Arts & Culture · Our pick in Riyadh
Riyadh’s museums, architecture and traditions
The back story
About Riyadh’s museums, architecture and traditions
Riyadh’s culture lives in three places. In the gardens of the King Abdulaziz Historical Center, the National Museum tells the story of Arabia from prehistory to the present, and its Ministry of Culture pages list free entry. In Diriyah, JAX District, an old industrial quarter, has become the home of the Diriyah Biennale Foundation, with studios, galleries and the biennales’ exhibitions. And the city itself is the gallery: Foster + Partners’ Al Faisaliah tower, the Kingdom Centre, Gerber Architekten’s King Fahad National Library wrapped in its textile skin, and Zaha Hadid Architects’ KAFD metro station. Underneath it all run the traditions UNESCO has recognised: Arabic coffee, Al Sadu weaving and Alardah, the Najdi dance of drums and poetry.
The museum
The National Museum of Saudi Arabia, in the King Abdulaziz Historical Center.
JAX and Diriyah
JAX District, home of the Diriyah Biennale Foundation, and the museums inside At-Turaif.
Pair the National Museum with the Masmak and the souqs: they are a short drive apart.
Architecture
Al Faisaliah, the Kingdom Centre, the King Fahad National Library and the KAFD metro station.
Traditions
Arabic coffee, Al Sadu weaving and Alardah Alnajdiyah, all on UNESCO’s lists.
Our advice: check the Diriyah Biennale Foundation’s programme before you fly; its exhibitions change through the year.
Why it's on our list
- The museum
- JAX and Diriyah
- Architecture
- Traditions
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Riyadh’s museums, architecture and traditions before you go.