The Red Sea Museum opens in Historic Jeddah: a global cultural destination

In a significant step that enhances the cultural landscape in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and affirms the deep civilization of the Arabian Peninsula, the Museums Authority is preparing to officially inaugurate the Red Sea Museum on Saturday, December 6, 2025. This unique cultural landmark is located in the heart of the historic Jeddah (Al-Balad), which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to be a cultural beacon that documents the eternal relationship between man and the sea.

Historic Jeddah: Gateway to the Two Holy Mosques and a Meeting Place of Civilizations

This event cannot be separated from the rich historical context of Jeddah, a city known for centuries as the “Bride of the Red Sea.” Since the time of the Caliph Uthman ibn Affan (may God be pleased with him), when he designated it as the port for Mecca, Jeddah has played a pivotal role as a major gateway to the Two Holy Mosques and a crossroads for global trade routes connecting East and West. The museum's opening today retells this story, highlighting how the Red Sea served as a bridge for cultural and human exchange, not merely a waterway. Here, the cultures of peoples blended through the Hajj and trade seasons, shaping the unique social fabric of Jeddah's inhabitants.

Bab al-Bunt: A witness to history and the symbolism of the place

The choice of the Bab al-Bunt building to house the museum was not a coincidence, but rather a wise investment in spatial memory. This historic building once served as the primary customs gate for receiving pilgrims and goods arriving by sea. The building underwent meticulous and comprehensive restoration with the support of the Quality of Life Program, one of the programs for achieving the Kingdom's Vision 2030. Its authentic Hijazi architectural identity was preserved while being equipped with the latest museum technologies, transforming it from a center for administrative procedures in the past into a modern center for knowledge dissemination.

Rare collectibles and a journey through time

The museum offers an immersive visitor experience across a vast area encompassing 23 exhibition halls, designed to the highest international standards. The museum's galleries house over 1,000 artifacts and works of art, telling previously untold stories about the secrets of the Red Sea. Exhibits include:

• Rare collections of astronomical navigational instruments and nautical charts that Arab captains relied on during their long voyages.
• Precious artifacts of Chinese porcelain, coral, and agarwood incense burners, reflecting the huge volume of trade that passed through this port.
• Historical documents, manuscripts, and photographs documenting the sea pilgrimages and the suffering and joys of the pilgrims on their way to the holy sites.
• Contemporary artworks by Saudi and international artists create an amazing visual dialogue that connects the authenticity of the past with the spirit of modernity.

Economic and cultural impact within Vision 2030

The Red Sea Museum is a cornerstone of the Ministry of Culture's strategy to promote the "purple economy" and cultural tourism. The project embodies the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to preserve and revitalize national heritage as a driver of development. The museum is expected to attract both local and international visitors, positively impacting the economic activity in Jeddah's historic district and reinforcing the Kingdom's position as a leading global tourist destination with unparalleled heritage assets.

Interactive programs that go beyond traditional presentations

The museum will not be merely an exhibition space for silent artifacts, but is designed to be a vibrant center for community interaction, offering a diverse range of programs, including:

• “Gate of Gates” Exhibition: This is the temporary opening exhibition of Saudi artist Muath Al-Awfi, which presents a contemporary artistic vision of the history of Bab Al-Bunt.
• The “Made in the Red Sea” initiative aims to train local craftsmen and revive and develop sea-related handicrafts as cultural products.
• Educational programs: Workshops and tours designed for schools and families to instill values ​​of national identity and awareness of maritime heritage in the younger generations.