Red Sea Museum Opens in Historic Jeddah, Reviving the Legacy of Bab Al-Bunt

Jeddah – The historic Bab Al-Bunt building in the heart of Jeddah’s Al-Balad district has entered a new era with its grand reopening as the Red Sea Museum.

The transformation celebrates the region’s rich cultural and natural heritage while honoring one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.

The unveiling marked the culmination of extensive restoration work that preserved the building’s original architectural character.

The revival of Bab Al-Bunt reflects a deep commitment to safeguarding Jeddah’s heritage while offering a modern cultural experience for visitors.

The opening ceremony welcomed leaders and cultural figures who praised the museum as a vibrant platform for creativity and cross-cultural expression.

They emphasized that this project highlights the Kingdom’s dedication to building a cultural future where history and innovation coexist.

Eman Zidan, director of the Red Sea Museum, described the reopening as the rebirth of a historic site originally constructed in 1866.

What was once a bustling port for pilgrims and travelers now stands as a cultural anchor sharing the stories of the Red Sea’s diverse communities.

Zidan explained that the restoration used coral stone, concrete, and traditional materials to bring the building back to its authentic form.

Architects and heritage specialists worked meticulously to revive Bab Al-Bunt’s identity while adapting it into an engaging museum space.

The museum is committed to offering an enriching visitor experience through a wide range of curated programs and exhibitions.

Its collections include archaeological objects, manuscripts, coral specimens, maps, and contemporary artworks that explore the Red Sea’s history and biodiversity.

Collaborations with local artisans and artists further amplify the museum’s creative spirit.

Projects inspired by the sea, including works by noted artist Ahmad Angawi, highlight the region’s artistic traditions and natural beauty.

A special feature of the museum’s cultural programming is the Red Sea Symphony, created in partnership with the Tariq Abdulhakim Museum.

Composed in seven movements, the symphony brings together children’s choirs to celebrate the music of the Red Sea’s coastal nations.

Leaders from the Museums Commission noted that transforming Bab Al-Bunt into a public cultural space reflects the goal of making heritage more accessible.

They described the museum as a living environment where people can explore, learn, and feel connected to the stories of the Red Sea.

Officials shared hopes for future museums within Jeddah’s historic district, supported by ongoing excavations revealing artifacts from different eras.

Some of these discoveries may eventually be showcased in dedicated museum spaces as the district continues to evolve.

Cultural experts highlighted that the Red Sea Museum strengthens Jeddah’s identity by blending modern museology with historic preservation.

They noted that the museum’s approach honors tradition while presenting it through contemporary creative lenses.

Music also plays a central role at the museum, especially through the Silk Road Symphony performed during the opening celebration.

Drawing from the rhythms and cultures of Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Jordan, Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, and Djibouti, the performance symbolized unity through shared heritage.

Artists working with the museum emphasized the importance of storytelling through design and architecture.

They described how inspiration from waves, fish, and traditional Red Sea motifs shaped new artistic creations displayed throughout the space.

Visitors to the Red Sea Museum can explore seven thematic sections spread across 23 galleries.

The experience includes more than 1,000 carefully curated pieces that reflect the region’s tangible and intangible cultural treasures.

Temporary exhibitions, workshops, talks, and community programs complement the museum’s permanent displays.

Events such as Music of the Red Sea invite visitors of all ages to engage deeply with the region’s history, environment, and artistic expression.

The rebirth of Bab Al-Bunt as the Red Sea Museum symbolizes Jeddah’s dedication to preserving its heritage while embracing new cultural horizons.

It stands as a bridge between generations, celebrating the stories, songs, and traditions that have defined the Red Sea for centuries.