This initiative is part of a broader effort to preserve Saudi Arabia's key heritage landmarks and elevate their cultural presence across the Kingdom. Above, honouring the legacy of Saudi Arabia's monarchs, portraits capturing the enduring spirit of leadership and unity.
Saudi Arabia’s Al Masmak Palace: A glimpse into Riyadh’s historic heart, reborn after 2025 restoration
This renewed opening aligns with the Saudi Museums Commission's Vision 2030 strategy
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2 MIN READ
The Museums Commission has officially reopened Al Masmak Palace Museum in Riyadh's historic Al Dirah district, following an extensive renovation that both restored the iconic mudbrick structure and upgraded its infrastructure to modern museum standards.
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Constructed in 1282 AH (1865 AD) under Imam Abdullah bin Faisal bin Turki, the fortress was built to defend early Riyadh, featuring imposing walls, gun slits, and a single main entrance.
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In 1319 AH (1902 AD), King Abdulaziz recaptured the palace, a turning point in the Kingdom's unification
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Converted into a museum on June 11, 1995 , the site houses exhibits including scale models, archival photographs, official documents, and multimedia displays that chronicle the Battle of Riyadh and the unification story.
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The recent refurbishment enhances visitor amenities, introduces clear signage, and incorporates visual and audiovisual improvements to create a more immersive experience.
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A tribute to Saudi heritage, traditional attire reflecting the Kingdom's rich cultural tapestry.
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This renewed opening aligns with the Saudi Museums Commission's Vision 2030–guided transformation strategy, which includes revamping flagship sites like Masmak and broadening museum offerings nationwide to foster cultural identity and national pride.
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Weapons collection at Al Masmak Palace Museum in Riyadh.
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Al Masmak Palace Museum now stands as both a restored symbol of Saudi heritage and a revitalised cultural destination—free to the public and open daily from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Devadasan K P is the Chief Visual Editor at Gulf News, bringing more than 26 years of experience in photojournalism to the role. He leads the Visual desk with precision, speed, and a strong editorial instinct. Whether he’s selecting images of royalty, chasing the biggest celebrity moments in Dubai, or covering live events himself, Devadasan is always a few steps ahead of the action. Over the years, he has covered a wide range of major assignments — including the 2004 tsunami in Sri Lanka, the 2005 Kashmir earthquake, feature reportage from Afghanistan, the IMF World Bank meetings, and wildlife series from Kenya. His work has been widely recognised with industry accolades, including the Minolta Photojournalist of the Year award in 2005, the Best Picture Award at the Dubai Shopping Festival in 2008, and a Silver Award from the Society for News Design in 2011. He handles the newsroom pressure with a calm attitude, a quick response time, and his signature brand of good-natured Malayali humour. There's no fuss — just someone who gets the job done very well, every single time.
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