Al Masmak Palace Museum Tells the Story of Saudi Unification

Riyadh, July 28, 2025, SPA -- Al Masmak Palace Museum immortalizes the unification of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under the leadership of the founding King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud. The construction of Al Masmak dates back to 1282 AH (1865 CE), during the reign of Imam Abdullah bin Faisal bin Turki bin Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Saud. It has remained a significant symbol of the nation and its glorious history, standing proudly as an icon of the unification and development era.
   Al Masmak continues its educational and national mission under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture, represented by the Museums Commission, following a comprehensive modernization that included refurbishing the building and enhancing its infrastructure. As one of the prominent historical landmarks that witnessed pivotal transformations in the Kingdom's history, it contributes to enriching the national cultural scene according to modern standards, enhancing visitors' experiences in museums.
   Historians have given this landmark several names, such as the fort, the castle, the inner fort, Al Musmak, and Al Masmak — the latter being the most widely used. Some researchers believe the name refers to the thickness of its walls and the strength of its fortifications, which made it a prominent defensive stronghold in the region.
   Al Masmak holds exceptional importance in the Kingdom’s history. On the morning of the 5th of Shawwal 1319 AH (January 15, 1902 CE), it witnessed a decisive moment when King Abdulaziz recaptured Riyadh, marking the beginning of the Kingdom’s unification journey. The fort was used for two years as a storage facility for weapons and ammunition, before a decision was made to restore it and convert it into a historic and cultural monument that reflects the nation’s glorious past.
   Al Masmak Palace spans an area of 3,885 square meters in Al-Thumairi neighborhood of Riyadh. It was constructed from clay mixed with straw, with its foundation made of stone. The exterior walls were plastered with clay, while the interior featured gypsum.
   The structure is divided into two floors, comprising about 44 rooms. The ground floor includes six courtyards surrounded by lower and upper rooms, with two entrances. It also features two sitting areas, a mosque, a water well, a service area, and three residential wings: one for the ruler, another for the treasury, and the last for guests. The first floor contains a sitting area and several rooms overlooking the main courtyard.
   The walls of Al Masmak are adorned with triangular and rectangular openings, while the interior walls display decorative plasterwork in the form of triangles and circles, with simple designs inspired by the surrounding environment, such as palm trees, stars, and crescents. The exterior walls are characterized by protruding openings, which resemble wooden boxes and were used for surveillance.
   The fort features several notable elements, including the western gate made from palm and tamarisk trunks, which stands 3.60 meters high and 2.65 meters wide. It includes a small opening known as the khooqah. The fort also includes an interior mosque with multiple columns and a recessed mihrab, a traditional majlis decorated in Najdi style, a well in the northeastern corner, four defensive towers in each corner, and a square tower called Al-Murabba, which overlooks the entire structure.
   In 1400 AH, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, then-Governor of Riyadh Region, issued directives to preserve and restore the fort as a national landmark reflecting a pivotal era in the Kingdom's history.
   Riyadh Region Municipality carried out a full restoration project in 1399 AH and handed the site over to the General Directorate of Antiquities and Museums in 1403 AH. Under the directive of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Al Masmak was transformed into a specialized museum that narrates the stages of the Kingdom’s founding and unification. The museum was officially opened on 13 Muharram 1416 AH (June 11, 1995 CE).
   The museum includes various sections, such as Al Masmak Conquest Hall, which recounts a historic battle and showcases old maps, weapons, and rare photographs. It also includes the audiovisual hall, which features a documentary in two languages; the Pioneers Hall, honoring the men who helped recapture Riyadh; and the Historical Riyadh Hall, which documents the city's development through maps and historical photos.
   Other exhibition areas include the Well Courtyard, which displays traditional tools and cannons used by the army; Al Masmak Fort Hall, which features models and informational panels; and Al Masmak Usage Hall, which presents the fort’s evolving roles throughout the ages. Additional display cases house traditional weapons, clothing, and old construction tools.
   -- SPA