Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The Museums Commission reopened Masmak Palace Museum on Saturday in Riyadh’s historic Al-Dirah district, following a comprehensive renovation that included restoration of the building and modernization of its infrastructure.

The upgrades align with contemporary museum standards and reflect the Commission’s broader efforts to highlight key historical landmarks that played pivotal roles in shaping the Kingdom’s history and identity.

Originally inaugurated as a museum on June 11, 1995, the Masmak now features a series of galleries that narrate the story of the 1902 Battle of Riyadh, a turning point in the Kingdom’s unification led by King Abdulaziz.

The museum offers educational and visual displays, including models, archival documents, photographs, and multimedia content designed to engage visitors of all ages.

The fortress itself, built in 1865 during the reign of Imam Abdullah bin Faisal bin Turki, is one of the oldest remaining structures in the capital.

Constructed with thick walls, narrow gun slits, and a single fortified entrance, Masmak Palace was originally designed to defend the city.

Its historical significance was sealed when King Abdulaziz captured the fort in a decisive battle that marked the beginning of Saudi Arabia’s unification project.

Over the decades, the building served various roles, including as an arms depot, before being repurposed as a national museum chronicling this foundational moment in Saudi history.