Construction begins on heritage museum in Diriyah
The Misk Heritage Museum 'Asaan' has announced the start of construction today at the site that will host this prominent cultural landmark in the historic district of Diriyah in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The ground-breaking was held during a special ceremony organised by the museum to coincide with the Kingdom's celebrations of International Museum Day and was attended by representatives from the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation (Misk), Diriyah Company and designers Zaha Hadid Architects.
The museum spans an area of 40,000 sq m and moves beyond the traditional museum concept to offer integrated cultural experiences. Through interactive spaces, workshops, and activities rooted in local environments, visitors will be immersed in the daily life of past generations, exploring traditional arts, crafts, stories, customs, and social values. Asaan provides a vibrant window into Saudi culture, showcasing its tangible and intangible dimensions.
The museum is an initiative of the Misk Foundation dedicated to preserving and promoting the diversity and authenticity of Saudi heritage. Asaan's contemporary architectural design, crafted by Zaha Hadid Architects, is inspired by the traditional Najdi style and reflects Saudi Arabia's rich architectural identity. Upon opening, the museum will feature a state-of-the-art conservation laboratory specialising in restoring and preserving heritage artifacts and artworks, a hub for knowledge exchange, and a training ground for the next generation of museum professionals.
The launch of Asaan construction marks a significant milestone in developing a cultural landmark that celebrates Saudi heritage and elevates its global standing. It is a living embodiment of Saudi Arabia's commitment to preserving its cultural legacy and strengthening national identity, in line with the goals of Vision 2030, according to a statement from the museum.
Khaled Al Saqer, CEO of the Misk Heritage Museum Asaan, stated: "Marking International Museum Day by commencement of construction of Asaan is a historic milestone in our mission to safeguard and celebrate Saudi heritage. Asaan's role extends beyond preserving and displaying artifacts; it seeks to inspire meaningful engagement through immersive experiences that connect past, present, and future generations, strengthening pride in Saudi identity and sharing our cultural legacy with the world."
"Driven by our belief in community participation as a pillar of heritage preservation, Asaan will offer a wide range of interactive programs curated by leading experts. These initiatives aim to foster cultural passion, inspire creativity, and empower all members of society to engage with and celebrate our heritage," he added.
Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of Diriyah Company, said: 'Asaan is a valuable addition to Diriyah's portfolio of cultural projects and demonstrates our commitment to presenting the richness of Saudi heritage in a modern way that strengthens its global presence.
'The museum supports our broader goal of establishing Diriyah as a world-class destination that celebrates history, culture, and national identity. We're excited about the programmes and activities Asaan will bring, as they will offer something truly special for the community and for visitors from around the world.'
Asaan's mission is to preserve Saudi heritage and celebrate its authenticity and diversity by showcasing extensive collections of cultural artifacts through immersive exhibitions and inspiring spaces.-
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