Jeddah, May 2026

The exhibition "Sunken Treasures: The Maritime Heritage of the Red Sea" is continuing to welcome visitors at the Red Sea Museum in Jeddah, drawing enthusiasts of maritime history and cultural heritage ahead of its scheduled close on 29 May 2026, after a cultural journey of more than three months that spotlighted the archaeological treasures discovered in the depths of the Red Sea and the history of navigation across the ages.

The exhibition is one of the leading cultural events organized by the Museums Commission this year, offering a complete knowledge experience that combines rare artifacts with modern interactive technology and presents the historical role of the Red Sea as one of the most important maritime corridors linking civilizations and driving trade and cultural exchange between peoples.

A Journey Through the History of Navigation

Over the past months the exhibition has let visitors explore the history of the ships that sailed the Red Sea and how some of their wrecks became, over time, historical records preserving the details of sailors' and merchants' voyages, as well as natural habitats for coral reefs and marine life.

The exhibition also presented a collection of archaeological finds from different underwater sites, including pottery, coins, historical objects and navigation tools, revealing part of the travel and trade the region has seen over thousands of years.

Four Sections Documenting Maritime Heritage

The exhibition is organized into four main sections that approach the history of the Red Sea from different angles, from the role of the monsoon winds and ancient maritime trade routes, through daily life on board and traditional navigation methods, to underwater archaeological discoveries and the importance of protecting the marine environment and biodiversity.

Immersive visual displays and interactive digital technology enriched the visitor experience, letting them explore the details of underwater archaeological sites and discover the treasures of the Red Sea in modern ways that combine knowledge and entertainment.

Linking Heritage and the Environment

The exhibition highlighted the importance of protecting underwater archaeological sites and preserving the natural environment of the Red Sea, showing the close relationship between cultural heritage and biodiversity and the role of coral reefs in enveloping many historic shipwrecks and turning them into thriving marine habitats.

Countdown to the Closing

As the exhibition approaches its close at the end of the month, visits by heritage and maritime history enthusiasts continue, drawing on cultural and knowledge content that offered a complete model for presenting the history and civilizational legacy of the Red Sea, as part of the Museums Commission's efforts to raise awareness of the national heritage and highlight the Kingdom's cultural and civilizational standing.

At a Glance

  • Venue: Red Sea Museum, Jeddah
  • Period: 25 February to 29 May 2026
  • Visiting hours: 9:00 am to 10:00 pm
  • Organizer: Museums Commission
  • Themes: maritime heritage, ancient navigation, shipwrecks, archaeological discoveries, marine conservation
  • Status: open now, closing 29 May 2026