The holy city of Makkah has a rich cultural and historic past. Tourists looking to experience the heritage of the city should ensure to visit top Museums in Makkah. These museums house ruins and antiques from the old Arabian times to the memorabilia from the modern era. Further, the museum illustrates the cultural diversity and scientific advancements of Arabians from the past. The Museums of Makkah, beautifully depicts and preserves the remnants from Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) life and early Islamic relics.
Top 5 Museums in Makkah
Museums in Makkah are renowned for displaying the centuries-old cultural heritage of Saudi Arabia. These museums house years-old artifacts, inscriptions, drawings, and collections. A visit to these museums can help one understand the past of Makkah and Islam comprehensively. Further, visiting museums with family and kids is a great way to bond while learning something new about the kingdom. Here are top 5 museums in Makkah that are a must-visit:
1. Clock Tower Museum
The Clock Tower Museum is situated in the world’s third tallest building and world’s tallest clock tower. It is a must-visit tourist attraction for the jaw-dropping bird’s eye view of Makkah city. The museum offers science centers, observatories, and observation decks. It spreads out on the first four floors of the clock tower. The first floor has the famous Makkah Clock, deemed as the world’s most accurate clock. On the next two floors, visitors get to learn about the universe’s secrets. The museum on these floors preserves massive astronomical models. The fourth floor has enormous balconies from where tourists can get an extensive view of the Grand Mosque.
Clock Tower Museum’s location: King Abdul Aziz Rd, Makkah
Clock Tower Museum’s timings: 2 pm to 11 pm, everyday
Ticket price: Clock Tower Museum ticket price is SR 150 per person normally and SR 300 per person for VIPs
2. Makkah Museum
The Makkah Museum, earlier known as the Al Zahir Palace, is the best place for those who want to understand the past and present of the holy city of Makkah. It is, indeed, one of the most-visited museums in Makkah taking people back to the artistic era of Saudi Arabia. The place has an exquisite collection of Islamic literature, art, and archaeology. There are inscriptions on the walls symbolizing the teachings of the holy Quran and the age-old Islamic practice of calligraphy. Multiple sculptures and artifacts dating back to several centuries show the beauty of Arabic art and culture. Visitors can check the official website for booking online tickets to Makkah Museum. While walking through the rooms of the Makkah Museum, visitors get a historical and religious experience of the region’s glorious past. The museum also has separate prayer halls for men and women.
Makkah Museum’s location: Makkah Al Madinah Munawwarah Rd, Al Zahir, Makkah
Makkah Museum’s timings: 8 am to 12.30 pm & 4 pm to 9 pm, everyday
Suggested Read: Top 7 Hotels In Clock Tower Makkah Near The Masjid Al haram
3. Exhibition of the Two Holy Mosques
The two holiest mosques in Islam, the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, have undergone a great change ever since their inception. The main idea behind the Exhibition of the Two Holy Mosques Architecture Museum is to capture and showcase the architectural transformation of these mosques throughout history. The museum displays outstanding architectural designs and relics from both mosques. It’s entrance is similar to that of the Grand Mosque with beautiful inscriptions on the teachings of the holy Quran. There are seven halls in the museum exhibiting the grandeur of the Grand Mosque, the Holy Kaaba, the Prophet’s Mosque, Zamzam Well, manuscripts, and photographs. Visitors also get a free copy of the Holy Quran and sample of Zamzam water.
Exhibition of the Two Holy Mosques’s location: Old Makkah Jeddah Road, Al Hamra Umm Al Jud, Makkah
Exhibition of the Two Holy Mosques’s timings: 9 am to 8 pm, everyday
4. Al-Amoudi Museum
Al Amoudi Museum is a themed museum located in the heart of Makkah. It is a popular tourist attraction, especially amongst the pilgrims. The museum houses artifacts and relics from different historical periods depicting the lives of the royal family of Saudi Arabia. It serves as a great learning center for cultural awareness. Visitors can learn a lot about folklore and the way of life of the common people of the past.
Al-Amoudi Museum’s location: Makkah – Jeddah Highway, Al Hamra Umm Al Jud, Makkah
Al-Amoudi Museum’s timings: 8 am to 11 pm, everyday
Ticket price: SR 3 per person
5. Al Shareef Museum
Al Shareef Museum, located in the Taif region of the Makkah province showcases the history of Saudi Arabia through its rich collection of artifacts, furniture, and other valuable relics. Visitors get to see year-old furniture, doors, lanterns, and other antiques with intricate detailing. Apart from the old house displays, a section in the museum exhibits various ancient tools like the ones used in agriculture and medicinal purposes. Another section displays a great collection of ancient books, manuscripts, and inscriptions. The museum also has rare manuscripts of the Holy Quran on display as well. Other unique exhibits include vintage cars, cameras, weapons, watches, radios, etc. There is an impressive museum market where visitors can buy souvenirs, antique tools, and clothes. Visitors can also experience weekly auctions organized at the museum.
Al Shareef Museum’s location: Al Sadad, Opposite Hassan Ibn Thabit Road, Taif, Makkah Province
Al Shareef Museum’s timings: 4 pm to 12 am, everyday
Ticket price: SR 20 per adult person
Makkah in Saudi Arabia is considered the holiest place in Islamic culture. The place is home to the biggest mosque in the world: Masjid Al-Haram with Kaaba, the holy shrine, at the center. Every year, approximately 2 million Muslims worldwide travel to Makkah to perform the Hajj. Makkah acts as a cultural point bringing together diverse and rich food, markets, and demography. Understanding Makkah’s religious and historical background is essential to know more about the changes that the city has gone through. This is where the museums and exhibitions steal the spotlight. The museums in Makkah inexplicably represent the history and culture of the city helping the travelers learn more about Islam and Arabian tribes.
Suggested Read: Top 10 Places To Visit With Family In Makkah And Madinah
Museums In Makkah FAQs
How far is Makkah Museum from Masjid Al Haram?
Makkah Museum is approximately 12-15 minutes away from Masjid al-Haram if traveling by car. Visitors need to take a cab from Masjid al Haram to Al-Zaher Palace Museum, Makkah Al Madinah Munawwarah Rd, Az Zahir, Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
Is the Makkah Museum open on Friday?
No, the Makkah Museum is closed on Friday and Saturday.
Does Al Shareef Museum organize private auctions?
Yes Al Sahreef Museum organizes private auctions from time to time.
What is the best time to visit the Clock Tower Museum?
It is advisable to plan the museum trip at least 2 hours before the Maghrib prayer, as it can get really crowded after sunset.
Is a special permit required to visit the Makkah Museum?
If the visitor is not local, they may be required to show a permit to visit such places in Makkah.
