Hartwig Fischer to lead Saudi Arabia's Museum of World Cultures
Hartwig Fischer, who stepped down as the director of the British Museum in August 2023 following the revelation of more than 1,500 missing or stolen artifacts, has been named the inaugural director of the Museum of World Cultures in Riyadh by the Saudi Museums Commission. This museum, designed by Spanish architect Ricardo Bofill, is currently being built at the Royal Art Complex in King Salman Park and is set to open in 2026. It will address themes pertinent to humanity, emphasizing shared values and global cultural diversity. Fischer will lead the museum's creation and operations, which align with Saudi Arabia's extensive cultural investment initiatives, including Noor Riyadh, the Diriyah Biennale, and projects in AlUla.
Key facts
- Hartwig Fischer named founding director of Museum of World Cultures
- Fischer resigned from British Museum in July 2023 over theft scandal
- Museum designed by Ricardo Bofill, 110 metres high
- Located at Royal Art Complex in King Salman Park, Riyadh
- Opening scheduled for 2026
- Part of Saudi cultural investments including Noor Riyadh and Diriyah Biennale
- Museum will explore themes relevant to all humankind
- Fischer responsible for establishment and management
Entities
Artists
- Hartwig Fischer
- Ricardo Bofill
Institutions
- British Museum
- Saudi Museums Commission
- Museum of World Cultures
- Royal Art Complex
- King Salman Park
- Noor Riyadh
- Diriyah Biennale
Locations
- Riyadh
- Saudi Arabia
- AlUla