Makkah & Madinah Museums

The multitude of museums in each of the blessed cities of Makkah & Madinah present the perfect complementary experience to our guided tours, providing the opportunity to visualise each historically significant landmark as it would have appeared through a wide array of 3D models and panoramic images. Moreover, these museums house certain notable artefacts collated throughout the centuries, allowing for a deeper understanding of our rich Islamic heritage.
To facilitate this, we have gathered valuable information related to these museums, including locations, contact numbers and opening times, as well as a brief insight into the unique experience each museum offers. 

Makkah

• Hira Cultural District
Opening times: 8:30am - 9:30pm (4-10pm on Fridays)

Nestled at the foot of Mount Noor upon which the Cave of Hira is situated, this exhibit extends to its guests the opportunity to delve into the history of divine revelation, the cave’s association to it, and its significance to Islam and its devotees.

• The Kiswa Factory of the Holy Ka’aba
Opening times: 8am - 11am (Closed Friday to Sunday)
Contact: +966 12 560 1168

Enrich your experience of Makkah with a visit to the Kiswa exhibit, learn about the venerated draping over the Holy Ka’bah, its multiple stages of knitting and embroidery, and the evolution of the Kiswah throughout the ages.

• Al-Zaher Palace Museum (Makkah Museum)
Opening times: 9am - 4pm
Contact: +966 12 547 1815

Originally a royal palace built for the hospitality of guests of the Haramayn, it was eventually converted into a museum accessible to the public. The museum has a wide range of galleries pertaining to the archaeology of Saudi Arabia, the geological history of Makkah, as well as the Prophet ﷺ’s biography and a display dedicated to the stunning architecture of Masjid al-Haram.


Madinah

• Dar Al Madinah Museum
Opening times: 11am - 6pm (Closed on Fridays)
Contact: +966 53 477 9997

The Dar Al Madinah Museum, situated approximately 10km to the West of al-Masjid al-Nabawi, houses various 3D models of the city of Madinah, portraying the development of the city as a whole throughout the ages and providing valuable insights into its deep heritage.

• The International Fair and Museum of the Prophet’s Biography and Islamic Civilization
Opening times: 4:30am - 11:30pm
Fridays & Saturdays: 12:30pm - 11:30pm
Contact: +966 9200 08397

Located just outside the courtyard of al-Masjid al-Nabawi on the qiblah side, this museum provides visitors with a spiritually enriching outlook of the awe-inspiring life of the Prophet ﷺ, complete with unique 3D models and panoramic images of the Masjid as well as other significant historical sites.

• The Prophet’s Mosque Expansion Exhibition
Opening times: 5:30am - 10pm (timings may vary)

Take a journey through the ages to see the development of the Prophet ﷺ’s masjid, how it grew from a small humble structure to become the vast multi-faceted complex we see today and discover who played pivotal roles in upholding the integrity of this blessed Masjid.

• Hejaz Railway Museum

Originally an UNESCO World Heritage Site, the museum is located on the grounds of the historic Ottoman railway station, housing a portion of the original track and train shed. Unfortunately, the museum has been restricted from public access in recent times.

• King Fahd Complex for the Printing of the Holy Quran
Opening times: 7:30am - 11am (Closed on Fridays & Saturdays)
Contact: +966 14 861 5600

The publishing plant of the famous Madani Mushaf commissioned under King Fahd, this complex offers visitors the opportunity to explore how exactly the Holy Qur’an is printed in vast numbers along with its various translations.