Where Tales from the Tides Come to Life
A cultural anchor to celebrate the diversity of the red sea and the legacy of its people through time
About Red Sea Museum
Nestled in the heart of Jeddah’s UNESCO-listed historic district of Al Balad, the Red Sea Museum reimagines the landmark Bab Al Bunt building as a living center of cultural exchange. Once a gateway for pilgrims, merchants, and explorers, it now anchors a new journey: one that celebrates the shared stories, biodiversity, and enduring spirit of the Red Sea and its people.
The Red Sea Museum preserves and brings to life the cultural and natural heritage of the region through over 1,000 rare artifacts, maps, manuscripts, photographs, and contemporary artworks. Here, visitors will discover authentic stories of trade, migration, faith, and encounters across cultures that have shaped the identity of Jeddah, Makkah, and the Red Sea region throughout history.
Rooted in the stories of the Red Sea's communities, the museum invites visitors to explore, learn, and reflect. The museum fosters dialogue, nurtures sustainability, and promotes deeper understanding between cultures and generations through immersive exhibitions, vibrant public programming, and hands-on learning experiences.
The Red Sea Museum stands as a new cultural landmark for Jeddah and the wider region, guided by the goals of Vision 2030 and a commitment to enhancing quality of life. It offers a space to connect with the past, engage with the present, and imagine a future shaped by shared heritage, learning, and the ever-shifting tides of history.
Watch the tales of the Red Sea unfold through the eyes of artists, explorers, and traders
We are home to the world’s most significant collection of regional artworks and artefacts. Our exhibitions piece together the stories of the Red Sea’s rich history of cultural exchange, creativity, and connection.
-(2).png)
Bab Al-Bunt
Salam Upon the Sea
Orientation
A Living Sea
Sea of Abundance
Sea of Faith
.png)
Sea of Inspiration
Whats On
The red sea museum presents a dynamic series of temporary exhibitions throughout the year, aligned with the museum's core themes.
.png)
Gate of the Gates Exhibition
Witness Bab Al Bunt in the midst of its transformation, as captured by photographer Moath Alofi. Curated by Philippe Cardinal, this inaugural exhibition pairs historic architecture with contemporary vision, accompanied by talks, panel discussions, and a symposium on the legacy of the Red Sea region.
Learn More →.png)
Music of the Red Sea – Parade and Concert
Experience a musical journey along the Red Sea coastline. A vibrant parade through Jeddah Historic District leads to a live orchestral performance at Bab Al Bunt, featuring a seven-movement symphony by Silkroad Ensemble and musicians from all Red Sea nations.
Learn More →
Made in the Red Sea – Artisan Workshops
Join local artisans in hands-on workshops creating jewelry, woodcraft, and dolls inspired by Red Sea heritage. Learn traditional techniques, meet the makers, and see their work featured in the museum gift shop.
Learn More →
Panel Discussion: Genius of the Place
Photographers, writers, and poets including Issa Makhlouf, Said Al-Sereihi, Nabil Naoum, Myrna Ayad, Venetia Porter, Ahmed Ano, Arif Alnomay, Jellel Gastelli, Marwa Al-Muqait, and Susan Hefuna, share their creative journeys with Bab Al Bunt. Explore breathtaking imagery and stories that span time and space.
Learn More →
Symposium: Architecture, Memory and the Legacy of the Red Sea Region
Artists, architects, curators, and scholars including Moath Alofi, Lina Gazzaz, Chatillon Architects, Faisal Al-Maimani, Dr. Sami Angawi, Dr. Nora Akawi, and Antonia Carver, reflect on the intersection of architecture, art, photography, and heritage in the Red Sea region.
Learn More →
Architecture for the People by Architect Dr. Rasem Badran
Lecture from architect Dr. Rasem Badran, exploring architecture as a dialogue between contemporary needs, inherited cultural values, and the people who inhabit spaces.
Learn More →.png)
Discover our first temporary exhibition
The Gate of the Gates
The Gate of Gates is a photography exhibition comprising works by Saudi artist Moath Alofi, coinciding with the opening of the Red Sea Museum. Curated by Philippe Cardinal, this inaugural exhibition celebrates the preservation of the historically significant Bab Al-Bunt building in Jeddah’s Historic District.
Coming 06/12/2025
Stay Tuned For Our Opening
The Red Sea Museum is the guardian of the Red Sea’s natural and cultural heritage. We are piecing together the region’s stories of cultural exchange, creativity and connection through an inclusive museum experience, driven by world-class expertise, partnerships and the latest museum design and technology.