Opening of the Red Sea Museum in Historic Jeddah: A Journey Through Heritage
In a significant cultural step reflecting the depth of Saudi heritage, the Museums Authority today inaugurated the Red Sea Museum in the heart of Jeddah's historic district (Al-Balad), specifically in the historic Bab Al-Bunt building. The opening ceremony was attended by His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of Makkah Region, and His Highness Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, Minister of Culture and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Museums Authority, along with a distinguished gathering of intellectuals and media representatives.
Symbolism of the place: The historic Bab al-Bunt
The choice of the Bab al-Bunt building to house this museum was not accidental; it holds profound historical significance. Historically, this building served as Jeddah's main maritime gateway, welcoming pilgrims, Umrah performers, and merchants arriving via the Red Sea from around the world for centuries. Its restoration and transformation into a world-class museum is part of the "Revitalizing Historic Jeddah" program, one of the projects under the Kingdom's Vision 2030. This initiative aims to restore the building's cultural role as a bridge for cultural exchange, while preserving its unique architectural style that blends authenticity with modern sustainability technologies.
Treasures that tell the story of the coast
The museum offers visitors a rich experience by displaying over 1,000 artifacts and works of art , carefully arranged across 23 galleries encompassing seven main themes. The exhibits are diverse, including:
- Ancient navigational tools used by Arab sailors.
- Rare manuscripts and historical maps documenting trade and pilgrimage routes.
- Collections of Chinese porcelain and archaeological finds recovered from the seabed.
- Contemporary artworks by Saudi and international artists inspired by the spirit of the sea.
The opening ceremony also featured the launch of the first temporary exhibition entitled "Gate of Gates" by Saudi artist Muath Al-Awfi, and a musical performance by the "Silk Road" band reflecting the cultural diversity of the Red Sea basin.
The importance of the museum in the cultural and tourist landscape
The opening of the Red Sea Museum holds strategic importance that transcends its role as an exhibition space for artifacts; it represents a cornerstone in enhancing the status of Historic Jeddah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The museum aims to:
- Documenting the maritime heritage: Preserving oral and material accounts related to the history of navigation and trade in the region.
- Promoting cultural tourism: Creating a world-class tourist destination that attracts visitors interested in history and the arts, thereby supporting the local economy.
- Knowledge exchange: Providing a platform for scientific research and dialogue between civilizations that met on the shores of the Red Sea.
In his speech, His Highness the Minister of Culture affirmed that the museum reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to preserving its cultural and natural heritage, noting that it opens up a space for creativity and promotes cultural dialogue, supported by the wise leadership’s patronage to build a prosperous cultural future.
