Construction has officially commenced on the Asaan Museum, a landmark cultural project designed by Zaha Hadid Architects. Set in the heart of the At-Turaif district of Diriyah, the museum will celebrate Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage through architecture that bridges past and present.
Named after the Arabic word “Asaan”, meaning inheritance passed down through generations, the museum is envisioned as a dynamic new institution rooted in cultural preservation.
Located within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of At-Turaif, the museum draws deep inspiration from the traditional Najdi building techniques and historical mud-brick architecture of the region.
Remarkably, the Asaan Museum will be the first Zaha Hadid Architects project to utilize adobe construction. Built using locally sourced clay mud-bricks, the structure reflects both sustainable values and regional architectural identity.
The three-storey museum will incorporate thick, low-carbon mud-brick walls that offer high insulation and thermal mass, creating a naturally comfortable indoor environment in the harsh desert climate.
A central design element features three shaded courtyards, which organize the museum’s core functions: Educational, Arts, and Administrative.
These outdoor spaces, inspired by Najdi typologies, not only provide social gathering points but also serve as climatic buffers, enhancing the building’s environmental performance. Rooftop promenades, landscaped gardens, and a series of shaded plazas extend the museum’s cultural experience outdoors.
The Asaan Museum is a cornerstone of the broader Diriyah Gate masterplan, a national initiative aimed at revitalizing the historic city as a global heritage and cultural destination.
The masterplan champions sustainability, walkability, water conservation, and energy efficiency as key pillars.
Supported by the Misk Foundation, a non-profit established by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to promote youth development and innovation, the museum will host a robust public program.
Offerings include interactive exhibitions, immersive displays, workshops, and cultural events, alongside on-site conservation laboratories to protect and restore archaeological artifacts.
Diriyah, known as the birthplace of the Saudi nation, has long been a symbol of identity and resilience.
The Asaan Museum, with its blend of traditional materials and contemporary architectural thinking, represents a powerful tribute to that legacy—and a bold step into the Kingdom’s cultural future.
