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Khuzam Palace

Guardian of Memory and Jeddah's Living Museum

Makkah

Jeddah Regional Museum for Archaeology and Ethnography (Khuzam Palace) stands as a historical edifice that houses a varied assemblage of artifacts and folklore exhibits that chronicle the Kingdom's history, alongside personal belongings of the late King Abdulaziz and King Saud. Through its diverse contents, it highlights Jeddah's ancient heritage and emphasizes the profound cultural identity of Saudi Arabia.

Situated in the Khuzam area, which belongs to the Al-Nazlah Al-Yamaniah district in Jeddah, Jeddah Regional Museum for Archaeology and Ethnography (Khuzam Palace) occupies the front section of the late King Abdulaziz's palace, a historical palace built between 1347-1351 AH / 1928-1932 CE. The construction marked a pivotal phase in the Kingdom’s contemporary architectural development.

Since 1402 AH / 1982 CE, the museum has occupied the first and second floors of the palace's front section. It has transformed into a center of cultural enlightenment that preserves elements of the national memory. The General Directorate of Antiquities and Museums restored, furnished, and equipped it for display, and various photographs and archaeological pieces were provided for more enhancement.

Upon entering the museum, the visitor experiences the sense of history immediately, observing several historical and explanatory photographs on its walls. The central foyer seating area provides rest. This internal, meticulous arrangement reflects the museum management's commitment to providing an enriching and comfortable experience.

The right-sided halls feature artifacts from Prehistoric and Pre-Islamic periods, taking the visitor on a visual journey through the stages of human life development in the region, while the left-sided halls accommodate administrative offices.

The upper floor corridors are distributed as follows:

- King Abdulaziz Hall: Displays artifacts from the reign of the late King Abdulaziz, the most important of which is His Majesty's office.

- King Saud Hall: Displays the personal belongings of the late King Saud. The provision of exhibits for this hall is credited to Her Royal Highness Princess Fahda bint Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, an initiative reflecting familial allegiance and heritage preservation.

- Islamic Periods Hall: Displays pieces of metal, pottery, ceramic, and stone artifacts, reflecting the diversity of arts and industries in the Islamic periods and their evolution over time, accompanied with a collection of gravestones.

- Folk Heritage Hall: Exhibits prominent heritage artifacts, including clothing, ornaments, jewelry, furniture, utensils, and culinary tools, reflecting aspects of daily life and the Kingdom's cultural identity.

The museum courtyard houses a collection of rocks brought from Abhur. These rocks contain rock carvings dating back to pre-Islamic eras, serving as artistic testimonies to the diversity of local ancient civilizations.