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RED SEA MUSEUM

A cultural anchor to celebrate the diversity of the Red Sea and the legacy of its people through time

Temporary Exhibition Public Programs
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About

THE RED SEA MUSEUM

Nestled in the heart of the UNESCO-listed Historic Jeddah, the Red Sea Museum reimagines the landmark Bab Al Bunt building as a living center of cultural exchange. Once a gateway for pilgrims, merchants, and explorers, it now anchors a new journey: one that celebrates the shared stories, biodiversity, and enduring spirit of the Red Sea and its people.

More about the museum

HIGHLIGHTS

Watch the Red Sea unfold through the eyes of artists, explorers, and locals.
Opening Concert: Soundscapes of the Red Sea
Experience the museum’s inauguration with a live performance blending traditional melodies, sea-inspired sounds, and contemporary compositions that celebrate the diverse musical heritage of the Red Sea.
Events
Posts
08 Dec 2025
Al-Balad Waterfront Revitalization
The Jeddah Historic District launches its waterfront project, reconnecting the Red Sea Museum to its maritime heritage and creating new cultural spaces along the coast.
Posts
08 Dec 2025
Red Sea Museum Unveils New Exhibition on Ancient Maritime Trade Routes
Collections
09 Dec 2025
Sea of Inspiration
Discover how the Red Sea’s hues of blue have inspired artists across centuries, from traditional manuscripts and maritime maps to contemporary artworks that celebrate the sea as muse.
Events
17 Aug 2026
Sea Cinema
Interactive activities, storytelling, and creative workshops bring the Red Sea’s stories to life for children and families during the opening week celebrations.
Exhibitions
29 Jul 2026
Photographing the Distance by Matilde Marín
Step into Photographing the Distance by Matilde Marín and discover a captivating journey through light, landscapes, and maritime memories. Through her Pharus Project, Marín captures the symbolic presence of lighthouses across different shores, exploring their role as guides, landmarks, and witnesses to changing landscapes.

WHAT'S ON

The Red Sea Museum presents a dynamic series of temporary exhibitions throughout the year, aligned with the museum's core themes. These curated showcases celebrate both local and international artistic excellence, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore and engage with thought-provoking artworks and stories.

Sea Cinema

23 October 2026

Opening Concert: Soundscapes of the Red Sea

Programme
09 December 2025

Exhibition Opening: Photographing the distance

Exhibition
18 July 2026, Saturday, 8:00 - 9:30 PM
No booking required

Between Two Generations: Architecture that Belongs

Talk
02 October 2026
Free

PERMANENT COLLECTIONS

The Red Sea Museum preserves and brings to life the cultural and natural heritage of the region through over 1,000 rare artifacts, maps, manuscripts, photographs, and contemporary artworks. Here, visitors will discover authentic stories of trade, migration and faith, across cultures that have shaped the identity of Jeddah, Makkah, and the Red Sea region throughout history.

1-01-1-003249

1-01-1-003249

Gold coin from the 9th century, unknown artist/maker
Name of the Collection

Name of the Collection

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IA 2020.16

IA 2020.16

Copper flask used by pilgrims in the 19th century, unknown artist/maker
CA 2020.62

CA 2020.62

Contemporary representation of the bleaching of coral reefs, Rogan Brown
IA 2020.30

IA 2020.30

Mahmal from the 19th century, unknown artist/maker
Name of the Collection

Name of the Collection

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DA 2019.4

DA 2019.4

Decorated ceramic bowl from the 16th century, unknown artist/maker
CA 2021.31

CA 2021.31

Stainless steel sculpture of a reflective blue, Anish Kapoor
Sea of Inspiration

Sea of Inspiration

Discover how the Red Sea’s hues of blue have inspired artists across centuries, from traditional manuscripts and maritime maps to contemporary artworks that celebrate the sea as muse.
DA 2019.6

DA 2019.6

Eagle shaped gold and ruby pendant from 19th century India, unknown artist/maker
IA 2020.45

IA 2020.45

Qibla indicator and compass from the 20th century, featuring the Red Sea, unknown artist/maker
Name of the Collection

Name of the Collection

Describtion Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consec tetur adipis
IA 2021.18

IA 2021.18

Brass celestial globe from the 19th century found in India, Müsa
IA 2020.6

IA 2020.6

Wood and ivory miniature of al-Masjid al-Haräm from the 19th century, unknown artist/maker
Name of the Collection

Name of the Collection

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DISCOVER OUR TEMPORARY EXHIBITIONS

The Red Sea Museum will host a dynamic series of temporary exhibitions that align with the museum's wider thematic direction throughout the year and serve as a platform to celebrate local and international artistic excellence. These curated exhibitions will provide audiences with an exclusive opportunity to explore, analyze, and engage with thought-provoking artworks that convey powerful narratives. By bringing together diverse perspectives, historical artifacts, contemporary masterpieces, and cutting-edge installations, these exhibitions will foster dialogues between cultures, generations, and artistic disciplines.
Light houses

Light houses

8 January 2026 - 28 February 2026
The Gate of the Gates

The Gate of the Gates

10 December 2026 - 10 December 2027
Traces of Timeless Memories

Traces of Timeless Memories

10 December 2025 - 31 December 2025

Experience the museum

The Red Sea Museum offers an immersive cultural experience with its dedicated library for researchers, a rooftop restaurant serving local cuisine, and an observatory that provides panoramic views and historical insights into Jeddah Historic District.

Store

The Red Sea Museum Gift Shop offers a curated selection of unique items inspired by the region's rich heritage and maritime history.

From locally crafted souvenirs and traditional artworks to books, jewelry, and home décor, the shop provides visitors with meaningful keepsakes that reflect the spirit and culture of the Red Sea.

Store

Library

The Red Sea Museum Library hosts a wide collection of academic resources.

A quiet place for research, the library plays an important role in connecting people to our permanent collection and deeper exploration and knowledge.

Library

Restaurant and Café

The Red Sea Museum Restaurant and Café offers a unique dining experience that celebrates the rich culture and flavors of the Red Sea region.

Restaurant and Café

Visit the Red Sea Museum

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