A guide to the best of arts and culture in Riyadh and Jeddah
Throughout history, Saudi Arabia has been at the epicentre of arts and culture, with ancient traditions and practices that have enriched global creative landscapes, Saudi Arabia continues to build on its artistic legacy by investing world-class museums and diverse cultural programmes across cities. From the capital Riyadh to Jeddah, Saudi’s arts and culture scene is not only thriving but also driving innovation through investments in creative spaces, emerging talent, and the nation’s youth, in addition to partnerships with leading global cultural institutions. As part of an unforgettable twin-centre trip, Riyadh boasts a mix of cultural and big-city energy with modern museums and trendy art districts, while Jeddah captivates with historic heritage and a stunning coastline, providing an idyllic backdrop for cultural immersion. Here’s your ultimate guide to cultural events, exhibitions and experiences for the perfect art-filled trip.
Riyadh is a rapidly growing hub of art and culture where timeless traditions meet contemporary creativity and a futuristic point of view. The capital’s museums – from the National Museum to the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) -showcase Saudi heritage through traditional crafts, historic artworks, and modern exhibitions. While galleries and cultural institutions present immersive experiences, inviting visitors to discover Saudi’s rich artistic heritage and embark on a journey of innovation.
Located in the heart of Diriyah, the JAX District is an industrial heritage site transformed into a modern centre for culture and creativity. It’s also home to acclaimed artists, prestigious galleries, leading media, creative agencies, and SAMOCA – Saudi Arabia’s first contemporary art museum. Built on pillars of access, quality, excitement, and community, JAX provides shared spaces for collaboration, cultural events, education, as well as opportunities for aspiring creatives to network with like-minded individuals. Notable events include the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale, MDLBEAST XP and Noor Riyadh, among others, making it a must-visit destination for arts and culture.
Riyadh’s art scene is evolving at lightning speed, with both emerging and established artists stepping into the spotlight to showcase their creativity and contemporary works at iconic museums and modern galleries. Here’s a list of must-see art galleries to add to your list…
Naila Gallery stands as one of Saudi Arabia’s most prominent art spaces that showcases over 10,000 artworks by more than 400 artists. The gallery invests in the next generation of Saudi talent by acting as a bridge between local talent and the global arts scene, with over 300 events to date, connecting creatives and fostering cultural exchange.
Open Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Discover full details here.
Established in 2005, Hewar Art Gallery was created to advance the fine art movement and foster contemporary creativity within Saudi Arabia. Through exhibitions, publications, mentorship programmes and art consulting, it has become a driving force in supporting artists, promoting cultural exchange and shaping Saudi’s rapidly growing arts scene.
Open Saturday-Thursday. Discover full details here.
Founded by H. H. Princess Adwaa bint Yazid Bin Abdallah in 1999, L’Art Pur Foundation is a renowned private cultural institution with a vision to promote cultural and artistic awareness. The Foundation empowers emerging and established artists in Saudi Arabia through its initiatives, exhibitions, public programmes and artistic exchanges.
Visitors can enjoy one of the largest art gallery spaces in the region, which boasts three halls as well as a calendar of events, workshops and seminars that celebrate the arts.
Seasonal programmes. Discover full details here.
Dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich legacy of Arab-Islamic artistry, Al-Faisal Museum for Arab-Islamic Art’s collection includes intricate calligraphy, ceramics, textiles, and manuscripts.
Open Saturday-Thursday. Discover full details here.
As Saudi Arabia’s first museum dedicated to contemporary art, SAMoCA serves as a dynamic space for showcasing the best practices and contemporary artworks, as well as hosting exhibitions that spotlight local, regional, and international artists.
Open Saturday-Thursday. Discover full details here.
Abstract Art Gallery connects artists and audiences, showcasing local pioneers through visual storytelling, abstract artistic expressions and unconventional practices. Visitors can immerse themselves in geometric forms and expressive compositions, creating a captivating experience for art lovers.
Open Saturday-Thursday. Discover full details here.
Riyadh is home to an array of conceptual and emerging art spaces, such as Dar Al Funoon. The gallery showcases regional, contemporary artists, giving visitors and locals the chance to connect with the region’s emerging art scene. As well as the exhibits, Dar Al Funoon provides workshops and experimental projects for both artists and visitors.
Discover full details here.
Saudi’s arts and cultural sector places strong emphasis on empowering local artists and talent across creative practices. Inspiring initiatives like Riyadh Art bring contemporary art to public spaces, engaging the community, creating dialogue, and introducing new artistic perspectives. Meanwhile, government-backed organisations such as the Misk Art Institute provide emerging artists with workshops, exhibitions and mentorship programmes to build confidence and refine their skills. Collectively, these cultural and creative institutions contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage and traditional crafts, while giving Saudi artists the invaluable opportunity to showcase their work on the world stage through cultural exchange programmes.
Riyadh Season kicks off the city’s arts calendar, offering a wide array of exhibitions, performances and cultural experiences from October to March. Art Week Riyadh in April showcases contemporary works from local and international artists while Noor Riyadh in November-December transforms the city with large-scale light installations and immersive experiences. Elsewhere, the Tuwaiq Sculpture Festival celebrates public art, inviting artists to engage with Riyadh’s urban landscape. Additionally, another arts and calendar highlight includes Saudi Design Week, which showcases traditional crafts and emerging talent throughout the year.
Far beyond art galleries and festivals, Riyadh’s iconic museums uphold the history of the nation. Take a trip to the Al Hamdan Heritage Museum, which highlights traditional crafts, lifestyles and customs, or to make a stop at Al Masmak Palace, a historic fortress that tells the story of Riyadh’s founding and the unification of Saudi Arabia. To deep-dive into the region’s culture and history, visit the National Museum of Saudi Arabia, which features extensive exhibitions on archaeology, Islamic art and nature. No matter which museum you add to your itinerary, you’re bound to gain a deeper appreciation of Saudi Arabia’s culture and fascinating history every step of the way.
Located on the Saudi Red Sea coast, Jeddah is a gateway to Saudi’s arts and cultural sector, where timeless traditions meet modernity. Historic districts and open-air sculpture parks to cutting-edge galleries and immersive digital experiences, the city has something special to offer every art lover. Its unique blend of heritage, contemporary creativity and a rich culture invites visitors to explore, discover and be inspired by a nation that’s constantly growing and keeping up with global trends, while remaining deeply rooted in its identity.
Historic Jeddah is a famous hub of heritage crafts, arts and culture. Coveted for its artistic atmosphere, the Public Art Walk features murals, sculptures and installations that celebrate local and international artists. Visitors can look forward to wandering the winding streets, exploring traditional coral-stone buildings and discovering bustling souks alongside galleries and creative spaces. The district distinctively weaves together generations of history and culture with contemporary creativity, offering an authentic Arabian adventure for all.
From public art to historic landmarks and cool contemporary galleries, here are six must-visit art destinations in Jeddah.
The Jeddah Sculpture Museum on the Corniche showcases twenty of the city’s most famous sculptures in a seven-square-kilometre open-air park, known as Al Hamraa. Many of these prominent works had experienced damage from decades of exposure to wind and sea salt, leading to their restoration and placement in a dedicated space to highlight their beauty and cultural significance.
Open daily. Discover full details here.
Marking the city’s first open-air museum, the Jeddah Sculptures Museum features one of the largest collections of sculptures and statues in the world. Spanning 7 square kilometers, it showcases 21 remarkable artworks along the stunning new Corniche and presents a host of fresh and exciting artistic experiences.
Open daily. Discover full details here.
Offering a unique and intimate cultural experience, the Museum of Home Art celebrates traditional Saudi craftsmanship alongside contemporary works while highlighting the nation’s rich heritage and emerging artists. Once a 5,000-square-meter private residence, the museum houses an impressive collection of antiques, vintage and luxurious furniture, alongside other rare artistic finds.
Open Tuesday – Sunday
Founded in 2009 by cultural pioneers Mohammed Hafiz and Hamza Serafi, ATHR is a contemporary art gallery in Saudi Arabia that has been at the forefront of Saudi’s art scene, both locally and globally. ATHR’s mission is deeply rooted in innovation and pushing boundaries when it comes to shaping cultural narratives, working with creatives across disciplines and artistic practices.
Open Sunday – Thursday. Discover full details here.
A cultural landmark, the House of Islamic Art in Jeddah invites visitors to embark on a profound and contemplative journey through the visual and spiritual heritage of the Islamic world. The gallery features intricate calligraphy, textiles, ceramics, and architectural models, offering an immersive exploration of the spiritual rituals and aesthetic traditions that have shaped the region for centuries.
Open Tuesday – Sunday. Discover full details here.
A futuristic world of artworks without boundaries and essentially a museum without a map instead you are guided by senses and intuition. Known for its digital and immersive installations, teamLab uses light, motion and interactivity to create transformative experiences that blur the lines between art and technology, for an extraordinary day out.
Open daily. Discover full details here.
Jeddah’s creative spaces are vibrant hubs that bring artists, designers and innovators together to collaborate, exchange knowledge and showcase their work. Among the most notable is Hayy Jameel, developed and managed by Art Jameel as a dedicated arts complex and creative hub, staging exhibitions, workshops and performances. Locally, it works with individuals and organisations to deliver original programming, encourage cross-pollination of ideas, foster entrepreneurship and support the development of creative infrastructures. Beyond exploring the artworks on display, visitors can experience a unique glimpse into Jeddah’s energetic arts community, courtesy of Hayy Jameel.
Throughout the year, Jeddah presents a lively calendar of art-focused festivals for residents and tourists to enjoy. Highlights include the Islamic Arts Biennale, held every two years, showcasing contemporary interpretations of Islamic art across multiple venues, and The Weekends Music & Art Festival, host shows annually during the cooler months, blending music and visual arts with local and international performers. Each December, the Red Sea Film Festival returns to Jeddah, bringing regional and international cinema to the city’s screens, with red-carpet appearances from local talent and Hollywood stars. Beyond these, there is much more to explore, with pop-ups and activations announced each quarter.
Beyond the arts, Jeddah offers many cultural experiences to uncover the city’s charm and history. For instance, Tayebat Museum is one of Saudi Arabia’s largest private museums, showcasing historical artifacts, traditional costumes, and immersive exhibits that trace Saudi’s past. The Tariq Abdulhakim Center honours the legacy of musician Tariq Abdel-Hakim – who dedicated his life to preserving cultural heritage – and features an array of his musical compositions, artifacts and recordings. Beit Baeshen and Beit Nassif, two historic houses in Jeddah that capture over 150 years of stories from passed generations. Another hidden gem along the Corniche is Al Rahma Mosque, built in 1985, boasting breathtaking views and offering a moment of solitude to admire the majestic architecture.
