Photos | With more than a thousand pieces…the opening of the Red Sea Museum in… "Historic Jeddah"

Today I opened Museum Authority The Red Sea Museum at The historic Bab al-Bunt building, as part of the historic revitalization of Jeddah listed on UNESCO World Heritage List; To be a global museum concerned with documenting the tangible, intangible and natural heritage of the Red Sea.

In the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of the Makkah Al-Mukarramah Region, and His Highness Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud, Minister of Culture, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Museums Authority, along with a group of Their Highnesses, Excellencies, dignitaries and visitors from the cultural, artistic and media elite.

The opening activities began with opening speeches and guided tours for guests in the permanent halls of the museum, in addition to the opening of the first temporary exhibition entitled “Gate of Gates” by Saudi artist Moaz Al-Awfi.

The activities culminated in a special musical performance by the “Silk Road” band, who played pieces inspired by the musical diversity of the Red Sea region, embodying its multiple cultural atmospheres.

A comprehensive cultural platform

For his part, His Highness stressed Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud, Minister of Culture, said in his opening speech, “The Red Sea Museum celebrates the natural and cultural heritage of our region, which is rich in its diversity.” His Highness pointed out that the museum “opens a vast space for creativity, and provides a comprehensive cultural platform that enhances dialogue between civilizations, and cultural and knowledge exchange, and reflects the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s commitment and vision to preserve its cultural and natural heritage, to form part of an ambitious journey to revitalize Jeddah.” Historical buildings, with unlimited support from our wise leadership, to build a rich cultural future in which various types of culture and arts flourish. Its role as a gateway to the world over a century ago.

Today it is a cultural landmark linking the past to the present and highlighting historic Jeddah as a bridge between cultures on the coast of the Red Sea.

Contemporary works of art

The Red Sea Museum offers a comprehensive cultural experience through more than 1,000 archaeological and artistic pieces distributed over seven main themes within 23 exhibition halls, embodying the process of cultural and human interaction on the banks of the Red Sea since Ancient times until today.

The exhibits include navigational instruments, Chinese porcelain, rare manuscripts and photographs, in addition to contemporary works of art by artists from Saudi Arabia, the region and the world.

Ibrahim Al-Senussi, the acting CEO of the Museums Authority, explained, “The Red Sea Museum embodies the Ministry of Culture’s commitment to developing museums of international standing in the Kingdom, through an approach based on specialized exhibitions, scientific research and diverse cultural programmes. It will be a beacon of knowledge, creativity and cultural exchange, reflecting the role “The growing growth of Saudi cultural institutions in the global scene.”

Heritage Preservation and Cultural Innovation

The opening of the Red Sea Museum embodies Jeddah’s historical mission of the Ministry of Culture to revive the national heritage in a sustainable manner and develop the cultural economy.

The program was established in 2018 by royal order from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud – may God protect him -; With the aim of managing and developing historic Jeddah and preserving its tangible and intangible heritage.

The Red Sea Museum is one of the main projects within this urban revival, and a symbol of the possibilities of integration in preserving heritage and contemporary cultural innovation.

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