Jeddah’s historic seaport has taken on a new life as the Red Sea Museum, transforming Bab Al-Bunt, the city’s iconic gateway, into a vibrant cultural space that bridges history and contemporary art. For centuries, the pointed double-curved arches of Bab Al-Bunt welcomed pilgrims arriving by sea, marking the final leg of their spiritual journey to Makkah and Madinah. Built in 1866 and expanded in the 1930s, the gateway once served not only as a port but also as a customs and medical screening center, reflecting the diversity and cosmopolitan character of Jeddah.

With urban expansion and the relocation of the port, Bab Al-Bunt was eventually abandoned, falling silent for decades. Its recent revival, overseen by the Saudi Ministry of Culture, has meticulously restored the coral stone and wooden architecture while equipping it with modern facilities. Under the direction of Eman Zidan and with the expertise of French architect Francois Chatillon, the restoration preserved the historical essence of the building, carefully integrating electrical and climate systems without compromising its original charm.

The museum’s collection blends 1,000 historical artefacts with contemporary artworks, creating a dialogue between past and present. On the ground floor, visitors encounter archival photographs, early 20th-century footage, and a massive 400kg wrought iron anchor recovered from the Red Sea. Multimedia installations and interactive displays allow audiences to explore the social, economic, and maritime history of Jeddah and the Red Sea, illustrating the city’s enduring role as a cultural crossroads.

Contemporary artworks further animate this historical narrative. Manal Al Dowayan’s We Are Coral suspends delicate glass corals from the ceiling, highlighting the beauty and fragility of marine life alongside prayer beads made from rare black coral. Lebanese artist Ali Cherri’s Mythical Creatures Diorama conjures the legends of the Red Sea with fantastical figures, while Sudanese artist Mohammad Omer Khalil contrasts the historical trajectories of Jeddah and Suakin through poignant collage works. Belgian photographer Harry Gruyaert contributes with Souvenir Shop – Red Sea, Egypt, blending archival imagery and sculpture to comment on coastal life and memory.

Upstairs, rare Chinese porcelain cups reference the Umluj shipwreck, and photographs of Mutawwif Hassan Banna document the guidance of pilgrims on their sacred journeys. Temporary exhibitions, such as The Gate of Gates, feature works documenting the pre-restoration state of Bab Al-Bunt, highlighting both architectural detail and traces of human presence left behind over decades.

The reopening of the Red Sea Museum signifies more than architectural restoration; it celebrates Jeddah’s maritime heritage, cultural exchanges, and local identity. By merging history, art, and community, the museum offers residents and visitors alike an immersive experience of the city’s past, present, and ongoing dialogue with the Red Sea.