In the presence of Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region, and Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, Minister of Culture and Chairman of the Board of the Museums Commission, the Museums Commission inaugurated the Red Sea Museum in the historic Bab Al Bunt building. This opening is part of the revitalization of Historic Jeddah, a UNESCO World Heritage site, establishing it as a global museum dedicated to documenting the tangible, intangible, and natural heritage of the Red Sea. The event was attended by a number of officials and individuals interested in cultural, artistic, and media affairs.

The festivities began with guided tours for guests through the museum’s permanent halls, alongside the opening of the first temporary exhibition titled “Gateway of Gateways” by Saudi artist Moath Alofi. The events culminated with a special performance by the “Silk Road” ensemble, playing pieces inspired by the musical diversity of the Red Sea region.

In his speech, the Minister of Culture emphasized that the Red Sea Museum opens a vast space for creativity and provides a comprehensive cultural platform that promotes dialogue between civilizations and cultural and intellectual exchange. It reflects the Kingdom’s commitment and vision to preserve its cultural and natural heritage, forming part of an ambitious journey to revitalize Historic Jeddah with unlimited support from the wise leadership, to build a rich cultural future where various types of culture and arts flourish.

The museum is located within the historic Bab Al Bunt building at the meeting point of land and sea. It has been restored according to the highest standards of environmental sustainability in heritage building restoration, as part of the Quality of Life Program initiatives to achieve the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. This aims to advance the infrastructure of cultural sectors, enhance their sustainable urban presence, preserve the architectural spirit of the Bab Al Bunt building, and restore its role as a gateway to the world from a century ago. Today, it returns as a cultural landmark connecting the past to the present, highlighting Historic Jeddah as a bridge between cultures on the shores of the Red Sea.

The Red Sea Museum offers a comprehensive cultural experience through more than 1,000 artifacts and artworks distributed across seven main themes within 23 exhibition halls. These exhibits embody the journey of civilizational and human interaction on the shores of the Red Sea from ancient times to the present day. The displays include navigational tools, Chinese ceramics, manuscripts, rare photographs, alongside contemporary artworks by artists from Saudi Arabia, the region, and the world.

The Acting CEO of the Museums Commission stated that the Red Sea Museum embodies the Ministry of Culture’s commitment to developing museums of global standing in the Kingdom. This is achieved through an approach based on specialized exhibitions, scientific research, and diverse cultural programs, making it a beacon for knowledge, creativity, and cultural exchange, reflecting the growing role of Saudi cultural institutions on the global scene.

The inauguration of the Red Sea Museum conveys the message of Historic Jeddah to the Ministry of Culture regarding reviving national heritage in a sustainable manner and developing the cultural economy. The program was established with the aim of managing and developing Historic Jeddah and preserving its tangible and intangible heritage.

The Red Sea Museum is one of the key projects within this urban revitalization and a symbol of the potential for integration in heritage preservation and contemporary cultural innovation.

Red Sea Museum

The Red Sea Museum, located in the coastal city of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, opened in 2020 to showcase the rich natural and cultural heritage of the Red Sea region. Its exhibits explore the area’s maritime history, diverse marine ecosystems, and the significance of the Red Sea as a historic crossroads for trade and pilgrimage.

Bab Al Bunt building

The Bab Al Bunt building is a historic commercial and residential structure located in the old city of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Constructed in the late 19th century, it is a prime example of traditional Hejazi architecture, featuring ornate wooden *rawasheen* (projecting bay windows) and coral stone walls. It stands as a significant part of the historic Al-Balad district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reflecting Jeddah’s legacy as a major Red Sea port.

Historic Jeddah

Historic Jeddah, also known as Al-Balad, is the old quarter of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Founded in the 7th century, it served for centuries as the principal port for pilgrims arriving by sea to reach the holy city of Mecca. Its distinctive architecture features multi-story coral stone houses adorned with ornate wooden *rawashin* (projecting bay windows), built by the city’s wealthy merchant families.

UNESCO World Heritage site

A UNESCO World Heritage site is a landmark or area with legal protection by an international treaty administered by UNESCO, designated for having outstanding cultural, historical, scientific, or other form of significance. These sites, such as the Great Wall of China or the Historic Centre of Rome, are recognized for their immense value to humanity’s collective heritage. The World Heritage Convention, adopted in 1972, established the program to identify, protect, and preserve these irreplaceable treasures for future generations.

Silk Road ensemble

The Silk Road Ensemble is a musical collective founded in 2000 by cellist Yo-Yo Ma, inspired by the historical Silk Road trade routes. It brings together musicians from diverse countries to create new music that blends cultural traditions and instruments from across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. The project aims to foster cross-cultural dialogue and demonstrate how artistic collaboration can build bridges between different societies.

Kingdom’s Vision 2030

“Kingdom’s Vision 2030” is not a physical place or cultural site, but rather Saudi Arabia’s comprehensive strategic framework to diversify its economy and develop public service sectors. Launched in 2016 under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, its history is rooted in the need to reduce the kingdom’s dependence on oil, foster a vibrant society, and build a thriving economy. The vision aims to transform the nation’s social and economic landscape by the year 2030.

Quality of Life Program

The “Quality of Life Program” is a major initiative of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, launched in 2018 to develop the kingdom’s recreational, cultural, and sports sectors. Its history is rooted in the goal of diversifying the economy and enhancing social well-being by transforming cities, supporting local arts, and increasing community activities for residents and visitors.

Museums Commission

The Museums Commission is a governmental or administrative body responsible for overseeing and managing museums within a specific region or country. Its history typically involves its establishment to centralize the preservation, curation, and public accessibility of cultural heritage, often evolving from earlier, less formal systems of museum management. For example, Saudi Arabia’s Museums Commission was founded in 2020 as part of the Vision 2030 initiative to develop the kingdom’s cultural sector.