STEP INTO A WORLD SHAPED BY THE SEA, STORIES, AND CENTURIES OF EXCHANGE
A museum anchored in history, inspired by the future
Nestled in 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.
THE RED SEA MUSEUM'S VISION & MISSION
.png)
What We Do
Exhibitions & Collections
Rooted in the stories of the Red Sea's communities, the museum invites visitors to explore, learn, and reflect. Through immersive exhibitions, vibrant public programming, and hands-on learning experiences, the museum fosters dialogue, nurtures sustainability, and promotes deeper understanding between cultures and generations
Research & Documentation
Guided by the goals of Vision 2030 and a commitment to enhancing quality of life, the Red Sea Museum stands as a new cultural landmark for Jeddah and the wider region.
Learning & Engagement
It offers a space to connect with the past, engage with the present, and imagine a future shaped by shared heritage, learning, and the ever-shifting tides of history.
Local Partnerships
We collaborate with coastal communities, historians, and artisans to safeguard traditional knowledge and bring their stories into the spotlight.
Our building
Once a historic customs house overlooking the Red Sea, the museum's home has been thoughtfully restored to blend tradition with modern design. This waterfront landmark in Historic Jeddah now stands as a cultural hub for exploration, storytelling, and celebration of Saudi Arabia's maritime heritage.
Modern design with a coastal heart
To fit in with its dramatic location overlooking the main sands, the building sits on a raised plinth, facing out to sea, made up of six identical two-story crystalline volumes with mono-pitched roofs angled towards the north.
The first-floor galleries are naturally lit, changing with the seasons and time of day. The spaces utilize windows and skylights to spread light, leaving no shadows. The large galleries are easy to adapt depending on the needs of each exhibition, with purpose-built learning and office spaces at either end.
Outside, an acid-etched glass rain screen captures and reflects the surrounding light conditions, giving the building an almost luminous appearance that's strong enough to withstand the wind and waves.
Prince Badr bin Farhan Al Saud’s Visionary Legacy
As Saudi Arabia’s first Minister of Culture, His Highness Prince Badr bin Farhan Al Saud has played a pivotal role in shaping the Kingdom’s cultural renaissance. A champion of heritage preservation and creative innovation, his leadership laid the foundation for the Red Sea Museum. His vision continues to inspire a deeper connection to the sea, history, and national identity—bridging the past with a bold cultural future.
DISCOVER THE SEA'S SILENT TREASURES
From sunken ships to sailors' journals, our collection holds the hidden wonders of the Red Sea. Explore relics, crafts, ceremonial objects, textiles, and personal belongings that speak of a life shaped by water.
.png)
IA 2021.18
.png)
CA 2021.31
.png)
Sea of Inspiration
.png)
1-01-1-003249
.png)
IA 2020.45
.png)
Name of the Collection
.png)
IA 2020.16
.png)
CA 2020.62
DA 2019.6
IA 2020.30
IA 2020.6
.png)
Name of the Collection
Name of the Collection
.png)
Name of the Collection
.png)