A brief history of Jeddah’s art ecosystem
Jeddah is one of the largest cities in Mecca province in Saudi Arabia and is another rising hub for art and culture. Jeddah’s art ecosystem has evolved remarkably over the past few decades, becoming a vibrant fusion of tradition and modern innovation. The city houses fantastic historical and contemporary museums, art galleries, and public sculptures dating from the 1970s. Historically known for its rich heritage and bustling old town, epitomised by landmarks like Al Balad and museums like the Naseef House, a museum and cultural centre offering special exhibits and lectures by historians and has 106 rooms, including artworks in some of the rooms that date back to the 19th century.
The Darat Safeya Bizagr opened in 2000 to mark a significant and formidable genuine artist, Safeya Bizagr, in Saudi Arabia’s art history. The Gallery houses some of the best art pieces from Safeya Bizagr, from pastels and graphics to preliminary sketches and more. Hafez Gallery, which was founded in 2014, fosters local, Middle Eastern, and international artists to converse and explore Modern and Contemporary art. It serves as a platform to explore and nurture Saudi visual identity while contributing to the global art conversation.
The House of Islamic Arts in Jeddah is a museum dedicated to Islamic art, showcasing Islamic artwork and artefacts that span different eras and represent various schools of art during different ages of Islamic civilization. These pieces hold significant historical and cultural value, offering insight into the rich heritage of the Islamic world. Al-Shefaa Museum, also known as the Museum of Healing, is an Islamic art museum. It houses around one thousand artworks from different regions of the Islamic world. The Al-Medad Organization for Heritage, Culture, and Art launched the museum. The Museum of Home Arts showcases home and the creative art of collectibles and colours. It houses a unique collection of ancient artefacts, each with a history of over 70 years.
Jeddah’s art scene perfectly embodies the timeless wisdom of Safeya Binzagr, who once said, “Every artwork I finish is a turning point in preserving our heritage in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.” In this vibrant city, art is not confined to museums and galleries—it is a living dialogue that bridges history and modernity, inviting every generation to share in its beauty.
Must visit museums for art lovers in Jeddah
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ATHR Art Gallery
Address: Tahlia St, Office Tower, 5th Floor, Faisaliyah Dist, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Admission: Free
The ATHR Art Gallery was established as one of the leading contemporary art galleries in Jeddah in 2009. Find artworks by artists such as Rami Farook's "Sacrifice" 2024, "Aerial View" 2024, then Lulua Alyahah's "Evening Beverage" 2024, "Citibank" 2023, and more
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Hafez Gallery
Address: Ahmad Ibn Abbas, Ar Rawdah, Jeddah 23435, Saudi Arabia
Admission: Free
The Hafez Gallery is a contemporary art space established in 2014 by Qaswra Hafez. It has been the catalyst of many pioneering and emerging Saudi artists, with the mission to highlight the Saudi art scene, facilitate local talent, and promote Arab art globally. The Gallery has represented a number of award-winning artists, including Ibrahim El Dessouki and Rached Al Shashai, who have successfully presented forward through their solo and group exhibitions.
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House of Islamic Arts
Address: Aziziyah, Jeddah 23334, Saudi Arabia
Admission: 60SAR
The House of Islamic Art is a private and independent art space that specialises in Islamic Art and aims to promote art, heritage, and cultural exchange through exhibitions. The museum contains more than one thousand artefacts representing fifteen centuries of Islamic art history from all regions of the Islamic world. The museum also includes a collection of the rarest Islamic collections in ceramics, glass, metal, and Islamic fabrics.
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Darat Safeya Binzagr
Address: King Abdullah Rd, Al-Baghdadiyah Al-Gharbiyah, Jeddah 22234, Saudi Arabia
Admission: Free
Darat Safeya Binzagr is a cultural centre and art gallery dedicated to preserving and promoting Saudi Arabian art, culture, and heritage. The centre features a diverse collection of artwork by Safeya Binzagr, a renowned Saudi artist, and temporary exhibitions showcasing local and regional talent.
Explore Elisium Art’s most loved artworks in Jeddah
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Explore Elisium Art’s most loved artists in Jeddah
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Jeddah Art Adventure: A 2-Day Binge for Art Lovers (and Secret Deal Hunters!)
Embark on a captivating two-day art adventure in Jeddah, a city where tradition meets contemporary creativity. With this itinerary, discover Jeddah's museums, art galleries, and Saudi paintings. Designed for art lovers and savvy deal hunters, it offers an immersive experience into Jeddah's vibrant art scene.
Day 1: Exploring Jeddah's Artistic Heritage
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Morning
The Tayebat City Museum Jeddah, also known as the Al Tayebat International City Museum for Science and Knowledge, is a prominent cultural institution located in the Al Faisaliyah district of Jeddah. The museum offers a comprehensive exploration of the region’s 2,500-year history. The complex comprises 12 buildings, collectively housing over 60,000 artefacts. Highlights include an intricately modeled re-creation of the pilgrimage to Makkah. Exquisite art, early manuscripts, pottery, old coins and weapons, and a map detailing the spread of Islam throughout the world can be found in the museum.
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Afternoon
Head to the Nassif House Museum in Al-Balad, which is a historic residence. Constructed between 1872 and 1881 for Sheikh Omar Effendi Naseef, a prominent merchant and then-governor of Jeddah, the house has played a significant role in the city’s history. In December 1925, King Abdulaziz Ibn Saud used the Naseef House as a royal residence during his early visits to Jeddah. Nasseef house has 106 rooms, including artwork in some of the rooms. Besides works on wood, others on tiles can be seen as well as Arabic calligraphy. The design style is said to be Ottoman Turkish.
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Mid-Afternoon
Stroll through the narrow lanes of Al-Balad, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and admire the traditional Hijazi architecture. Visit local art galleries nestled within the district. You can also consider visiting Rochan Gallery which features stunning photography and contemporary art pieces. The Gallery showcases an impressive fine arts collection featuring works by esteemed artists such as Faismal Samra and visual artist Shadia Alem.
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Evening
Conclude your day by considering dining at Assi, located conveniently on Tahlia Street, Assi offers a delightful Lebanese menu in a charming rooftop setting, providing a perfect ambiance to reflect on the day’s artistic experiences. Following dinner, if you’re interested in live performances, it’s advisable to check local event listings for the latest shows and venues in Jeddah, as the city’s cultural scene is continually evolving.
Day 2: Immersing in Contemporary Art and Culture
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Morning
Visit ATHR Gallery, a leading contemporary art gallery with locations in Jeddah, AlUla, and Riyadh. The Gallery is dedicated to promoting contemporary art and culture in the region, representing both emerging and established artists across various media. Find works by artists such as Lulua Alyahya, Rami Farook, Asma Bahmin, and more. Currently, the Gallery is exhibiting Lulua Alyahya, Rami Farook, and Ayman Yossri Daydban’s solo exhibitions.
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Afternoon
Explore Hafez Gallery, established in 2014, is a prominent contemporary art space. The Gallery engages local, Middle Eastern, and international artists in a visual dialogue, exploring modern and contemporary art forms. It holds incredible art exhibitions. The Gallery is currently mostly a group exhibition, “Authenticity and Modernity,” which will run until 25 March and showcase Saudi artists from all over the region.
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Mid-Afternoon
Take a leisurely walk along the Jeddah Corniche. Then, you can head to Aromi Restaurant, where you will find amazing Saudi Arabian and Italian cuisine, or Nobbuh Jeddah, one of the top-notch restaurants in the area with a luxurious outdoor terrace where you can view the Red Sea and the vibrant Jeddah skyline. Here, you can find iconic dishes like Block COD and Miso. If you can spare some time, visit Hayy Jameel, developed and managed by Art Jameel as a dedicated arts complex and creative hub for Saudi Arabia. Currently, the artspace is hosting “We saw an endless cycle” an exhibition.
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Evening
Enjoy dinner at a nearby restaurant. If you’re in the mood for a live performance, check out Jeddah National Theater, look up the latest cultural events, or catch up on film screenings at Hayy Jameel’s theater space, which frequently hosts plays, music performances, and film screenings.
Tips To Improve Your Experience
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Bonus Tip
Many art galleries in Jeddah host temporary exhibitions, workshops, and free lectures. Check their official websites or social media pages or contact them in advance to schedule your visit to special events.
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Pro-Tip
Pro Tip for Budget-Conscious Travelers: Consider visiting during weekdays when some museums and galleries offer discounted admission fees. Some art museums and galleries also offer free entry. Additionally, group tours may provide better rates. Consider taking a shared taxi or public transport for convenient travel between your destinations.
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Secret Weapon
Engage with local artists and gallery owners. They can offer insider knowledge about the art scene and even inform you about exclusive deals or upcoming exhibitions. Also, keep an eye out for free audio guides during your tour.
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Expand Your Artistic Horizons
While Jeddah offers a rich tapestry of art experiences, Elisium Art provides access to a global network of emerging artists. It is an independent online art gallery that curates museum-quality contemporary paintings, allowing you to acquire original fine art beyond Saudi Arabia. Elisium Art also helps you leverage your collection, where you can enrich your appreciation and collection of fine art, connecting with diverse artistic expressions both locally and internationally.
