Asaan Heritage Museum Celebrates Groundbreaking Ceremony to Mark International Museum Day - Middle East Business News and Information

Mid East Info

18-05-2025

The construction phase of Asaan in Diriyah marks a significant step toward establishing a cultural landmark that reflects Saudi identity and celebrates contemporary creativity.
Diriyah, May 2025 — Today, the Misk Heritage Museum 'Asaan' announced the start of construction at the site that will host this prominent cultural landmark in the historic district of Diriyah, during a special ceremony organized by the museum to coincide with the Kingdom's celebrations of International Museum Day. The ceremony was attended by representatives from the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation (Misk), Diriyah Company and designers Zaha Hadid Architects.
The commencement of Asaan construction marks a significant milestone in developing a cultural landmark that celebrates Saudi heritage and elevates its global standing. It is a living embodiment of Saudi Arabia's commitment to preserving its cultural legacy and strengthening national identity, in line with the goals of Vision 2030.
Khaled Al Saqer, CEO of the Misk Heritage Museum Asaan, stated, 'Marking International Museum Day by commencement of construction of Asaan is a historic milestone in our mission to safeguard and celebrate Saudi heritage. Asaan's role extends beyond preserving and displaying artifacts; it seeks to inspire meaningful engagement through immersive experiences that connect past, present, and future generations, strengthening pride in Saudi identity and sharing our cultural legacy with the world.'
He added: 'Driven by our belief in community participation as a pillar of heritage preservation, Asaan will offer a wide range of interactive programs curated by leading experts. These initiatives aim to foster cultural passion, inspire creativity, and empower all members of society to engage with and celebrate our heritage.'
Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of Diriyah Company, said: 'Asaan is a valuable addition to Diriyah's portfolio of cultural projects and demonstrates our commitment to presenting the richness of Saudi heritage in a modern way that strengthens its global presence.
'The museum supports our broader goal of establishing Diriyah as a world-class destination that celebrates history, culture, and national identity. We're excited about the programs and activities Asaan will bring, as they will offer something truly special for the community and for visitors from around the world.'
Asaan's mission is to preserve Saudi heritage and celebrate its authenticity and diversity by showcasing extensive collections of cultural artifacts through immersive exhibitions and inspiring spaces. The museum spans an area of 40,000 square meters and moves beyond the traditional museum concept to offer integrated cultural experiences. Through interactive spaces, workshops, and activities rooted in local environments, visitors will be immersed in the daily life of past generations, exploring traditional arts, crafts, stories, customs, and social values. Asaan provides a vibrant window into Saudi culture, showcasing its tangible and intangible dimensions.
The Museum is an initiative of the Misk Foundation dedicated to preserving and promoting the diversity and authenticity of Saudi heritage. Asaan's contemporary architectural design, crafted by Zaha Hadid Architects, is inspired by the traditional Najdi style and reflects Saudi Arabia's rich architectural identity. Upon opening, the Museum will feature a state-of-the-art conservation laboratory specializing in restoring and preserving heritage artifacts and artworks, a hub for knowledge exchange, and a training ground for the next generation of museum professionals.
About Asaan:
Asaan celebrates and preserves Saudi's diverse heritage, making it vibrant, profound, and relevant to the generations of yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
Supported by the Misk Foundation, Asaan mirrors the vision and commitment of Her Royal Highness Princess Sara Bint Mashhour Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who strongly advocates for the importance of preserving both tangible and intangible heritage treasures, rare and beautiful artifacts, traditional customs, arts, and societal values that showcase Saudi Arabia's distinct ways of life.
Through its carefully crafted cultural spaces, immersive exhibits, and thoughtful community engagement, the Asaan Museum, set to open in Diriyah in the coming years, invites visitors of all ages not only to witness but also to contribute to the living, breathing story of Saudi Arabia, weaving their own narrative into the tapestry of its timeless heritage and shaping the Kingdom's cultural and civilizational legacy.
The name Asaan is derived from the Arabic word meaning the heritage passed down through generations.
About Diriyah:
Diriyah, Saudi Arabia's premier historical, cultural, and lifestyle destination, is a key component of Saudi Arabia's 2030 Vision. A short 15-minute drive from Riyadh's city center, this 14-square-kilometer development holds historical significance as the birthplace of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, dating back to 1727. Currently being developed by Diriyah Company, Diriyah is undergoing a transformation into an authentic Najdi-style mixed-use urban community. Diriyah's centerpiece is At-Turaif, the UNESCO World Heritage Site inscribed in 2010, showcasing the ancient adobe capital city of the First Saudi State, dating back to 1766.
Upon completion, Diriyah will host more than 100,000 residents, workers, students, and visitors, offering a diverse range of cultural, entertainment, retail, hospitality, educational, and residential spaces. The first of those spaces include Bujairi Terrace, Riyadh's new premium dining hub with over 20 global and local restaurants and cafes that enjoy uninterrupted views of At-Turaif. Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel is the first hospitality offering in Diriyah, providing a tranquil experience with panoramic views of Wadi Hanifah. Diriyah's development provides a dynamic environment that celebrates Saudi Arabia's rich cultural history.
About Diriyah Company:
Diriyah Company was launched in 2023 and joined the Public Investment Fund's (PIF) portfolio of giga-projects. The Company is responsible for developing the Diriyah project, the birthplace of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its foremost historical, cultural, and lifestyle destination. A dynamic mixed-use developer, Diriyah Company is redefining urban planning to develop Diriyah, 'The City of Earth', while adhering to the highest design, development, and preservation standards. The company ensures Diriyah's cultural landmarks are complemented by world-class retail offerings, fine-dining experiences, and leading hospitality brands.
As a PIF company, its mission focuses on opportunities in development, hospitality, investment, retail, and office leasing, along with strategic asset management, underscoring the commitment to ensuring successful business outcomes and sustainable growth under the strategic direction of Vision 2030. The Diriyah Company actively forges long-term partnerships to realize its vision of establishing Diriyah as one of the world's greatest gathering places.