7 popular museums of Saudi Arabia

1. Dar Al Madinah Museum, Madinah

Privately owned by Abdul-Aziz bin Abdul-Rahman bin Ibrahim Kaki, the Dar Al Madinah museum admirably showcases the historical past of the holy city. The museum provides working and still models of the old machines, locations, and more. The museum has exhibits displaying the history of the Prophet’s mosque, Masjid An Nabawi, a model of Haram al-Sharif, with Al Aqsa and Dome of Rock models as well. Additionally, there are around 2000 exhibits in the museum preserving many ancient and historical items, photographs, and relics. One of which is the bow of Saad Ibn Abi-Waqas, a companion of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Location: Safwan Ibn Malik Al Tamimi, Al Mabuth, Madinah

Timings: Sunday to Thursday, 11 am – 7 pm. Closed on Friday

Entry fee: SR 25

2. National Museum of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh

The National Museum of Saudi Arabia houses one of the most extensive collections on the evolution of life in the Arabian peninsula. The museum boasts four main sections among many, including the Man and Universe Hall, Pre Islamic Era Hall, Prophet’s Mission Hall, and Hall on Saudi Arabia foundation. These halls display amazing exhibits with fossils of animals, antiques of old tribes, relics from the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) era, and weapons and maps of the region.

Location: King Faisal Road, King Abdul Aziz Historical Centre, Riyadh

Timings: Saturday to Thursday, 8 am – 8 pm, Friday 4 pm – 8 pm

Entry fee: SR 10 for adults

Suggested Read: 7 Museums in Riyadh That Every Tourist Should Visit

3. Museum of Happiness, Riyadh

Inviting people of all ages, the Museum of Happiness creates a destressing environment with vibrant colors. Unlike other museums, visitors are meant to interact with the exhibits. The museum maintains a fun theme around its 1300 square meters of area. The 10 display halls have a teddy room, gumball machine, retro games, rubber duck, etc. The museum also has an on-site restaurant named the Happiness cafe. Visitors can also purchase souvenirs relating to the museum from the gift shop.

Location: Front, Riyadh

Timings: 4 pm – 12 am, every day

Entry fee: SR 160 for adults and SR 60 for children below 12 years of age.

4. Tayebat Museum, Jeddah

Tayebat Museum is an outstanding display of Hijazi architecture. The museum houses old manuscripts, items on Arabian heritage, and Arab historical recreations. It is elegantly furnished and spans 10,000 sq m, with 12 structures and approximately 300 chambers. It is also a Saudi Arabia art museum with numerous artworks from renowned artists adorning the walls of the museum. Further, it has items entailing the noteworthy history of Saudi Arabia.

Location: Rayhanat Al Jazirah, Al Faisaliyah District, Jeddah

Timings: Saturday to Thursday, 8 am – 12 pm & 5 pm – 9 pm, closed on Friday

5. Scitech Technology Center, Al Khobar

Sultan bin Abdulaziz Scientific & Technology Center (SciTech), one of Saudi Arabia’s most well-known science museums, is the best to enjoy a day exploring interactive scientific and technological displays. Visitors can experience the best of the ocean life in the depths of the sea, along with the astronomical observatory that rises high up in the sky. Further, one can understand about natural occurrences like the moon’s waning and waxing phases, as well as many other fascinating scientific processes. Tourists can attend technology exhibitions for a more insightful visit.

Location: Corniche, Alkurnaish, Al Khobar

Timings: Sunday to Thursday, 8 am – 3 pm, 4 pm to 10 pm, Friday and Saturday – From 4 pm to 10 pm

6. King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, Dhahran

The King Abdulaziz Center for world culture, or Ithra, is well-known for its extensive collection of Arabic art. The museum is an 18-story masterpiece of a progressive design that includes exhibition halls and a reading room with a massive collection of literature. Further, the unique architecture of the museum and cultural center has made it a landmark in the region. Tourists can attend scientific workshops and discussion programs to learn more about Saudi Arabian culture. The place is ideal for youngsters since it allows them to learn while having fun.

Location: Ring Rd, Gharb Al Dhahran, Dhahran

Timings: Saturday to Thursday, 9 am – 9 pm, on Friday, 4 pm – 10 pm

7. Tabuk Castle And Museum, Tabuk

Tabuk Castle, which dates back to 35 BC, is another tourist attraction in Saudi Arabia. It is an iconic landmark that depicts the life and the times when it was built. The castle’s name is taken directly from the Holy Quran. In the category of finest museums in Saudi Arabia, the castle was named the best for its amazing design and architecture. The complex comprises two mosques, an open square, watchtowers, and a freshwater cistern. The fortress has been transformed into a museum housing a vast collection of historic papers dating back to the days of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Location: Uthman Ibn Affan Road, Tabuk

Timings: Saturday to Thursday, 7 am – 1: 45 pm, & 4 pm – 8 pm, closed on Friday

Saudi Arabia has a diverse culture, influenced by its Islamic background, historical significance as an old trading hub, and Bedouin customs. Over the last several centuries, Saudi society has advanced dramatically, still preserving the heritage in its extensive museums. The museums of Saudi Arabia are a must-visit to learn about the historic past of the Arabian Peninsula and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Suggested Read: Saudi Arabia Tourism 2022: Top Cities, Itinerary, Do’s and Don’ts

Museums of Saudi Arabia FAQs

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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

Dar Al Madinah Museum FAQs

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