Makkah's museums are continuing their cultural and civilizational role in preserving Islamic and human memory, through rare collections and historical evidence documenting the stages of development of the holy city and its history tied to the Islamic message and the qibla of Muslims, coinciding with International Museum Day on 18 May each year.

Makkah's museums are among the leading cultural and knowledge destinations presenting the historical and civilizational depth of the holy city, deepening cultural awareness among visitors from around the world.

Museums, Cultural Bridges That Preserve Memory

International Museum Day is an occasion to affirm the role of museums as cultural and humanitarian institutions that preserve heritage, document civilizations and build bridges of communication between peoples and cultures.

Makkah's museums reflect an important part of Islamic and human history through knowledge content that documents the stages of the holy city's development and Islamic civilization across the ages.

The Holy Quran Museum Documents the History of the Mushaf

The Holy Quran Museum in the Hira Cultural District stands out as one of the leading museums dedicated to the history and sciences of the Mushaf, with rare collections and historical manuscripts documenting the development of writing and caring for the Quran across the Islamic eras.

The museum holds historical examples of Qurans and Islamic manuscripts, along with exhibits documenting Muslims' efforts to preserve, print and translate the Holy Quran, using modern display technology and interactive experiences that enrich the visitor experience.

The Architecture of the Two Holy Mosques Exhibition Documents Architectural Development

The Exhibition of the Architecture of the Two Holy Mosques is one of the prominent cultural landmarks documenting the stages of care for the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque throughout Islamic history, through rare archaeological and architectural pieces, models and historical photographs.

The exhibition presents examples of the old doors of the Two Holy Mosques, tools and objects used in construction and maintenance, and photographs and manuscripts documenting the successive expansions of the Two Holy Mosques.

Strengthening Cultural and Knowledge Tourism

Makkah's museums play an important role in strengthening cultural tourism and enriching the experience of visitors and pilgrims, through knowledge content that combines history, culture and the human and civilizational dimension.

These museums also introduce new generations to the history of Makkah and its Islamic standing as the place of the revelation and the qibla of Muslims, reflecting the global dimension of Islamic civilization.

Modern Technology and Interactive Experiences

Makkah's museums and cultural exhibitions continue to develop their display and documentation methods using modern technology and interactive experiences, strengthening cultural and knowledge content and conveying the holy city's civilizational message to visitors in their different languages and cultures.

This is part of the Saudi Vision 2030 goals of caring for heritage and culture and enhancing the quality of the cultural experience for visitors, pilgrims and Umrah performers.

At a Glance

  • Location: Makkah
  • Occasion: International Museum Day 2026
  • Key sites: the Holy Quran Museum and the Exhibition of the Architecture of the Two Holy Mosques
  • Content: manuscripts, collections and historical evidence