Riyadh: Day Trip to National Museum and Murraba Palace

Are you planning a day trip to the Riyadh National Museum and Murraba Palace? Visiting this two incredible places of cultural heritage in a single day can make for a truly worthwhile experience. Here’s a comprehensive guide to make your trip the most wonderful and memorable one.

Overview

The National Museum of Riyadh, along with the Murraba Palace, are some of the most significant historical landmarks of the city. Located in the Rakah neighborhood, The National Museum displays artifacts belonging to some of the earliest human settlements in Riyadh. On the other hand, the Murraba Palace was the former residence of the first king of Saudi Arabia, King Abdel Aziz. At present, it serves as a museum that can be explored by its visitors.
In addition to the historically significant artifacts, both sites also feature intricately designed architecture that dates back to the eighteenth century. Visiting these attractive sites would give you both a cultural and visual treat!

Opening Hours and Entrance Fees

The National Museum is open every day except Fridays, from 9 am – 12 am and 4 pm – 8 pm. The entrance fee for adults is 20 SAR and 10 SAR per child. The Murraba Palace is open on Saturdays, Mondays and Wednesdays, from 9 am – 12 pm, with a one-time entrance fee of 8 SAR per person.

Tips on Planning your Trip

1. Start off early: The National Museum is a large site and it takes an average of 2-3 hours to explore a single room. If you want to explore both sites thoroughly, try to start as early as possible in the morning.

2. Carry a map to keep track of your movement: The massive Riyadh National Museum has several rooms and it’s easy to miss out on something without having a map or good knowledge about the place. So carry a map for an optimal experience.

3. Book your visit online: Pre-booking your visit will allow you to skip long queues at both sites and gain entry faster. You can book your visit from websites like GetYourGuide.

What to Expect at the National Museum

The National Museum of Riyadh houses some of the oldest human settlements of Saudi Arabia and highlights the cultural heritage of the people who inhabited this region thousands of years ago. There are several interesting artifacts, potteries and antiques displayed here, including old rugs, jewelry and stone tools used by ancient Riyadh people. The exhibition also includes replicas of handcrafts and models that were used by them in their day-to-day life. Much of the artwork contained in the museum dates back to the pre-Islamic period, making it worthwhile for visitors to explore this place in detail.

The museum also contains several items from various archaeological sites in Saudi Arabia as well as Bedouin jewelry and traditional costumes, adding additional value to your visit. Furthermore, there are many interactive displays that make learning about the history of Riyadh fun and engaging for people of all ages.

What to Expect at the Murraba Palace

The Murraba Palace, which was initially home to King Abdel Aziz bin Saud, was built in 1919 in a style inspired by Islamic architecture. After it was restored in 2010 following its closure in 1982, the Palace was open to public for exploration of its beautiful U-shape structure and various other parts like its gates, courtyards and pools with fountains.

This building complex comprises various sections like the Administrative Courtyard where cars operate autonomously; Heritage Courtyard which consists of several handcrafts, old coins and stamps; Cultural Courtyard which contains several books, magazines and documentary films related to Saudi Arabia; and Arts Courtyard which showcases several artworks from famous Saudi painters and sculptors. Furthermore, there are many interactive displays that serve as an attraction for visitors who come here to learn more about Saudi history and culture.

Visitors who explore this palace will learn more about the former ruling family of Saudi Arabia, their lifestyle, customs and values. If you want to visit this place and find out more about its history, make sure that you add this to your list when planning your day trip!

Conclusion

Overall, there’s a lot that you can do during your day trip to National Museum and Murraba Palace in Riyadh. It is an ideal destination for tourists who are looking for both cultural and historical insights into the captivating city of Riyadh. If you want to enjoy a memorable experience at these two popular places, make sure that you book your visit from websites like GetYourGuide, which provide access to both sites with maximum convenience at a great price!