Expect this opening to be a “cultural anchor” for the region.
Saudi Arabia’s cultural landscape continues to evolve, and its latest addition is set to shine a light on the stories of the sea. Opening on 6 December, the Red Sea Museum will welcome visitors in Jeddah’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, Al Balad. Housed in the beautifully restored Bab Al Bunt building, once Jeddah’s original maritime gateway to the world, the museum brings the city’s seafaring past into vivid focus.
The Red Sea Museum is designed to be a “cultural anchor” for the region, bringing together history, art, and education through a contemporary lens. Inside, historic architecture meets modern design and interactive storytelling. Bab Al Bunt has been carefully restored to meet strict environmental and heritage conservation standards, preserving its character while transforming it into a dynamic cultural destination.
Positioned at the point where land meets sea, the building now serves as a bridge between the Jeddah of yesterday and the Jeddah of today. To mark the opening, the museum will debut its first temporary exhibition, Gateway of Gateways, by Saudi artist Moath Alofi. The show explores the evolving role of Bab Al Bunt, from a working port building to a symbol of cultural exchange and connection. Through this lens, visitors are invited to reflect on how the Red Sea has shaped the movement of people, ideas, and goods across centuries.
The Red Sea Museum will display more than 1,000 artefacts and artworks across 23 galleries, grouped into seven themed sections. These include Al-Bunt, which traces the history and transformation of the Bab Al Bunt building, and Salam Upon the Sea, which examines the origins and cultural significance of the Red Sea. Orientation highlights navigational tools and methods used by sailors and travellers, while A Living Sea focuses on biodiversity and the daily lives of coastal communities. Additional sections, Sea of Abundance and Faith and Inspiration, delve into maritime trade routes, maps, sacred objects, and artistic interpretations inspired by the sea and its spiritual resonance.
Beyond the galleries, the museum will function as an active cultural hub. A year-round programme of workshops, masterclasses, talks, and performances will invite the community to engage more deeply with the Red Sea’s legacy. Highlights include artisan training sessions, sustainable art projects, and musical performances that celebrate the region’s heritage.
With its blend of historic setting, curated collections, and immersive programming, the Red Sea Museum is poised to become a must-visit destination for anyone curious about the stories of the Red Sea and the diverse cultures that have flourished along its shores.
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