The National Museum

The National Museum is a history museum in Riyadh housing over 3,700 objects displayed across eight galleries with archaeological finds, historical documents, and traditional items. The collections include detailed models and displays covering different periods and aspects of Saudi history and culture.

The museum opened in 1999 within the King Abdulaziz Historical Center and became a key institution for preserving Saudi history and heritage. Its establishment reflected the goal of documenting the nation's different periods and developments in one central location.

The exhibition features Islamic manuscripts, traditional clothing, and everyday tools that tell the story of how Saudi society evolved across generations. You can see how daily life and customs changed over time through these objects.

The museum is located in central Riyadh and easy to reach with ample parking for visitors. Plan to spend one to two hours walking through the galleries, though longer visits allow for deeper exploration of specific sections.

The museum houses a large-scale model of Makkah showing the holy city in fine detail, along with a collection of royal automobiles. This blend of religious and modern subjects makes the holdings particularly distinctive.