Saudi- National Museum proves a big draw

(MENAFN- Arab News) The National Museum at the King Abdul Aziz Historical Center in Riyadh witnessed a large turnout of people visiting the heritage site during the Saudi National Day holidays. Abdullah bin Saud Al-Saud, director-general of the National Museum, said Friday that the directives issued by Prince Sultan bin Salman, president of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities, allowing free access to the National Museum during the holiday prompted a large number of Saudis and expatriates to visit the site. "Museum celebrations saw a turnout of more than 9,000 people, which included both Saudis and expatriates who enthusiastically took part in the celebrations," he said. The National Museum marked the Kingdom's 83rd anniversary with fervor and made special arrangements on the day. The program highlighted traditions of Arabic hospitality. A laser and lights show and screens showcasing prominent archaeological sites in the Kingdom were also set up. A contest, entitled "A message to our homeland," was held, in addition to setting up a painting studio in which children and their parents took part to draw paintings on their homeland. Over 5,000 PR bags containing gifts were distributed by the museum on the occasion. The National Museum, which is represented by the antiquities and museums sector of the SCTA, also took part in a heritage exhibition held by the Princess Nora bint Abdul Rahman University on the occasion. The exhibition featured a number of heritage objects, models of Saudi costumes from different provinces and a number of print material and presentations showcasing impressive Saudi archaeological sites. The exhibition was launched by Hoda bint Saleh Al-Ameel, chancellor of the Princess Nora bint Abdul Rahman University.