The museum offers visitors a journey through seven thematic sections that span 23 galleries, displaying more than 1,000 artifacts and artworks.
Under the patronage of HRH Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region, and HH Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud, Minister of Culture and Chairman of the Museums Commission, the Museum Commission has inaugurated the Red Sea Museum in the historic Bab Al Bunt building. The launch marks a major milestone in the regeneration of Historic Jeddah, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and celebrates the transformation of the landmark structure into a world-class institution dedicated to the Red Sea’s cultural, natural and intangible heritage.
Festivities began with an exclusive VIP opening, featuring speeches by cultural leaders, guided tours of the museum’s permanent galleries and a special preview of The Gate of Gates, the inaugural temporary exhibition by Saudi artist Moath Alofi. Guests also enjoyed a musical performance by the Silkroad Ensemble, which brought the region’s diverse soundscapes to life.
The public opening attracted significant crowds to Historic Jeddah. The event opened with a series of speeches before visitors were swept into a lively musical parade that filled the ancient streets. Inside, attendees explored more than 1,000 artifacts and artworks displayed across 23 galleries and organised into seven thematic sections. Exhibits range from ancient navigation instruments and Chinese porcelain to sacred manuscripts and contemporary works.
The evening will conclude with a documentary screening spotlighting the museum’s Music of the Red Sea project, which brought together an international team of specialists to travel the length of the Red Sea and document its rich musical traditions.
This weekend’s events reflect the vision and ambition behind the Red Sea Museum and its role in Saudi Arabia’s cultural future, with key figures sharing their perspectives on the museum’s significance.
HH Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud, Minister of Culture and Chairman of the Museums Commission, said: “The Red Sea Museum celebrates the natural and cultural heritage of our region, which is rich in diversity.” His Highness pointed out that the museum “opens up a vast space for creativity and a comprehensive cultural platform that promotes dialogue between civilizations, alongside cultural and knowledge exchange, reflecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s vision and commitment to preserving its cultural and natural heritage.”
His Highness added: “It forms part of an ambitious journey to revive Historic Jeddah, with unlimited support from our wise leadership, and build a rich cultural future where various forms of culture and arts thrive.”
Ibrahim Alsanousi, CEO of the Museums Commission, commented: “This museum is a testament to the Ministry of Culture’s dedication to developing museums of global significance in Saudi Arabia. Through world‑class exhibitions, research, and programming, the Red Sea Museum will serve as a hub for knowledge, creativity, and cultural exchange.”
The opening of the Red Sea Museum reflects the mission of Historic Jeddah to preserve cultural heritage in a modern, sustainable form while creating opportunities for economic and cultural growth. Established by royal decree in 2018 under the Saudi Ministry of Culture, Historic Jeddah safeguards its tangible and intangible heritage as a historic gateway to the Red Sea and a center of global trade. The Revitalising Historic Jeddah project, launched in 2021, is transforming the area into a vibrant living space; investing in its cultural assets to inspire community pride and connect the past to the future.
As one of the flagship projects within this revitalisation, the Red Sea Museum stands as a symbol of how historic preservation and contemporary cultural innovation can work hand in hand.
