The National Museum of Saudi Arabia, located in the heart of the King Abdulaziz Historical Center in Riyadh, has announced the launch of its innovative cultural program, “Memory of the Home,” in a unique celebration that combines two occasions dear to the hearts of Saudis: the Kingdom’s founding day and the holy month of Ramadan. Running from February 19 to March 6, 2024, the program aims to offer an immersive cultural experience for visitors of all ages, blending the richness of authentic heritage with the spirit of modern community engagement.
Historical background: Founding day and its deep roots
This program comes as part of the celebrations of Founding Day, which falls on February 22nd each year, commemorating the establishment of the first Saudi state by Imam Muhammad bin Saud in 1727. This national occasion represents a source of pride in the deep-rooted historical foundations of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and celebrates three centuries of stability, unity, and development. Through the “Memory of the Home” events, the National Museum seeks to embody this historical depth and present a vivid and tangible narrative of the nation's development and the core values that have shaped its identity throughout the ages.
The importance of the event and its expected impact
The “Memory of the Home” program gains special significance as it coincides with the spiritual atmosphere of the holy month of Ramadan, lending it a unique social and cultural dimension. The program is expected to attract large numbers of visitors, including citizens, residents, and tourists, becoming a premier family cultural destination. Locally, the program enhances awareness of national identity and Saudi heritage, connecting younger generations with their ancestors' history in interactive and engaging ways. Regionally and internationally, this event showcases the Kingdom's cultural and civilizational face, reflecting its efforts to preserve its heritage and present it to the world in a modern way, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to enrich the cultural experience in the Kingdom.
Themes and activities of the “Memory of the Home” program
The program is divided into two main axes that complement each other to provide a comprehensive experience:
- Founding Day Theme (February 19-22): This section focuses on reviving the legacy of the first Saudi state and recalling the values upon which it was founded. Events include interactive displays, stories recounting past glories, and activities designed to introduce visitors to the symbols of that historical era.
- Ramadan Nights Theme (February 19 – March 6): This theme evokes the traditional Ramadan atmosphere through cultural programs that promote social interaction and celebrate the authentic heritage associated with the holy month, through popular food experiences and diverse community activities.
Rich interactive experiences for visitors
The program offers a diverse range of interactive experiences that transform the museum into a vibrant space connecting the past with the present. Among the highlights are:
- “Keys to the House”: An interactive map that takes visitors on an exploratory journey through the history of the Kingdom.
- “Al-Ajawi Shop”: An experience that mimics traditional Saudi markets with their atmosphere and handcrafted products.
- “Fashion of Glory”: An interactive display of traditional Saudi fashion that reflects the diversity and richness of the Kingdom’s regions.
- Shadow Theatre “Following in Their Footsteps”: Storytelling performances that embody influential historical figures from the Kingdom’s heritage.
- “Shawahid Al Dar”: A clever matching game that connects cultural symbols with the vocabulary of everyday Saudi life.
In doing so, the Saudi National Museum, through “Memory of the House,” affirms its role as a vital cultural center that not only displays history but also makes it a living story in which every visitor participates in telling it.
