RIYADH: Masmak’s Museum attracted more than 7,000 visitors during last week’s Eid Al-Fitr holidays, according to its officials.

Nasser Al-Oraifi, the museum’s director, had earlier invited people to visit the museum after Ramadan to learn more about the Kingdom’s history. 

Al-Oraifi said the museum’s preparations started early this year and that guides had been assigned to receive visitors as well as those who were attending celebrations at Riyadh’s Al-Hakam Palace.

The museum houses photographs, maps, models, displays, old weapons, heritage objects, and exhibition and audiovisual halls. It was open from 4 p.m. until midnight during Eid Al-Fitr and offered visitors a range of programs, events and activities.

It is one of Saudi Arabia’s most important historical sites and captures the feel of old Arabia and the struggle that led to the modern Saudi state. The museum emerged from a fort that was stormed by the Kingdom’s founder, King Abdul Aziz bin Saud, in 1902.

“Masmak” in Arabic means high, fortified, thick and huge — important qualities for a fort that witnessed King Abdul Aziz’s initiatives in consolidating the Kingdom. 

Masmak Fort is a tourist favorite and a must-visit destination in the Saudi capital. Many of the Kingdom’s most important historical artifacts are found here.

The fort has become virtually an official symbol of the rise of the Saudi nation, capturing the feel of old Arabia and the struggle that led to the modern Saudi state.

Visitors can find traditional dresses and crafts, a diwan with an open courtyard, functioning well, and a mosque as well as several other attractions.