RIYADH: Ever wondered how to restore a beautiful piece of pottery? Or perhaps Arabic calligraphy is more your line.
Either way, the National Museum in Riyadh has a summer program to suit your tastes.
This summer its program to engage families and schoolchildren includes workshops on pottery decoration, folklore, folk costumes and printing.
Through its program, the museum in King Abdul Aziz Historical Center is aiming to raise awareness of Saudi history and heritage as well as link the new generation to their roots.
Abeer M. Al-Wahip, the museum’s program director, said: “During this summer we are organizing a lot of cultural, educational and artistic programs and activities that attract people from all segments of society to the museum.
“The program basically emphasizes the social and educational role provided by the museum to the public at large,” she said.
The summer events kicked off with an event encouraging visiting families to share the joy of Eid Al-Fitr. A grand celebration was held over three days where visitors were served Arabic coffee and sweet treats.
The workshops series runs until Aug. 9 on Wednesday mornings and Thursday nights.
During the summer, the museum is to host two temporary exhibitions. The first exhibition is on the National Museum expansion and development project and the other exhibition will focus on fostering awareness of national heritage.
The Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH) is working on the National Museum expansion project to develop it into one of the largest and most advanced museums in the world. The first phase of the project will begin soon.
New services will also be offered at the museum, including galleries, theaters, restaurants and training rooms and the latest interactive technologies will be installed.
The development project also includes establishing a four-star hotel that reflects Saudi Arabian heritage.
Al-Wahip said that the National Museum will conclude its summer activities with an Eid Al-Adha celebration, including miscellaneous programs for families and children.
