Dar Al Madinah museum is among the famous tourist attractions for history and culture in Saudi Arabia. It is located in the Knowledge Economic City (KEC) and exhibits various artifacts and images that depict the past of The Hijrah Road and the Hijrah related historical incidents. The museum documents the landscape and showcases how the city has survived, evolved, and shaped through the passing years. Known as Mutahaf Dar al-Madinah (متحف دار المدينة) in Arabic, it is owned and run privately by Abdul-Aziz bin Abdul-Rahman bin Ibrahim Kaki. In 1983, the authorities launched a project to transform Al-Hejaz Railway Station into Al-Madinah Museum. It also involved establishing the Hejaz Railway Museum on the premises. The museum features more than 2,000 artifacts and a depiction of evolution of a mere simple house into the Al Masjid Un Nabawi. It has at least 14 halls, each of which narrates an interesting tale about the culture, heritage, and lifestyle of the past eras.
Dar Al Madinah Museum Location
Address: Safwan Ibn Malik Al Tamimi, Al Mabuth, Medina 42362, Saudi Arabia
Opening Hours: The opening hours of Dar Al Madinah Museum are between 9.00 am and 5.00 pm
Entry Fee: The ticket price of Dar Al Madinah Madinah Museum is only SAR 25
Contact Details: +966 14 865 3049
Museum Design
Names of some of the halls in Dar Al-Madinah Museum are as follows:
- Al-Madina Heritage
- Al-Madina in Prophetic Era
- Mohajreen (also known as migrants)
- Al-Madina in the reign of King Abdul Aziz
- Museum Lobby
- Al-Madina history, environment, and nature
- Al-Madina in the reign of First Saudi State
- Ansar (also known as supporters)
- Al-Madina in the reign of First Saudi State
- Prophet Muhammad’s family
- Al-Madina in reigns of Caliphs
- Prophetic Mosque
Among these, the Museum boasts four major halls used by the authorities to conduct seminars. They also display multiple landmarks and the history of Madinah. It has a trained and professional staff that can communicate with tourists in at least seven languages, including Urdu, Arabic, and English. They cite references and sources to provide detailed yet credible information on the subject.
There are three halls in the museum that cover the urban history of Madinah, the story of Islam, and the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The outdoor hall exhibits artifacts that provide information about the ancient architecture of Madinah. These artifacts belong to the beginnings of the Islamic era. There are rare paintings, unique items, and other stuff from the old times that offer in-depth insight into the history of Islam.
Artifacts in the Dar Al Madinah Museum
One of the most important artifacts in the museum is a bow related to Sa’d ibn Abi-Waqas. He was one of the companions of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and a famous archer of his time. The hall that offers details on Masjid al-Nabawi also features visual aids to depict the history through different times and eras. It starts with the mosque’s construction in the time of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and ends with the second Saudi expansion. In one of the historical exhibitions, the museum displays a model of the Haram al-Sharif. However, the model is missing a few elements; it offers details about Masjid al-Aqsa on the left and Dome of Rock in the center.
As mentioned above, the ticket price of Dar Al Madinah Madinah Museum is only SAR 25; however, the museum conducts informative and interactive sessions with the tourists and pilgrims. It enhances the visiting experience with presentations on different historical eras.
Top Reviews
One of the most popular places to visit in Madinah, Dar Al Madinah Madinah Museum is a highly recommended site for pilgrims and families. Here’s what tourists have to say about the museum.
“A private museum. Outstanding presentation and quite interactive and informative to learn about Islamic History specifically about Prophets Migration to Medina, Islamic Battles of Uhod and Khandaq and Prophets Mosque. Tour guide (in English, Urdu) will accompany you and explain islamic history in detail. Museum is open daily from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. It takes around 10-15 min drive from haram. Uber takes around 40 SR for up & down and entry fees is 25 SR.” — Review by Kazi Y
“History of hijrah and Madinah during Rasulullah time, well presented, well display and the tour guide in very good english and arabic, entry fee very reasonable price. highly recommended” — Review by Kafi T
“Very useful information. Before doing Visitations in Madina you should visit this museum. That will enhance you experience further. We had a guide who walked us through different stages of Masjid Nabawi and Uhud , khandaq etc. Also some outlets outside sell Madinah Made stuff , very nice price compared to shops near Masjid Nabawi” —Review by AdilMSyed
“If you are someone who appreciate visuals, this would be a wonderful place to visit to discover and understand the history of Islam and the blessed city of Madinah. You can easily spend 1 hour going through the well curated exhibition. The place can be quite crowded with visitors, especially tour groups. So be patient and understanding. Everyone is there because of their love for the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم and this blessed city.” — Review by Taufiq Majeed
“One of the best places to visit for kid and adults alike. Everyone who visits Madina should find some time to visit the place. They have ticket for kids from 6years to 15 years for 15SAR and above 15 years for 25 SAR. They have guides who explain the history through models in Urdu, English, Turkish and Arabic.” — Review by Abdul Rehman
“Very nice place. The arrangement of replica artifacts can be done better as it needs more room for customers to move and the layout can be done with straight sequence instead of scattered. Also put it in English as Rasulullah SAW is for whole ummah from the whole world. Just my humble suggestions. Thank you.” — Review by Admin Mohd
Suggested Read: 8 Extremely Beautiful And Significant Mosques In Saudi Arabia
Dar Al Madinah Museum FAQs
What is the opening hours of Al Madinah Museum?
The museum remains open from 9.00 A.M. to 5.00 P.M.
What is the ticket price for entering the Al-Madinah Museum?
It costs SAR 25 per person to enter the premises of the Dar Al-Madinah Museum.
How did Al-Madinah Museum come into existence?
In 1983, a project to transform the Al-Hejaz Railway Station into Al-Madinah Museum was launched. Today the museum is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Saudi Arabia.
How many artifacts are present in Al-Madinah Museum?
At least 2,000 artifacts are present in Al-Madinah Museum.
Why is Al-Madinah Museum famous?
The museum is famous for its visual galleries, archaeological collections, and rare images depicting the history of Islam and the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
