Riyadh is preparing to welcome a major cultural landmark — the Royal Arts Complex in King Salman Park. Developed by the King Salman Park Foundation in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, this complex is set to become a key destination for arts and culture in Saudi Arabia.
Designed by renowned Spanish architect Ricardo Bofill, the Royal Arts Complex combines modern architecture with traditional Salmani design elements, reflecting the heritage of Saudi Arabia while embracing contemporary styles.
The complex will offer green spaces and immersive artistic experiences, making it a vibrant place for visitors.
What’s Inside the Royal Arts Complex?
The complex will feature seven distinct areas, all aligned with Saudi Vision 2030. Here’s what visitors can expect:
- Museum of World Cultures, a striking 110-meter-high museum showcasing diverse cultural exhibits
- National Theatre, a venue with 2,300 seats, designed to host major performances and events
- Royal Institute of Traditional Arts – Home to three academies: Academy of Traditional Visual Arts, Academy of Cultural Heritage and Restoration, and Academy of Theatrical Arts
- Three cinemas screening both local and international films and events
- A culture-focused library with 500,000 books, offering extensive resources on the arts
- Unique artworks and pavilion for artists to show their work
- Dome venue to host cultural events and performances
Once completed, King Salman Park aims to be the largest urban park in the world. It will be over seven times bigger than London’s Hyde Park and five times the size of New York’s Central Park. The park is also expected to house Leonardo Da Vinci’s USD 450M masterpiece, Salvator Mundi, currently owned by Mohammed bin Salman.
The Royal Arts Complex is more than just a cultural site — it’s a statement about Riyadh’s commitment to arts, heritage, and innovation. Stay tuned for updates on its progress and opening dates!
