Saudi Arabia Commences Construction on $490M SAMoCA Museum in Diriyah
Diriyah Co. awards SR1.84 billion contract to build flagship national institution for contemporary art.
Saudi Arabia is establishing a significant cultural landmark with the Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art (SAMoCA), as Diriyah Co., owned by the Public Investment Fund, has awarded a SR1.84 billion ($490 million) construction contract in the historic Diriyah district.
The contract was granted to a joint venture between Hassan Allam Construction Saudi Arabia and Al-Bawani Co. Ltd., marking the commencement of an ambitious project.The SAMoCA museum is set to be built on Diriyah’s Grand Avenue, spanning over 77,000 square meters with 45,252 square meters dedicated to built-up area.
Designed as a national platform for modern and contemporary Saudi art, the museum aims to foster the Kingdom's cultural infrastructure and support its creative economy.Diriyah Co. emphasizes that this development is integral to enhancing the Kingdom’s cultural sector, positioning it as an economic contributor.
The Ministry of Culture is actively investing in museums, heritage sites, and creative industries to increase their share of the non-oil gross domestic product.The official announcement occurred during a signing ceremony attended by key figures including Jerry Inzerillo, CEO of Diriyah Co. Group, Hassan Allam, CEO of Hassan Allam Holding, and Fakher Al-Shawaf, group CEO of Al-Bawani Holding Co. Notable attendees underscored the project's importance, with Allam affirming the commitment to delivering world-class cultural projects that honor historical heritage while meeting future national aspirations.Al-Shawaf highlighted SAMoCA as a testament to the company’s dedication to developing national landmarks that showcase Saudi identity and enhance global cultural stature.Designed by Godwin Austen Johnson, the building has achieved Mostadam Gold certification at both the design and construction stages.
The Museums Commission under the Ministry of Culture will oversee narrative development, visitor experience management, collection stewardship, and exhibition space design.SAMoCA is envisioned to be a national home for Saudi modern and contemporary art, enriching understanding of the Kingdom's creative identity while promoting cultural dialogue.
It aims to support artists across generations and serve as a platform for diverse cultural perspectives and exchange within the historic context of Diriyah.
The contract was granted to a joint venture between Hassan Allam Construction Saudi Arabia and Al-Bawani Co. Ltd., marking the commencement of an ambitious project.The SAMoCA museum is set to be built on Diriyah’s Grand Avenue, spanning over 77,000 square meters with 45,252 square meters dedicated to built-up area.
Designed as a national platform for modern and contemporary Saudi art, the museum aims to foster the Kingdom's cultural infrastructure and support its creative economy.Diriyah Co. emphasizes that this development is integral to enhancing the Kingdom’s cultural sector, positioning it as an economic contributor.
The Ministry of Culture is actively investing in museums, heritage sites, and creative industries to increase their share of the non-oil gross domestic product.The official announcement occurred during a signing ceremony attended by key figures including Jerry Inzerillo, CEO of Diriyah Co. Group, Hassan Allam, CEO of Hassan Allam Holding, and Fakher Al-Shawaf, group CEO of Al-Bawani Holding Co. Notable attendees underscored the project's importance, with Allam affirming the commitment to delivering world-class cultural projects that honor historical heritage while meeting future national aspirations.Al-Shawaf highlighted SAMoCA as a testament to the company’s dedication to developing national landmarks that showcase Saudi identity and enhance global cultural stature.Designed by Godwin Austen Johnson, the building has achieved Mostadam Gold certification at both the design and construction stages.
The Museums Commission under the Ministry of Culture will oversee narrative development, visitor experience management, collection stewardship, and exhibition space design.SAMoCA is envisioned to be a national home for Saudi modern and contemporary art, enriching understanding of the Kingdom's creative identity while promoting cultural dialogue.
It aims to support artists across generations and serve as a platform for diverse cultural perspectives and exchange within the historic context of Diriyah.