The cultural project demonstrates AlUla’s historical significance while providing future generations with a space to experience modern artwork which honors both indigenous customs and worldwide artistic traditions. The expanding museum will become a creative center which develops innovative concepts through international artistic collaborations that will influence forthcoming global artistic trends.
AlUla, a cultural oasis located 1,100 km northwest of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has long been admired for its natural beauty and rich heritage. Home to Hegra, the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Saudi Arabia, AlUla is rapidly becoming a global cultural destination. The establishment of the AlUla Contemporary Art Museum represents a pivotal moment in the region’s transformation, showcasing the creative and contemporary expressions that reflect both its ancient past and dynamic future.
Celebrating Cultural Heritage Through Contemporary Art
Designed to foster a dynamic connection with the public, the AlUla Contemporary Art Museum will feature exhibitions, commissions, residencies, and research, serving as a platform to connect AlUla’s rich heritage with contemporary artistic ideas. As part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the museum aims to enhance AlUla’s role as a cultural crossroads and engage in global artistic dialogue.
The museum’s future headquarters will be designed by the renowned architect Lina Ghotmeh, who will integrate the museum’s design into the unique landscape of the AlUla Oasis. The museum is part of a broader initiative to celebrate AlUla’s cultural and artistic heritage while driving global contemporary art initiatives.
Hamad Alhomiedan, Director of Arts & Creative Industries at the Royal Commission for AlUla, emphasized the museum’s role in bridging local heritage with international innovation. Through its bold commissions and exhibitions, the museum aims to elevate Saudi and regional voices, fostering meaningful dialogue within the global art community.
The Arduna Exhibition: A Global Artistic Celebration
Arduna, held as part of the fifth edition of the AlUla Arts Festival 2026, brings together modern and contemporary expressions of creativity from across the world. Curated by the AlUla Contemporary Art Museum in collaboration with the Centre Pompidou of Paris, the exhibition explores humanity’s evolving relationship with nature. It features a combination of newly commissioned works and established pieces from global art legends, including Pablo Picasso, Wassily Kandinsky, Manal AlDowayan, Ayman Zedani, Etel Adnan, and more.
With a focus on diverse artistic perspectives, Arduna highlights the ongoing dialogue between cultural heritage and modern-day art. The exhibition includes a mix of large-scale installations, paintings, sculptures, and multimedia works that reflect AlUla’s connection to the natural world and its place in global contemporary art.
The Arduna exhibition is open from February 1 to April 15, 2026, and will be a focal point for international visitors to AlUla. Visitors will experience a blend of traditional and modern cultural influences that reflect the region’s rich history and its future as a global hub for the arts.
A Cultural Landmark for Future Generations
The opening of the AlUla Contemporary Art Museum and the Arduna exhibition signals a new era for AlUla, as the region continues to strengthen its position as a cultural powerhouse in Saudi Arabia and beyond. By bringing together a diverse range of artistic practices, the museum will play a vital role in Saudi Arabia’s efforts to diversify its cultural landscape and provide global audiences with access to the region’s artistic expressions.
The cultural project demonstrates AlUla’s historical significance while providing future generations with a space to experience modern artwork which honors both indigenous customs and worldwide artistic traditions. The expanding museum will become a creative center which develops innovative concepts through international artistic collaborations that will influence forthcoming global artistic trends.
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