It’s time to tempt the kids away from their beloved screens and set them out exploring Saudi’s rich heritage.
Riyadh is home to a fantastically eclectic mix of museums, from those dedicated to the air force to more modern, lighthearted destinations like the Museum of Illusions. All offer something different for visitors of all ages – but you’re guaranteed a fun, thought-provoking outing with the gang.
Al Masmak Palace Museum
There’s no better place to learn about the history of Riyadh than with a visit to Al Masmak Palace. You’ll learn about the ethnic origins of the city’s residents as well as the long-standing traditions dating back generations. The iconic mud-brick fortress itself dates back to 1865 when it was built for prince Abdurrahman ibn Sulaiman AlDabaan. Make sure you stop and check out the spear, which remains lodged in the door to the main entrance having been hurled during a raid in 1902. Other artifacts include weapons and uniforms.
Open Sun-Thur 8am-9pm, Fri 4pm-8pm, Sat 9am-8pm. Al Thumairi Street (011 411 0091).
Al Murabba Palace
One of Riyadh’s must-see attractions, a visit to the former home of King Abdul Aziz is like stepping back in time as it was built in the traditional Najdean style and contains hoards of priceless memorabilia and even the King’s spectacles. Multimedia displays take you on a journey through time and play historical recordings from the King’s most empowering speeches. Your visit is best planned for the spring or winter so you can head outside and take a wander through the lush greenery that surrounds the palace.
Open daily 8am-10pm. Al Murabba (011 401 1999).
Antiquities Museum
History buffs, you will be in your element as you peruse the treasure trove of priceless items unearthed from archaeological sites around the country. Excavations took place between 1970 and 2004 at three key sites in Saudi Arabia – Qaryat Al Faw, a former trade hub just outside of Riyadh, Al Rabadhah an old stop off for pilgrims and travelers and Al Khuraybah in AlUla. Items found include keys, coins, containers, silver bowls, gold rings and other jewellery along with some stunning Apollo and Hercules statues.
Open Sat-Thu 8am-2pm, King Saud University, www.ksu.edu.sa (011 467 0000).
Museum of Happiness
It’s impossible to have a bad day when you’re surrounded by so much joy. The Museum of Happiness is one of the city’s newer museums and is brimming with activations and activities that’ll have the whole family enjoying themselves. Your kids have free reign to draw all over the walls, using giant colouring pens, while you can relax with a coffee in the museum’s café. Other attractions include humongous teddy bears; a room packed with rubber ducks and another housing giant unicorn statues. So get your best poses ready, as you’ll be posting plenty of pictures on Instagram. One of the best museums in Riyadh, and the newest too.
Open Sun-Wed 3pm-10pm; Thu-Sat 2pm-11pm. Riyadh Front, museumofhappiness.sa (050 009 4121).
Museum of Illusions
You won’t believe your eyes with some of the incredible sights inside the Museum of Illusions. One such example is the Beuchet chair that challenges the laws of perception by disguising the size of surrounding objects to make things (and people) appear smaller than they really are. It makes for a great photo opportunity. The Anti-Gravity Room will trick your brain as water flows uphill, balls roll upwards and the laws of physics don’t appear to exist. You have to experience it yourself to believe what you’re seeing. You’ll also discover some incredible optical illusions and holograms as you journey through each installation. One of the best museums in Riyadh to visit for a fun family day out.
Open Sat-Thu 10am-midnight; Fri 1pm-midnight. Riyadh Park, museumofillusions.sa.
Saqer Aljazirah Royal Saudi Air Force Museum
Take the kids to marvel at incredible aircraft displays dating all the way back to the 1920s when the Royal Saudi Air Force was born. Visitors can explore the various types of
planes at the static park outside along with the spacious indoor museum packed with aircrafts from yesteryear. Inside, guests learn about the history of the Air Force including the weapons, uniforms and engine types on display. There is a dedicated exhibition for Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the first Saudi to enter outer space on the Space Shuttle Discovery.
Open Fri-Sat 4pm-9pm, Sun-Wed 9am-12pm and 4pm-9pm. Eastern Ring Road (011 492 2303).
Saudi National Museum
Immerse yourself in the history of Saudi Arabia in this fascinating museum that transports you back in time with centuries-old Arabian history, culture and art. The museum is made up of eight halls each packed with prehistoric artifacts, information and interactive displays. As soon as you step into the first hall you’re greeted with the skeletons of some of the animals that roamed the Arabian Peninsula many moons ago. There are also ancient rock formations and even an ancient human handprint that was discovered carved into a rock in the city of Najran.
Open Sat-Thu 8am-8pm; Fri 4pm-8pm. King Abdul Aziz, Historical Center, nationalmuseum.org.sa (011 402 9500).
For more information head to visitsaudi.com.
