In Saudi Arabia’s Mecca province, one of the emerging hubs for art and culture is Jeddah. The art ecosystem of Jeddah has grown significantly over the past few decades. The city offers a combination of tradition and modern innovation. Several reforms have been made by the Ministry of Culture to promote art in different forms. The efforts have been appreciated by both residents and tourists.
The art galleries, the festival of art and film, and the museums have been made a part of Jeddah tourism. Many exhibitions, workshops and free lectures are conducted in the art galleries. Visits can be easily scheduled according to the special events being held.
It is also called the Al Tayebat International City Museum for Science and Knowledge. It is located in the Al Faisaliyah district of Jeddah. The museum is dedicated to the rich heritage of Saudi Arabia and offers a comprehensive exploration of the region’s 2,500-year history. The complex houses 12 buildings, which showcase over 60,000 artefacts. A modelled recreation of the pilgrimage to Makkah is the main highlight. A map giving the details about the spread of the Islamic religion throughout the world can be found here. Visitors will find early manuscripts, exquisite art, old coins, pottery, and weapons. This site is a must-visit for history lovers.
It was established in 2014 and is considered a prominent art space. Showcasing the cultural identity of Saudi Arabia is the aim of this art gallery. At the art gallery, various Saudi art forms have been curated. The innovative themes and work of renowned artists from the region are displayed here. Contemporary and modern art forms can be explored by local, Middle Eastern and international artists at the gallery. Art exhibitions are held here, which are mainly group exhibitions.
It is located in the historic Al Balad area of Jeddah city and feels like it has come out of Arabian folklore. The ancient buildings and houses with balconies and minarets can be toured by visitors. The best of everything is sold at this souq, such as silver and gold jewellery, spices, textiles, antique souvenirs, and regional delicacies. Many memories can be taken back by the visitors.
It is located in the Mecca province and is also called Al Rahmah Mosque or Fatima Al-Zahra Mosque. The mosque dates back to 1895, with its pillars anchored to the sea. It appears like a floating mosque and has beautiful architecture in white, with the dome painted in coral blue colour. The mosque can be visited during the prayer times. See the sun do its magic on the mosque by visiting during sunrise or sunset.
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It is one of its kind, an exclusive private museum hosting the art of the renowned Saudi artist, Safeya Benzagar. A top spot in the world of art and culture was earned by her. Her work is an ode to the rich culture of the region, which she missed after returning to the country from Egypt. She once said that “Every artwork I do is a turning point in preserving our heritage in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia”. Stories and humbling circumstances rooted in the Saudi tradition are woven into her artwork. The museum was opened in the year 2000 to recognise the genuine artist. Some of her best art pieces include preliminary sketches, pastels, and graphics.
The art of making art can be learnt at his centre. It has everything for artists, art lovers,
and enthusiasts. Modern art and ancient skills can be learned by men, women, and children here. Courses in ancient calligraphy skills to digital art are taught here. Art exhibitions are also held here.
It is one of the additions to Jaddah’s art scene. Budding artists from the region are welcomed here to host their work. It is known for curating and exhibiting local talent. This gallery helps Saudis to strengthen their place in the cultural scene.
It is a historic residence in Al Balad constructed between 1872 to 1881 for Sheikh Omar Effendi Nasseef. The sheikh was a prominent merchant and then-governor of Jeddah. It was used by Sheikh Ibn Saud as a royal residence during his early visits to Jeddah. It has 106 rooms, and some of them include artwork. Work on wood and on tiles, and Arabic calligraphy can be found here. The house has an Ottoman architecture and was built by the Turks.
It is a leading contemporary art gallery with locations in Riyadh, AlUla, and Jeddah. Recognising and collaborating with emerging and established artists across various media is the main purpose of the gallery. Many symposiums, residencies, and international exhibitions are held here. Works by known artists such as Lulua Alyahya, Rami Farook, Asma Bahmin, and others can be found at this gallery.
The motto of this contemporary art centre is “This centre is every artist’s home”. Bringing every artist, art buyer, and art enthusiast with diverse choices together for the good of the artwork is the aim of the centre. It promotes the cultural scene by holding art, recycling, and gift exhibitions. It is located at the Salma Commercial Centre in Jeddah.
Visiting the art galleries and museums during the weekdays is recommended as the entry is free or the entry fee is lower. Tourists can try booking group tours to get better rates. Public transport or shared taxis can be used to reach the various destinations. Engaging with the gallery owner and local artists will help tourists learn about upcoming exhibitions and exclusive deals.
To reach Jeddah, you can book flights online. Flights to Jeddah are offered by Saudi Airlines, which is the flag carrier of Saudi Arabia. Flights to various destinations in Asia, Europe, Africa, and North America are operated by the airline. The airline is a member of the SkyTeam alliance and has codeshare agreements with other airlines.
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