beautiful Seas. Wonders of Science combines natural phenomena with scientific laws, Amazing Technology takes you on a journey of technology’s past, present and future. Lastly, Discovery Oasis is an artificial world consisting of different environments for children’s joy and discovery.

  • Location: Corniche, Alkurnaish, Al Khobar 34412 31952, Saudi Arabia
  • Opening Hours: Monday - Thursday | 8:00 am to 3:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm; Friday - Saturday | 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm; Sunday | 8:00 am to 3:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm
  • Entry fee: 46 riyals ($12.25)

05. Al Tayebat International City:

Tayebat Museum housed in a multiroom complex represents the 2500 year old history of Jeddah. The complex has been designed based on the traditional Hijazi architecture with intricate wooden bay windows. The ground floor of the museum teaches about Islam and it’s history. The other parts of the museum exhibits materials relating to the history of Jeddah and the formation of Saudi Arabia.

  • Location: Raihanat Al Jazirah, 8786, Al Faisaliyah District, Al Faisaliyah District 3170, Saudi, Jeddah 23442, Saudi Arabia
  • Opening Hours: Saturday - Thursday | 8:00 am to 12:00 pm and 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm
  • Entry fee: 80 riyals ($21.31)

06. Tabuk Castle:

Tabuk Castle is a 16th century castle that has been transformed into a museum. It exhibits artifacts from the Ottoman era and gives an insight on the history of Tabuk. There’s a ground floor mosque, a stairway leading to the watchtowers and 2nd-floor mosque, and an open courtyard in this castle.

  • Location: Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
  • Opening Hours: Saturday - Thursday | 7:00 am to 1:45 pm and 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm
  • Entry fee: 50 riyals ($13.32)

07. King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture:

Also known as Ithra, King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture is the country’s leading cultural and creative destination. The museum lies on a symbolic location and has been designed to express time purposefully. It has been divided into 9 key parts for the pleasure of both adults and children. Different workshops and exhibitions are held at King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture. Some rare objects from about 750 CE are on display at the museum.

  • Location: 8386 Ring Rd, Gharb Al Dhahran, Dhahran 34461, Saudi Arabia
  • Opening Hours: Monday - Sunday | 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm
  • Entry fee: 30 riyals ($7.99)

08. Museum of Happiness:

Museum of Happiness invites you to learn the art and science of sustainable happiness. The imaginative and multi-sensory installations in the museum will take you on a delightful journey. Exploring the museum will increase your serotonin and dopamine levels and boost your happiness. You can enjoy in the 10 different themed display halls of the museum and click some Instagrammable selfies and pictures.

  • Location: Front, Riyadh 13413, Saudi Arabia
  • Opening Hours: Sunday - Thursday | 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm; Friday - Saturday | 2:00 pm to 11:00 pm
  • Entry fee: 160 riyals ($42.62)

09. Aloqilat Museum:

With around 10,000 rare historical documents, tools, and commercial route maps on display, Aloqilat Museum is a place of rare historical evidence. The exhibits displayed in the museum were used by the first residents of the region. So, this museum reflects on the origin and history of Saudi Arabia along with giving us an idea of our ancestors’ origins.

  • Location: 418, Wahtan, Buraydah 52342, Saudi Arabia
  • Opening Hours: Monday - Sunday | 8:00 am to 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm
  • Entry fee: 46 riyals ($12.25)

10. Shubra Palace:

Shubra Palace was a royal residence in Taif that was transformed into a heritage museum in 1995. It was built by combining Islamic, Roman and Hijaz architecture. Its architectural excellence is visible in the arches, columns, ceilings, and windows of the 150 rooms and 4 facades. The harmonious appearance of the building and the historical exhibits make it one of the best museums in Saudi Arabia.

  • Location: Shubra St, Taif, Saudi Arabia
  • Opening Hours: Sunday - Thursday | 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
  • Entry fee: unspecified

Some More Museums Coming Soon in Saudi Arabia:

01. Red Sea Museum:

The Red Sea Museum is about to launch by the end of 2022 in the Bab Al Bunt building in historical Jeddah. The museum will include unique cultural elements representing the past of Jeddah, Makkah, and Madinah, around 100 artworks, and temporary and permanent exhibitions suitable for people of all age groups.

  • Location: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
  • Opening Hours: unspecified

02. Saudi Museum of Modern Art:

The Saudi Museum of Modern Art is a collaborative project between the Saudi Ministry of Culture and the Diriyah Gate Development Authority that has been envisioned to become one of the most remarkable cultural, recreational, and tourist centers of Ad Diriyah. Information about the museum’s architecture and artworks haven’t been revealed by the authorities. Moreover, the opening date of the museum hasn’t been announced. 

  • Location: Ad Diriyah, Saudi Arabia
  • Opening Hours: unspecified

03. TeamLab Borderless Jeddah:

The teamLab Borderless Jeddah is a collaboration between a Tokyo-based technology group named teamLab Borderless and  the Saudi Ministry of Culture. It will be a new digital art museum providing immersive virtual experience to visitors starting from 2023. The museum will be an exciting interactive space with multiple themes.

  • Location: Culture Square, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
  • Opening Hours: unspecified

What Not To Miss in The Museums of Saudi Arabia:

Architecture: Museums in Saudi Arabia are a combination of multiple types of architecture. Most museums have been built in Hijazi architecture. Walk around and explore the architectural beauty of the museums.

Artifacts: Age-old Islamic artifacts are stored in the museums of Saudi Arabia. Some of them are 1400-1500 years old. You will find centuries old manuscripts of Quran, old local maps, documents, swords used by popular companions of the Prophet (S.A.W), and many other important artifacts on display.

Science sessions/talk shows/workshops: The science museums in Saudi Arabia workshops are often held. Don’t miss them.

Historic documents: Many rare manuscripts and important documents of historical evidence are displayed in some Saudi Arabian museums. From them, you can learn about the history of Saudi Arabia and Islam.

To learn more about Islam and the rich cultural heritage of Saudi Arabia, the best museums in Saudi Arabia must be visited.