Saudi Arabia’s Museums Commission announced that the Red Sea Museum is set to open on 6 December, 2025, in Historic Jeddah, a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site. The museum is envisioned as a significant cultural venue focused on showcasing and preserving the Red Sea’s cultural and natural heritage.
The museum will emphasize the Red Sea’s historical, environmental, and social importance through various exhibitions, programs, and research projects. Prince Badr bin Farhan, the Minister of Culture and Chairman of the Museums Commission, stated that the initiative supports ongoing Vision 2030 efforts to protect national heritage and develop cultural facilities throughout Saudi Arabia.
The museum is in the renovated port, Bab Al-Bunt structure, long known as Jeddah’s first gateway to the sea. Officials report that the restoration followed modern heritage preservation and environmental sustainability guidelines, while preserving the building’s original architectural features.
The Red Sea Museum will showcase over 1,000 historical and artistic pieces spread throughout 23 galleries. Its permanent displays are divided into seven thematic areas that cover subjects such as the story of Bab Al-Bunt, the Red Sea’s cultural and ecological importance, maritime navigation, trade networks, pilgrimage paths, and life in coastal communities. Among the rare items on display are ceramics, coral pieces, navigation devices, manuscripts, archival photos, and works by contemporary artists.
At its launch, the museum will debut its first temporary exhibition, Gateway of Gateways, created by Saudi artist Moath Alofi and curated by writer Philippe Cardinal. The show explores how Bab Al-Bunt has evolved both historically and symbolically.
In addition to its exhibits, the museum will introduce a public schedule featuring workshops, training sessions, lectures, and seminars. These will include craft workshops through the Made in the Red Sea initiative, environmentally focused art projects under Red Sea Art, and musical events celebrating the region’s heritage as part of the Music of the Red Sea series.
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