Ithra Museum

The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) is one of Saudi Arabia’s leading culture destinations. Inaugurated in 2018 by Saudi Aramco, the country’s national oil corporation, Ithra is housed in a striking ultramodern structure designed by renowned Norwegian architectural firm Snøhetta. Together it serves as a hub for creativity and learning, featuring a museum, library, cinema, theater and exhibition halls. The Ithra Museum is spread across four levels and across five galleries, each dedicated to a distinct period or theme: Middle Eastern art, Saudi culture, Islamic art, the natural history of the Arabian Peninsula and an archive gallery. Ithra is the Arabic word for "enrichment," and the cultural center is part of Saudi Aramco’s initiative to support and empower local communities. The center hosts a dynamic program of temporary exhibitions, such as “The Camel Through the Ages” and “Net Zero,” exploring both historical and contemporary themes. Ithra also presents the annual Ithra Art Prize, one of the world largest art awards, open to contemporary artists from select middle eastern countries.