Al Masmak 故宫博物院

The magnificent Al Masmak Palace stands erected gracefully in the middle of Riyadh city as a tourist destination having silently witnessed great events in the history of KSA foundation. The palace was constructed in the hijri 14th century during the reign of Imam Abdullah bin Faisal as his residence and the center of power and money. The palace is a strong fort against enemies with its solid high walls. It has only two entrances and small openings in the walls for gun barrels at the time of battles. Today, the palace stands as a symbol of the history of regaining power and rule of the country displaying in its corridors the features of that era and its leaders after it had been turned into a museum in 1995/1416. The Arabic word Al Masmak means a strong thick building that had been once used as a depot for weapons and ammunitions until it was turned into a historic milestone then a museum The palace is divided into six main parts: the fortress’s gate on the western side, the mosque, the majlis - or the diwaneyah as known locally- the well to the north eastern side, the towers in the four corners of the courtyard, and the residential units of the ruler and his guests that were transformed into display halls. You can wander inside the palace witnessing history through visual presentations and ancient historical remains hung on its walls. The historical palace displays live photos of the story of the kingdom unification including the battle of regaining Riyadh represented in bin Jiluwi’s tip of spear remains on the gate of Al Masmak Fortress. Prince Fahad bin Jiluwi was among the army of King Abdul Aziz in the 1902 battle when he threw his spear meaning to aim at Ajlan bin Rashid. He missed his aim and the tip of the spear settled in the gate making a deep crack that is a witness to the heroic story of one of the main King’s servants.

This is a great tourist attraction which is at once a traditional fortress as well as a museum which gives a first time visitor to Riyadh a nice overview of Saudi/Riyadh history - the consolidation of the state over time and the role of Islam, the growth of Riyadh commerce etc, The exhibits are logically laid out with appropriate explanations (English and Arabic) and, among other artifacts, there is a fine collection of ancient swords and sabers. Very interesting - attractive site, informative museum, and to top it all off, free.

Al Masmak Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history of the Kingdom. Admission is free, and the museum offers a lively yet manageable atmosphere for both locals and tourists. The exhibits are well-curated. Located in a historically significant area, the museum is not only informative but also a place of cultural discovery. I highly recommend it for a meaningful exploration of Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage.

The Masmak Palace is a historical landmark located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Built in the 1860s, it played a significant role in the country's history, Today, the Masmak Palace serves as a museum, showcasing artifacts, photographs, and exhibits related to Saudi history, offering visitors insight into the rich heritage of the region.

This is the oldest part of Riyadh. Built during the time of Abdullah bin Faisal. There are huge fortress walls, only two entrances and small openings in the walls for gun barrels. In 1995, the palace was converted into a museum. There is a lot of history about the formation of Saudi Arabia as a country, including the Battle of Riyadh in 1902.From here begins the great campaign of the Saudis to conquer the Arabian Peninsula. The palace is divided into 6 parts: the gate, the mosque, the towers, the ruler's chambers, the residences and the mejlis. The palace is open daily from 08:00 to 21:00. The entrance is free.