National Museum of Saudi Arabia

The museum & the collection

The “Hijrah Exhibit: In the Footsteps of the Prophet” is a travelling exhibition telling the story of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)’s migration journey from Makkah to Al Madinah Al Munawwarah. Representing an unprecedented cultural collaboration between the National Museum of Saudi Arabia and King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture – Ithra, this exhibition comes as a manifestation of the ambition to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s cultural and historical heritage. The Saudi National Museum is its second stop after the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture – Ithra. Visitors are captivated by the rich tapestry of history, archaeology, and documentaries that engage every sense, telling the story as it was witnessed from before Islam until the actual migration journey.

The former King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, now known as Ithra, is situated in the vibrant city of Dhahran. This magnificent institution is a testament to the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering creativity, knowledge, and global connectivity. Ithra represents a convergence of art, science, and technology, providing a dynamic platform where diverse cultures intermingle and ideas flourish.

The National Museum of Saudi Arabia is a compelling and culturally significant institution that stands as a testament to the rich and storied history of Saudi Arabia. Located in the heart of the capital city, Riyadh, this museum is a treasure trove of artifacts, exhibits, and narratives that take visitors on an extraordinary journey through the annals of Arabian heritage and the evolution of the Kingdom. With its modern architecture and world-class displays, the National Museum of Saudi Arabia is a symbol of the nation’s commitment to preserving, celebrating, and sharing its history and traditions.

The solutions & the result

The custom modular cases had to be taller than our usual standardised modular products. Hence, we designed customised glasses as well as longer power tubes. The made-to-measure internal plinths were reinforced to guarantee the secure mounting of the heavy and valuable stone objects.

The result is a rich and simultaneously elegant translation of the 1400-year-old journey that changed the course of the world. The showcases and their internal elements perfectly complement the stunning treasures and unique artefacts that they contain, and flawlessly blend with the scenic and immersive galleries by which they are surrounded.

The assignment & the challenges

To address all requirements for the highly-valued traveling exhibition, Meyvaert was entrusted with the supply of modular and demountable showcases. We provided 3x configurations of 2 modular cases and 1x configuration of 3 modular cases from our stock products. Among the project highlights was an additional configuration of 3 bespoke showcases, with custom plinths and graphic label holders. These were meticulously designed to serve as secure and visually appealing display spaces for precious artifacts representing pre-Islamic rituals and practices.