The National Museum at the King Abdulaziz Historical Center in the Kingdom's capital city of Riyadh, has officially launched its highly anticipated public program, "Memory of the Home." Marking both Saudi Founding Day, and Ramadan Season, this exhibition celebrates Saudi Founding Day, and marks a moment on the calendar where Kingdom celebrates its journey toward stability and its unique regional identity.
Running daily from February 19 to March 6, the initiative is uniquely positioned to celebrate both the 299th anniversary of the Saudi state and the beginning of the Ramadan Season. To accommodate the shifting rhythms of the Holy Month, all the events are scheduled as evening experiences, welcoming visitors daily from 10pm to 1am. This timing allows families and residents to gather after Iftar and Tarawih prayers to explore the museum’s vibrant cultural offerings.
"Memory of the Home"
The cultural program and exhibition has been meticulously organised around the month's two central celebration: Saudi Founding Day & Ramadan.
From February 19 - 22, the exhibit will celebrate Founding Day, highlighting the legacy of the First Saudi State and the values that have shaped the Kingdom’s identity over the past three centuries. Whilst throughout the period, until March 6, the cultural celebration will also embrace the wholesome family and community atmosphere of Ramadan. Ramadan Nights aims to enhance social connection and celebrates authentic heritage.
By blending the richness of authentic heritage with modern interactive technology, the National Museum aims to provide an engaging journey through time. These events underscore the museum’s commitment to fostering national pride and ensuring that the Kingdom’s storied past remains accessible and relevant to all age groups.
The "Memory of the Home" exhibit showcases a selection of immersive and interactive experiences, which are available throughout the showcase. These experiences include:
- Shadow Theatre: A performance titled "In Their Footsteps" that uses silhouettes and storytelling to bring historical figures to life.
- Keys to the Home: An interactive heritage map that allows visitors to explore the Kingdom's historical geography.
- Ajawid’s Store: A space inspired by traditional Saudi marketplaces, offering a nostalgic look at local commerce.
- Testaments of Home: A matching game designed to connect cultural symbols with the elements of daily Saudi life.
- Dresses of Honour: An interactive showcase displaying the intricate traditional garments unique to the Kingdom’s various regions.
About Saudi Founding Day
Celebrated each year on February 22, Saudi Founding Day is a national holiday that commemorates the establishment of the First Saudi State in 1727 by Imam Mohammed bin Saud. Unlike Saudi National Day in September, which marks the modern unification of 1932, Founding Day honours the deep-rooted historical and cultural foundations of the nation that began nearly three centuries ago in Diriyah. Inaugurated in 2022, when King Salman bin Abdulaziz designated February 22 as an annual public holiday, Saudi Founding Day is the Kingdom's newest public holiday.
"Memory of the Home" at National Museum,
From February 19 - March 6, open daily from 10pm - 1am
King Abdulaziz Historical Center, King Faisal Road, Riyadh
