National Museum: House Memory Program for Founding Day and Ramadan
A cultural celebration blending historical authenticity with the spirituality of Ramadan
The National Museum of Saudi Arabia, located in the heart of the King Abdulaziz Historical Center in Riyadh, has announced the launch of its innovative cultural program, “Memory of the Home.” This major event celebrates two occasions dear to the hearts of Saudis: the Kingdom’s founding day and the holy month of Ramadan. The museum will be open to visitors daily from 10:00 PM to 1:00 AM, from February 19th to March 6th, offering a unique experience that blends the richness of heritage with the spirit of community engagement.
The “Memory of the House” program aims to transform the museum into a vibrant space that connects the past with the present, through a diverse range of inspiring exhibits, exciting stories, interactive experiences, and live activities carefully designed to suit all family members, to offer an immersive cultural journey that enhances the connection to national identity and authentic Saudi heritage.
Historical context: Founding day and its deep roots
Founding Day holds a pivotal place in Saudi Arabia's national memory. February 22nd of each year marks the anniversary of the founding of the first Saudi state by Imam Muhammad bin Saud in 1727. This day, declared a national holiday by royal decree in 2022, is not merely a historical celebration, but a reaffirmation of the deep-rooted foundations of the state, spanning three centuries of glory and stability. The "Memory of the Homeland" program embodies these meanings through events that evoke the values of that foundational era and recount the stories of resilience and development that shaped the Kingdom's identity.
The importance of the event and its impact on the cultural scene
The importance of this program lies in its ability to enhance cultural and historical awareness among both local residents and visitors. Locally, “Dhikra Al Dar” contributes to strengthening national identity among younger generations and offers a family-friendly cultural and recreational destination during holidays. Regionally and internationally, such events reflect the development of the cultural sector in the Kingdom and align with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to showcase the Kingdom’s rich national heritage and establish it as a global tourist and cultural destination.
Program themes and diverse activities
The “Memory of the Home” program is divided into two main axes that complement each other to provide a comprehensive experience:
- Founding Day Theme (February 19-22): This theme focuses on reviving the legacy of the first Saudi state and recalling the authentic values upon which the Kingdom was founded over three centuries, through interactive displays and historical stories.
- The Ramadan Nights Theme (February 19 – March 6): This theme evokes the spiritual and social atmosphere of the holy month, through cultural programs that promote community engagement and celebrate Saudi customs and traditions associated with Ramadan.
The program offers its visitors the opportunity to explore a wide range of experiences, most notably:
- “Keys to the House”: An interactive map that takes the visitor on an exploratory journey inside the museum.
- “Dukkan Al-Ajawid”: A space inspired by traditional Saudi markets.
- “Fashion of Glory”: An interactive display of traditional Saudi fashion that reflects the diversity of the Kingdom’s regions.
- “The Witnesses of the House”: A clever matching game that connects cultural symbols with everyday life vocabulary.
- Shadow theater “Following in Their Footsteps”: Storytelling performances that embody prominent historical figures from the Kingdom’s heritage.
