The Red Sea Museum, part of Saudi Arabia’s Museums Commission under the Ministry of Culture, will present Sunken Treasures: The Maritime Heritage of the Red Sea from February 25 to May 29, 2026.
The temporary
exhibition explores archaeological discoveries from the Red Sea, highlighting
their role as records of human journeys, cultural exchange, and the connection
between maritime heritage and environmental conservation.
Curated by Eman Zidan
and Dr Solène Marion de Procé, the exhibition is structured across four
thematic sections.
The Red Sea Passage
examines how seasonal winds and navigation routes linked the Mediterranean,
southern Arabia, East Africa, and the Indian Ocean.
Life Aboard the Ship
recreates the world of historic seafarers, presenting artifacts such as
pottery, coins, glass, and ceramics that reflect trade and communication across
the region.
Shipwrecks: From a
Voyage to a Memory focuses on vessels lost to storms or coral reefs,
transforming journeys into enduring historical traces.
Exploring for Tomorrow
highlights conservation and restoration efforts led by the Heritage Commission
and archaeological missions along the Saudi coast.
The exhibition
concludes by emphasising community involvement in safeguarding maritime heritage, encouraging
awareness among divers, fishermen, and the broader public to protect the Red
Sea’s environment and coral reefs.
Developed in
collaboration with partners including the Heritage Commission and the Historic
Jeddah Programme, the exhibition underscores the museum’s commitment to research,
education, and sustainable preservation.
It opens at the Red Sea Museum in the historic Bab Al Bunt building in Unesco-listed Historic Jeddah. -TradeArabia News Service