Diriyah Company has awarded a $490 million construction contract for the Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art (SAMoCA).
The contract has been awarded to a joint venture between Hassan Allam Construction Saudi and Albawani, which will build the new museum at the Diriyah giga-project.
Per a press release, the museum aims to document, research, exhibit and promote Saudi modern and contemporary art practices, supporting Saudi artists across generations.
"The Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art will provide Saudi and international artists with a truly world-class platform – one that invites global voices to engage with the Kingdom as it is today," said Jerry Inzerillo, group CEO of Diriyah Company.
"This iconic asset will further elevate Diriyah’s reputation as the Kingdom’s capital of culture – and underscores our unwavering commitment to developing a vibrant city that serves our community, and the nation at large."
Designed by Godwin Austen Johnson with multidisciplinary support from Rafaat Miller Consulting, the museum will have a gross floor area of 45,252 square metres and a total built-up area of 77,428 square metres.
Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art
The new museum at Diriyah will serve as SAMoCA's flagship home, with SAMoCA at Riyadh's Jax District creative hub continuing to operate as an exhibition space.
CEO of Saudi Arabia's Museums Commission, Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Hammad, said the institution will be "the epicenter of Saudi modern and contemporary art".
He added: "Set against the historic legacy of Diriyah, it is designed to document and champion generations of Saudi artists, from pioneers to emerging voices, while inviting international dialogue into that story.
"We are committed to ensuring this dynamic platform remains accessible and inspiring for all."
Diriyah giga-project
Diriyah, a $63.2 billion integrated urban development, has now awarded over $29bn in construction contracts.
Once complete, it will contribute approximately $18.6bn directly to the Kingdom’s GDP, create more than 180,000 jobs, house an estimated 100,000 people and welcome 50 million annual visits.
It will also include museums, shopping districts, a university, an opera house, a variety of F&B outlets, and nearly 40 world-class resorts and hotels.
Images courtesy of Diriyah Company
