The Asaan Misk Heritage Museum under construction in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, is aimed at establishing a cultural landmark that that celebrates Saudi heritage and elevates its global standing.
The museum spans an area of 40,000 square meters and moves beyond the traditional museum concept to offer integrated cultural experiences through interactive spaces, workshops, and activities rooted in local environments.
Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) and inspired by traditional Najdi architecture, the Asaan Museum will be constructed in locally produced clay mudbricks. Built to a thickness that provides high insulating properties in Diriyah’s hot desert climate, the low-embodied-carbon adobe walls incorporate a high thermal mass to maintain interior comfort while reducing energy demand for cooling. The museum is ZHA’s first adobe-constructed project worldwide.
Gallery: Asaan Misk Heritage Museum, Diriyah, Saudi Arabia (Renders)
The three-story design is defined by the scale and geometry of the old town, as well as the museum’s traditional construction techniques and materials. Composed predominantly of the region’s local clay, this materiality echoes Diriyah’s historical vernacular architecture.
Centered around three shaded courtyards, a defining feature of the local Najdi architecture, serving as anchors to the museum’s three distinct programs: Educational, Arts, and Administrative, these courtyards provide comfortable external spaces that shield visitors from climatic conditions. Shading devices create a variety of outdoor sheltered landscaped gardens, public plazas, and rooftop promenades.
Asaan, which means ‘inheritance passed down through generations,’ will be an institution dedicated to preserving and celebrating Saudi heritage, in addition to promoting creativity and knowledge sharing.
Supported by the Mohammed Bin Salman Foundation (Misk) Foundation, a non-profit organization devoted to cultivating learning and leadership in young people, the museum aims to foster connections with the nation’s cultural heritage through interactive exhibitions, immersive experiences, workshops and events. On-site conservation labs will support the restoration and preservation of historical archaeological artifacts.
Khaled Al-Saqer, CEO of Asaan, Misk Heritage Museum, said: “Asaan’s role extends beyond preserving and displaying artifacts; it seeks to inspire meaningful engagement through immersive experiences that connect past, present, and future generations, strengthening pride in Saudi identity and sharing our cultural legacy with the world. Driven by our belief in community participation as a pillar of heritage preservation, Asaan will offer a wide range of interactive programs curated by leading experts. These initiatives aim to foster cultural passion, inspire creativity, and empower all members of society to engage with and celebrate our heritage.”
Diriyah is considered the birthplace of the Saudi Arabian nation and one of the Kingdom’s most important heritage sites. With over 600 years of Najdi architecture and history preserved within its mud-brick structures, the At-Turaif district of Diriyah was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010.
The Asaan Misk Heritage Museum is integrated within the Diriyah Gate masterplan that protects and promotes Diriyah’s ancient cultural heritage while also creating a 100% walkable city, which prioritizes water conservation, energy efficiency, wellness, and climate resilience.
Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of Diriyah Company, said: “Asaan is a valuable addition to Diriyah’s portfolio of cultural projects and demonstrates our commitment to presenting the richness of Saudi heritage in a contemporary way that strengthens its global presence.”