Red Sea Museum Opens in Jeddah's Historic Bab al-Bunt Port with Focus on Regional History and Hajj

On December 5, the Red Sea Museum was inaugurated in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, utilizing the historic Bab al-Bunt port structures dating back to 1866. The museum houses 1,000 artifacts spread across 23 galleries, emphasizing local history and the Hajj experience. Notable historical photographs by Muhammad Sadiq Bey, Sayyid Abd al Ghaffar, and Charles Chusseau-Flaviens illustrate early pilgrim camps. The film collection features George Kruger’s 1928 documentary and Marcel Ichac’s 1948 film about Moroccan pilgrims. Additionally, Hajj memorabilia and a temporary exhibition curated by Moath Alofi are on display. The architectural design was executed by Chatillon Architectes, and the collection includes contemporary pieces, receiving mixed reviews. Thematic exhibits highlight the Red Sea's trade significance and biodiversity, alongside artifacts from the 18th-century Umluj shipwreck.