National Museum of Saudi Arabia
المتحف الوطني السعودي
The most comprehensive museum on the history of the Arabian Peninsula. Its eight galleries cover everything from prehistory and ancient kingdoms to the founding of Saudi Arabia.
The museum opened in 1999 within the King Abdulaziz Historical Center. Its facade is shaped like curved dunes. The eight galleries present, in order: the cosmos and the geology of the Arabian Peninsula, prehistoric rock art, ancient kingdoms such as the Nabataeans, the rise of Islam, the tradition of pilgrimage, and the unification of Saudi Arabia. Exhibits include meteorites, ancient inscribed stones and the curtain from the Kaaba’s door. Admission is inexpensive (check the official website for current details). It is usually open daytime Sunday to Thursday and on Friday afternoons. It is in the Murabba district of the city center, reachable by metro or taxi.
Opening hours
About 9:00 am–8:00 pm (open Friday afternoons; check official website)
Nearby sights
- Murabba Palace
- Al Masmak Palace
- Qasr Al Hukm & Deera Square
- Souq Al Zal
- Salam Park
- King Abdullah Park
- Riyadh Zoo
- King Fahad National Library