Being home to the sacred Kaaba and the Prophet’s Mosque, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is a center for the whole Islamic world. Countless Muslims head to this holy land to visit the revered sites. Umrah or Hajj provides them an excellent opportunity to perform Tawaf and Sai. Many of them love to undergo these sacred pilgrimages with their loved ones. That’s why travel firms offer group Umrah packages. These cost-savvy deals allow you to perform the revered Umrah rites with your favorite people.
Visiting KSA with family or friends can boost your travel experience. Besides performing Umrah, you can visit other places in KSA and get the most out of your trip. Being a historical and cultural land, Saudi Arabia has many world-class museums showcasing its rich heritage. From ancient pieces to modern exhibits, they provide a fascinating glimpse into the country’s past. Here are two famous museums that can boost your knowledge.
The National Museum of Saudi Arabia
Located in the heart of Riyadh, this National Museum is easily accessible to locals and tourists. Surrounded by green parks, it is the main highlight of the al-Murabba region of the Saudi capital. Al-Wadi Park is to its north, whereas al-Midi Park is to the east. This world-class museum was built on January 23, 1999, which means it is more than two decades old. Raymond Moriyama is the architect behind this stunning masterpiece.
The museum’s most striking feature is its curved west wall, made from unique limestone. The overall layout of this place resembles a crescent, symbolizing the region’s Islamic heritage. This arced shape not only adds to the visual appeal of the building but also guides people through the museum’s routes. Besides local design, the National Museum boasts modern elements, such as large windows and open spaces.
Key Exhibits
The museum boasts eight main halls:
Man and the Universe
This hall highlights the geological history of the Arabian Cape. You can find the fossils of the region’s oldest flora and fauna there. The remnants of Mastodon, a pre-historic animal, are the main attraction for people.
Arab Kingdoms
It offers a glimpse into the history of old states that once thrived in the Arab region. The hall shows antique artifacts and rock inscriptions from the Nabatean and Kindah eras, as well as detailed models of ancient cities.
Pre-Islamic Era
You can find artifacts from the country’s old cities, such as Khyber, Mecca, Yathrib, and Jerash. The hall also showcases the customs of non-Muslims and idols from the pre-Islamic era.
The Prophet’s Mission
This hall is dedicated to the life and teachings of the Prophet (PBUH). It exhibits images, writings, and models that depict the early life of the Prophet (PBUH). One of the focal points of this place is the revelation of the Holy Quran to Muhammad by the angel Gabriel.
Islam and the Arabian Peninsula
This hall explores Islam’s impact on the region. Its walls are adorned with Islamic art and exquisite calligraphies, and the Quranic verses are written in the world’s most beautiful styles. The hall also features detailed models of sacred sites, such as the Holy Kaaba and the Prophet’s Mosque.
First and Second Saudi States
This part covers the history of KSA from its foundation in the 18th century to the modern era. In this hall, you can explore antique weapons, coins, and papers. These items provide insights into that time’s daily lives and governance system.
Unification of the Kingdom
This hall is dedicated to King Abdul Aziz al Saud’s efforts to unify various regions of the Arabian Peninsula. It houses historical weapons and writings and showcases the king’s and his companions’ personal items.
Hajj and the Two Holy Mosques
This hall highlights the value of the Hajj and the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. The whole area is adorned with detailed models of these sacred cities. You can explore the fantastic structures of the Kaaba and the Prophet’s Mosque there.
Dar Al Madinah Museum
This famous museum is one of the top attractions for tourists. It is located in the Knowledge Economic City, near the Haramain Train Station. Abdulaziz Kaki, a native of Medina, built it in 2011. Though it is not very old, it preserves Medina’s Islamic and architectural heritage. The building is stylishly designed with local and modern art. Its exterior is adorned with beautiful writings, reflecting the rich artistic heritage of Islam.
The interior is designed with Medinah stone, featuring black marble. The colored glass decorations add a stylish touch to the traditional design. Besides showcasing cultural and historical objects, the museum is also known for organizing many learning sessions worth visiting for tourists.
Famous Exhibits
This famous place displays the rich history of Medina and its Islamic heritage. Its key highlights include the following halls:
Prophet’s Biography Hall
One of the museum’s top attractions is this hall dedicated to the life of the Prophet (PBUH). There, you can interact with touch screens and 3D displays showing events of early Islamic history. This famous hall is adorned with antique coins, pottery, and writings. The walls have paintings and artistic calligraphies.
Architectural and Cultural Heritage Hall
This part shows the culture and buildings of old Medina City. In this hall, you can see unique models of the city’s historic areas and urban developments. Antique maps show how the city transformed over time.
The Hall of Rare Artifacts
In one of its main halls, the museum also houses a collection of rare artifacts. There, you can find Kiswa (the covering of the Kaaba), antique coins, pottery from the Umayyad era, and traditional Medinah jewelry and clothes.
Outdoor Garden and Heritage Bazaar
This beautiful outdoor space is adorned with unique paintings and artifacts showing the evolution of Medina City. Antique goods and crafts showcase the daily lives of the old Medina residents.
So, whether you are a tourist or a pilgrim, a trip to these museums can boost your knowledge and travel experience. Muslims Holy Travel, a leading travel agency, offers cheap All-Inclusive Umrah Packages. With these deals, you can explore KSA and its famous museums and perform sacred Umrah rites. So, get these amazing deals today and make your trip memorable.
