Riyadh: The National Museum of Saudi Arabia will mark International Museum Day 2026 with a three-day cultural program from May 14 to 16, held under this year's global theme of the International Council of Museums (ICOM), 'Museums Unite a Divided World.' This program reflects the National Museum's enduring commitment to access, dialogue, and inclusive cultural participation.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the program's schedule features panel discussions, interactive workshops, and performances designed for visitors of all ages. In keeping with Saudi Arabia's Year of Artificial Intelligence, the activities will integrate an AI-powered 'Design Your Journey' experience, enabling visitors to personalize their exploration of the museum's collection of more than 3,000 archaeological and heritage artifacts.
Over three days, the program brings together a diverse group of thinkers, academics, artists, and specialists for panel discussions on some of the most pressing questions in culture today. Sessions will explore how stories and language shape identity and belonging; how technology and artificial intelligence are transforming the ways we understand and share culture; and how spaces, from buildings to museums, can be designed to bring communities closer together.
The program will feature panel discussions, the first of which will address language and living cultural heritage, while the second will discuss traditional architecture and community identity. Another session will focus on how traditional performing arts transmit cultural identity across generations. A student-led debate, 'Which is More Justified?', will bring together university students to present differing perspectives on questions of history and cultural narrative, inviting audiences to reflect and engage. The program will also include workshops and interactive activities.
Admission to the museum's permanent galleries and International Museum Day programming is free. The museum invites everyone to take part in International Museum Day programming and discover how museums can inspire, connect, and bring the community together.