If you’re looking to soak up some culture look no further than the best art galleries in Riyadh, which we’ve handily compiled a guide to right here.
Riyadh is known for not only displaying works of the masters but it also prides itself on championing upcoming local artists.
Oil paintings, sculptures and photographs are aplenty at these incredible venues, which offer an array of activities and events, from guest speakers, to seminars to exhibitions.
Whether you’re looking for works from the professionals or seeking to unearth the next big talent, you’ll find it all in these brilliant Riyadh art galleries.
Abstract Art Gallery1
With its floor-to-ceiling glass front this gallery is inviting you to come inside and view the fabulous artwork from the region’s top artists. Giant canvases, mainly oil paintings, which are reasonably priced, adorn the otherwise plain white walls. The venue is often packed with people attending one of the many exhibitions that take place throughout the year.
Open Sun-Sat 10am-6pm. Northern Ring Road, Riyadh, 00966, www.facebook.com/ABSTRACTRATGALLERY (+966 50 310 9441).
Ahlam Studio
A delightful space for contemporary art, this gallery puts young local talent first by focusing on the promoting the creativity of emerging artists. A recent exhibition called #ArtofInstagram saw art-lovers turn out to admire paintings and support Saudi talent.
Ahlam Studio has featured some of the most talented female artists in Saudi Arabia including Jessica Massanet who received praise for her exhibition, ‘Layers’ which was her very first solo exhibition and highlighted her use of uninterrupted brush strokes in her work that help to, “express and awaken.” One of the best art galleries in Riyadh.
Open Sat-Thu 5pm-9pm. Closed Fri. Ahlam Studio Gallery, Anas Ibn Malik Road, An Narjis, Riyadh 13324. www.instagram.com/ahlam_studio_gallery (+966 55 914 4488).
Alaan Artspace
More than just a gallery, the Alaan Artspace is an educational hub, library and coffeehouse. The gallery side of things is dedicated to nurturing both emerging and established talent from Saudi Arabia. The space is all about celebrating creative and puts on exhibitions and a non-profit educational forum for art enthusiasts.
The venue works with international galleries and publications to create innovative projects including global guest speaker events, workshops and activities for children in a stimulating an educational environment. One of the best art galleries in Riyadh.
Open Sun-Sat 4pm-11.30pm. Alaan Artspace, 280 Ourouba Road, Riyadh (+966 11 416 9550).
Hewar Art Gallery
Internationally acclaimed artists from the Middle East feature heavily in this prestigious gallery located in the heart of the city. The gallery itself has been meticulously designed to build a long-lasting identity for generations to come.
The Hewar Art Gallery is one of the best art galleries in Riyadh for kids to learn to draw and paint thanks to regular four-week workshops, which conclude with a special exhibition.
Open Sat-Thur 1pm-10pm. Closed Fri. Hewar Art Gallery, 52nd floor, Kingdom Tower, 2239 Al Urubah Road, Al Olaya, Riyadh 12214, www.instagram.com/hewarartgallery (+966 55 800 0077).
LÁrt Pur Gallery
Designed to resemble a museum rather than a gallery, this is 540 square meters of heaven for any art fan. The gigantic space exhibits some of the best pieces from young Saudi artists. The gallery dedicates itself to supporting local creative talent and gives them a place to showcase their work.
Not only that, LÁrt Pur Gallery houses masterpieces from globally recognized artists too, so whether you’re an art connoisseur or have a keen eye for spotting the stars of tomorrow, you’re certain to find something of interest here. One of the best art galleries in Riyadh.
Open Sun-Thurs 7pm-9pm. Closed Fri-Sat. LÁrt Pur Gallery, 352 Al Takhassusi Street, Al Gharbiyah Riyadh 12333, www.lartpurgallery.com (+966 55 271 7758).
Mono Gallery
Local artists such as Abdulaziz Al-Najem, Mohammed Al-Thaqafi and Amani Mousa are just some of the talents on show here. One of the featured pieces currently on display is, “In the Shadow of Memory” by Al-Najem.
The Mono Gallery is one of the best art galleries in Riyadh, and hosts regular talks with the artists so visitors can get up close and personal with the artists behind the paintings. One of the most popular exhibitions is the Abaq Ramadan where the atmosphere and spirit of the Holy Month are celebrated by showcasing emerging artists from the Arab world.
Open Sat-Thu 1pm-9pm. Mono Gallery, 3915 Prince Fahd Bin Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Rd, Hitteen Riyadh www.mono.gallery (+966 55 636 3672).
Naila Art Gallery
Founded on the basis of displaying artistic brilliance, culture and creativity this modern and contemporary gallery is one of the most recognised in Riyadh. Along with showcasing works of art the space also hosts an annual festivity of the arts known as, “Art Riyadh”, where professionals and amateurs come together to offer workshops, lectures, seminars and more.
Collectors come from far and wide to purchase pieces at the event too. Every year the gallery celebrates Saudi National Day by showcasing work that reflects the Kingdom. What’s more, Naila Art Gallery also has an online portal where you can buy artworks from selected artists and go on a virtual tour. One of the best art galleries in Riyadh.
Open Sat-Thu 2pm-10pm. Naila Art Gallery, Al Takhassosi Street Building 247, #2, Riyadh. www.gallerynaila.com (+966 11 880 5352).
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