Museum
Murabba Palace
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Murabba Palace is a historic palace in the al-Murabba neighborhood of Riyadh, located within the King Abdulaziz Historical Center. It was one of the first buildings built outside the old city walls and served as the official workplace and main residence of King Abdulaziz ibn Saud from 1938 until his death in 1953. The palace was transformed into a museum and opened to the public in 1999.
Don't miss
- The palace's cubic shape and square form, measuring 400 by 400 meters, give it its name.
- Traditional Najdi architecture with plain style, adobe walls, and wood beams decorated with yellow, red, and black geometric patterns.
- The first lift in Saudi Arabia, installed in the late 1940s for King Abdulaziz.
- The upper floor includes the king's audience hall, offices, and guest chambers; the ground floor housed palace utilities and security.
- The palace is surrounded by a huge brick wall with nine gates; the main entrance was originally on the west side but later moved to the south.
- Historic garments and crafts are exhibited on the upper floor, along with the King Abdulaziz memorial hall and a written and photographic archive.
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Murabba Palace
You can visit Murabba Palace on your own. A guide mainly adds context, what you are looking at and why it matters, and a tour can add transport or combine nearby sights into one day.
Cheapest way inWalking Tour: Al Masmak Fortress, Souq Al Zal, and Saudi coffee5★ · 29 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$30 per personSee dates →
Best full dayEdge of the World Riyadh Tour with Camel Ride, Bat Cave & Dinner4.9★ · 1,445 travelers8-9 hoursFree cancellationFrom$60 per personSee dates →Know before you go
- The palace is part of the King Abdulaziz Historical Center, which also includes the National Museum.
- Riyadh has extreme temperatures: summer can exceed 50°C, and winter can fall below zero. It is bone dry year-round.
- The palace is about half a mile from Masmak Fort and two kilometers north of the old city.
A bit of history
Construction started in 1936 and was partly finished in 1938, with full completion in 1945. The palace introduced three new technologies to Saudi society: automobiles, electricity via generators, and water closets with drainage systems. A concrete road connecting the palace to the city center was also a first for Riyadh. In 1939, Aramco technicians added electricity, lighting, fans, limited air-conditioning, a central water supply, and lavatories. A lift was installed in the late 1940s when the king had difficulty climbing stairs due to arthritis,it was the first lift in Saudi Arabia. The palace witnessed official visits and the signing of various agreements during King Abdulaziz's reign. His successor, King Saud, also used the palace for official activities, including inaugurating the council of ministers there on 7 March 1954.
Common questions
When was Murabba Palace built?
Construction started in 1936, was partly finished in 1938, and fully completed in 1945.
Who lived in Murabba Palace?
King Abdulaziz ibn Saud used it as his main residence and workplace from 1938 until his death in 1953. One of his wives, Hussa bint Ahmed Al Sudairi, moved there with him in 1938.
What is special about the palace's architecture?
It reflects traditional Najdi architecture with a plain style, adobe walls, and wood beams with geometric decorations in yellow, red, and black.
What was the first lift in Saudi Arabia?
A lift installed in Murabba Palace in the late 1940s for King Abdulaziz, who had difficulty climbing stairs due to arthritis.
Can visitors see the palace today?
Yes, it was renovated and opened as a museum in 1999, part of the King Abdulaziz Historical Center.
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