Immerse yourself in the history and culture of the Red Sea city.
Jeddah isn’t just about world-class dining and buzzing events — it’s also a city rich in history, heritage, and culture. Whether you’re an art lover, history buff, or simply curious to learn more about the Kingdom’s past, these museums offer a fascinating glimpse into the stories that shaped the region. From traditional artefacts to contemporary exhibitions, these eight museums in Jeddah promise an inspiring and immersive experience.
Al Matbouli House Museum
Nestled in All Balad, Beit Al Matbouli Museum is a private property situated within Al Qossani Alley. This traditional Hijazi house, dating back 400 years, belonged to a wealthy family and was eventually converted into a museum. It offers a glimpse of some classic Saudi antiques, such as old gramophones, wooden ceilings, and local artefacts.
Go: Visit @jeddahalbalad.sa on Instagram for more information.
Al Tayebat International City
Al Tayebat International City is located in the Al Faisaliyyah neighbourhood and is known as a cultural oasis. This expansive museum occupies 10,000 square meters, featuring 300 rooms across 12 buildings and 18 wings. The stunning structure elevates the classic Hijazi architecture, characterised by wooden latticework, decorative coral brickwork and elaborate minarets. It is home to over 60,000 historically significant artefacts, including ancient texts, traditional clothing, and a replica of the Kaaba.
Go: Visit www.visitsaudi.com for more information.
Angawi House
Angawi House is located in the residential area of Ash Shati, surrounded by luxurious villas. Owned by Dr. Sami Angawi, a renowned expert in Islamic architecture and design, this institution is part home, sanctuary, and museum. It features a 300-year-old carved wooden door and is built around a central courtyard. The house is adorned with exquisite stained glass, elegant arches, intricate ceramics, and stone detailing, all of which reflect a deep appreciation for nature and traditional craftsmanship. Over the years, it has hosted royals, presidents, and other dignitaries, making it a must-visit.
GO: Visit www.samiangawiarchitects.net for more information.
Darwish Salamah Museum
The house-turned-museum Darwish Salamah Museum can be found in Jeddah’s Al Hamra District. This house was once owned by a retired Saudi Royal Air Force colonel. Now, as a museum, it’s adorned with exquisite miniatures of historic landmarks, mosques, and artistic statues. It also showcases mini models of buildings from the Hijaz and Asir regions, as well as cars and aeroplanes.
Go: Follow @darwishalisalamah on Instagram for more information.
Jeddah Sculpture Museum
The Jeddah Sculpture Museum is home to iconic sculptures that were once known as the city’s landmarks. Over time, exposure to natural elements like erosive salt from the sea and strong winds caused them damage. They are now housed in an open-air museum to preserve their historical prominence. The museum has over 400 sculptures, ranging from traditional Arabic designs to abstract pieces.
GO: Visit www.sculpturesofjeddah.com for more information.
Museum of Home Art
Located in Al Hamra’a, the Museum of Home Art showcases the creativity and artistry of home design. Its collection highlights the evolution of home aesthetics, featuring an exquisite array of vintage furniture with a history of over 70 years, including timeless and intricate pieces. The museum preserves collectables that reflect the unique values of diverse communities, such as the grandeur of Western and Eastern palaces. Visitors can explore how home art has evolved over the years, offering a glimpse into the rich heritage of interior design.
Go: Visit www.visitsaudi.com for more information.
Nassif House Museum
The Nassif House Museum is situated in the heart of historic Al Balad. The mansion-turned-museum was built in the 1800s for the Governor of Jeddah, Omar Nasseef Efendi. Since 2009, it has been recognised as a significant cultural centre. The museum features an Ottoman-style structure showcasing artworks in its rooms that date back to the 19th century. The doors and the hallways display Arabic calligraphy that was crafted by the Ottoman Turks.
Go: Visit https://welcomesaudi.com for more information.
TeamLab Borderless Jeddah
TeamLab Borderless Jeddah is a map-free museum created by art collectives at TeamLab. In the age of artificial intelligence, digital art is slowly paving its way into our lives, and this digital display at the museum offers visitors an immersive experience like no other. Artworks seamlessly move beyond the confines of individual rooms and intermingle without boundaries with other works.
GO: Visit www.teamlab.art for more information.
