Numerous travel sources indicate that it is the museums together with art galleries that are the main draw for tourists traveling worldwide because they provide the cultural and traditional pulse of the city and country. The tourist or traveler gleans information from these establishments and is then better prepared to enjoy his or her adventure in a new country. At museums in particular, visitors are given a clear perspective of the past, the present and the goals of the future, both historically and traditionally.Visitors taking advantage of museums and galleries from the beginning find themselves in a better position to organize and plan the trip through a specific city and country. It is an invaluable ‘mini-education' of which they take full and welcome advantage. The Nationl Museum of Riyadh was established in 1999 and is located in the historical centre of Maruba, where the Maruba Palace building is located. The architect of the of the structure was Raymond Mariyama. He was inspired by the magnificent, quiet and still sandunes in the north of the region. All exhibitions include detailed and descriptive information on the precise period in history being examined, and each exhibition is unique. Original ancient items are on display for first-hand viewing. The premises of the museum cover 1,700 meters but the interior spans centuries of cultures, traditions and of ancient civilizations that have disappeared with the passing of time in the region. Eight major exhibitions on permanent display in the halls of the National Museum in Riyadh include the following: • Man and Universe • Arabian Kingdoms • Rare Islamic Era • Prophet Mohammed's (pbuh) Vision • Islam and the Arab Peninsula • First and second Saudi States • The Unification of the Kingdom • The Hajj and the two Holy Mosques The entire museum is made up of unique and independent halls that are opulent in magnificent displays. The Riyadh museum publishes regular newsletters and bulletins in order to provide visitors details of future museum events. It is open to the public on every weekdays from 9 A.M. to 12 P.M. and from 4 P.M. to 9 P.M.
