Riyadh, July (پاکستان پوائنٹ نیوز 28 يوليو 2026ء) Through contemporary art, the museum explores the story of oil from artistic and human perspectives, highlighting its role in shaping civilizations, societies, and global transformations over the decades.
The museum is the result of a partnership between the Ministry of Culture, represented by the Museums Commission, and the energy sector, represented by the King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC). It was established under the Ministry of Culture's specialized museums initiative, with support from the Quality of Life Program, one of the Saudi Vision 2030 realization programs.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts to advance the museum sector, enrich the Kingdom's cultural landscape, and provide educational experiences that preserve heritage, promote cultural dialogue, support artistic creativity, and attract internationally significant artworks and artistic practices.
Located within the KAPSARC complex in Riyadh, the museum is housed in an iconic building designed by the late world-renowned architect Zaha Hadid. Its interior spaces are designed to create a seamless museum experience that guides visitors through interconnected artistic and narrative galleries, reinforcing Riyadh's position as a destination where culture, tourism, and knowledge converge.
The museum's permanent collection features more than 350 modern and contemporary artworks created by over 170 Saudi and international artists from more than 30 countries. It also includes large-scale installations, photography, historical documents, audiovisual displays, and multimedia exhibits that explore the human, cultural, and social dimensions of oil across the decades.
