Diriyah Co., owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, has awarded a SR1.84 billion ($490 million) construction contract for the Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art (SAMoCA) in the historic Diriyah district. The contract was signed with a joint venture between Hassan Allam Construction Saudi Arabia and Al-Bawani Co. Ltd., marking the official start of construction for the flagship national institution.
Project Details
The museum will be located on Diriyah's Grand Avenue, spanning over 77,000 square meters, including 45,252 square meters of built-up area. SAMoCA is designed to serve as a national platform for modern and contemporary Saudi art, aiming to document, research, exhibit, and promote Saudi artistic practices. The building, designed by Godwin Austen Johnson, has achieved Mostadam Gold certification at both design and construction stages, reflecting its sustainability credentials.
Signing Ceremony
The official announcement was made during a signing ceremony in Riyadh attended by Jerry Inzerillo, CEO of Diriyah Co. Group; Hassan Allam, CEO of Hassan Allam Holding; and Fakher Al-Shawaf, group CEO of Al-Bawani Holding Co. Inzerillo emphasized the project's role in strengthening the Kingdom's cultural infrastructure and supporting the growth of its creative economy.
Hassan Allam stated: "This project represents an important milestone in the group’s journey within Saudi Arabia and reaffirms our commitment to delivering world-class cultural projects that respect historical heritage and meet national future ambitions." Al-Shawaf added that SAMoCA demonstrates the company's commitment to developing national landmarks that highlight the Kingdom's identity and cultural stature globally.
Cultural and Economic Impact
The Saudi government is positioning the cultural sector as a measurable economic contributor, with the Ministry of Culture working to expand its share of non-oil GDP through investments in museums, heritage sites, and creative industries. The Museums Commission, operating under the Ministry of Culture, will oversee the development of the museum's narrative and visitor experience, manage its collections, and supervise the design and delivery of exhibition spaces.
According to the commission, "SAMoCA will serve as the national home for Saudi modern and contemporary art, deepening understanding of the Kingdom’s creative identity while fostering cultural dialogue." The museum will support Saudi artists across generations, from pioneers to emerging voices, and will serve as a platform for dialogue by connecting Saudi creativity with diverse cultural perspectives and exchange. It will also function as a premier center for artistic exploration, set within the historic context of Diriyah.
