Saudi Arabia’s Museums Commission has announced that the Red Sea Museum will open on December 6, 2025, in Historic Jeddah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Set to become a major cultural destination, the museum will explore the Red Sea’s cultural and natural heritage through immersive exhibitions and engaging programs.
Housed in the restored Bab Al-Bunt building, once Jeddah’s historic gateway to the world, the museum blends modern technology with research and preservation. It will partner with local and international institutions and offer interactive experiences that help visitors of all ages understand the Red Sea’s role as a center of knowledge, creativity, and cultural exchange.
The museum features more than 1,000 historical and artistic objects displayed across seven thematic zones and 23 galleries, highlighting the history of Bab Al-Bunt, the origins of the Red Sea, navigation tools, environmental diversity, maritime trade, pilgrimage routes, and coastal communities. Its collection includes rare artifacts, maps, manuscripts, archival photographs, and contemporary artworks.
The opening will debut Gateway of Gateways by Saudi artist Moath Alofi, curated by Philippe Cardinal, alongside public programs offering workshops, talks, and cultural initiatives such as “Made in the Red Sea,” “Red Sea Art,” and regional musical performances.
