Back to the future because the Saudi National Museum is hosting a fun-filled weekend.
The landmark location is the capital is a staple of the city’s cultural and nightlife by hosting awesome, fashion-forward events like the Dior museum for Riyadh Season and beyond.
Now the museum is preparing to celebrate the International Museum day with a host of festivities including hands-on workshops, live performances, and more.
Titled ‘The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities’, the weekend-long event will explore how museums are transforming from static historical archives into vibrant hubs for economic development, education, and innovation within their communities.
Saudi National Museum celebrates International Museum Day 2025
International Museum Day (IMD), celebrated every year around May 18, is a global celebration powered by the International Council of Museums (ICOM). Each year, it dives into a fresh theme that spotlights the big issues museums face. It’s a chance for museum pros to connect with the public, spark important conversations, and shine a light on how museums help shape society and each other.
Saudi National Museum celebrations location
Head down to the King Saud Road and prepare to participate in engaging activities.
Saudi National Museum celebrations dates and times
The celebrations will kick off from Thursday, May 15 and keep going until Saturday, May 17.
Artistic experiences, performances, and interactive activities will run from,
- Friday, May 16: 2.30pm-8.30pm
- Saturday, May 17: 10am-5pm
Workshops and the talks and discussions will take over the space from,
- Friday, May 16: 4pm-9.30pm
- Saturday, May 17: 3pm-6pm
Saudi National Museum celebrations tickets
No information about the tickets have been released.
Saudi National Museum celebrations events
Get ready for an inspiring panel hosted with the Museums Commission, featuring none other than Princess Haifa bint Mansour bin Bandar and Rola Al-Ghrair of the National Museum. These cultural leaders will dive into how museums are evolving into vibrant spaces that connect generations and shape the stories of society.
Next up, the Royal Institute for Traditional Arts (WRTH) brings Saudi folk tales and performing arts to life in a lively talk that reimagines how museums can entertain and educate—especially for curious young minds. Think folklore meets fun with a modern twist!
Wrapping things up, a special session on ‘Living Heritage in Rapidly Changing Communities’ teams up with the Heritage Commission to tackle how traditions can thrive in today’s fast-paced world. Expect hands-on workshops, live craft demos, and music that celebrates the soul of Saudi heritage—past, present, and future!
More weekend activities in Riyadh
Looking for more incredible things to do over the weekend in Riyadh? You can head down to Kingdom Center where Al Mamlaka Social Dining has just welcomed a brand-new Chinese restaurant YU by Toki. There is also Slava’s Snowshow that will bring winter fun to the Saudi capital for the first time.
Thu May 15-Sat May 17. The Saudi National Museum, @saudimuseum.
