AlUla Contemporary Art Museum Officially Named During the Launch of the Arduna Exhibition

The Official Naming of the AlUla Contemporary Art Museum

On January 31, 2026, Arts AlUla celebrated a significant milestone—the official naming of the AlUla Contemporary Art Museum, alongside the inauguration of its inaugural exhibition, Arduna. Located in the culturally rich AlUla region of Saudi Arabia, 1,100 kilometers northwest of Riyadh, this museum aims to connect the area's profound historical heritage with contemporary artistic ideas, fostering global dialogue.

AlUla is renowned for its breathtaking natural landscapes and rich cultural background, holding sites like Hegra, the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Saudi Arabia. The launching of the museum is part of a broader initiative that seeks to blend AlUla's artistic legacy with innovative practices.

The Vision for the Museum

The AlUla Contemporary Art Museum is designed by architect Lina Ghotmeh, who has envisioned a space that harmonizes with the unique surroundings of the AlUla Oasis. This project is a key part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, reflecting the region's long-standing cultural crossroads.

Hamad Alhomiedan, the director of Arts & Creative Industries at the Royal Commission for AlUla, emphasized the importance of the museum in connecting local heritage with the advancements shaping the global art scene. He stated, “The AlUla Contemporary Art Museum marks another vital chapter in AlUla's journey, connecting our deep local heritage with the innovations that influence the global artistic landscape.”

In its mission, the museum will serve as a dynamic platform for public engagement through exhibitions, commissioning artworks, artist residencies, research, and publications. The intention is to amplify regional and Saudi voices via groundbreaking commissions and iconic exhibitions, providing a space where local narratives can flourish alongside international perspectives.

The Arduna Exhibition

Arduna, which translates to “our land” in Arabic, is organized in collaboration with the Centre Pompidou in Paris and supported by the French Agency for the Development of AlUla. This groundbreaking exhibition showcases over 80 works from prominent Saudi, Middle Eastern, and global artists, including historical figures like Pablo Picasso and Wassily Kandinsky, alongside contemporary talents such as Manal AlDowayan, Ayman Zedani, and Etel Adnan.

Running from February 1 to April 15, 2026, the exhibition investigates humanity's evolving relationship with nature. It features new commissions and highlights a quest for a deeper understanding of our existence amid the breathtaking backdrop of AlUla.

A Future of Cultural Growth

The establishment of Arts AlUla, under the Royal Commission for AlUla, signifies a commitment to shaping the future of artistic expression in the region. As part of ongoing development, the region aims to integrate the arts into the very fabric of AlUla's identity.

Additionally, the upcoming Wadi AlFann, which means “Valley of Arts,” is set to be a global cultural destination, featuring permanent installations from its inception in 2028 onward, reinforcing AlUla's role as a center for creativity and dialogue.

In conclusion, the AlUla Contemporary Art Museum not only marks an important cultural governmental initiative but also highlights AlUla's dedication to celebrating local artistic voices while engaging with the international art community. The launch of Arduna exemplifies this commitment, promising to enrich AlUla’s artistic narrative for years to come.