Ready to discover a side of the Saudi art story most people haven’t seen yet? Step inside Bedayat exhibition at the National Museum in Riyadh and you’ll find the early chapters of the Saudi art movement laid out in front of you. It is open to visitors until April 11.

Inside, you’ll find more than 250 artworks created by 73 artists, along with archival documents that show how art education and early exhibitions developed across the Kingdom. The exhibition looks at the period when Saudi artists began studying formally, organising shows, and shaping what would become the country’s modern art scene.

Some unmissable pieces inside Bedayat:

  • The Gate to Mecca (1985) by Dia Aziz Dia

A monumental artwork recognised by millions. You’ll be able to see the original sketch made by Saudi artist and designer.

  • The Saudi Mona Lisa (1975) by Fahad Alrubaiq

A portrait of a young girl whose gaze appears to follow you as you move. The work references Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, but the setting and identity are distinctly Saudi.

  • The Broken Mirror by Khaleel Hassan Khaleel

A striking composition of a man and a watch fragmented across shattered glass. Each shard offers a slightly different view, reflecting the artist’s self-defined style, Dreamism.

A dedicated section of the exhibition highlights female artists who played an important role in the Saudi art movement. Mounirah Mosly became the first woman to hold a solo exhibition in Riyadh in 1973. You can also see works by Safeya Binzagr. In 2025, her painting Coffee Shop on Madina Road (on the image below) made headlines when it sold for more than a Pablo Picasso work at auction.

If you’re curious about where the Saudi art movement truly began, Bedayat at the National Museum in Riyadh is worth your time. This exhibition is also a great way to celebrate Saudi Founding Day. If you’re looking for more ideas on how to spend the holiday, check out our guide to all the things to do.

If you’re in Riyadh, Jeddah, or Khobar during this month, take a look at Ramadan events and Iftar experiences happening across Saudi Arabia.