Photo: Courtesy of Diriyah Company
Diriyah Company and the Royal Commission for Riyadh City have announced plans for Saudi Arabia’s first opera house, the Royal Diriyah Opera House. Located in the heart of Diriyah, the project will stand as a cultural icon in the Saudi capital city’s 300-year-old heritage quarters and the birthplace of the Kingdom.
“The announcement of the Royal Diriyah Opera House embodies our aspirations for Riyadh to be a city at the forefront of global cultural and architectural innovation,” said his excellency Ibrahim Al-Sultan, minister of state, member of the council of ministers, and CEO of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City. “The Royal Diriyah Opera House will be a cornerstone in this journey, showcasing the unique blend of our rich heritage and modern innovation. This iconic structure symbolizes our commitment to creating a vibrant cultural hub that resonates with the spirit of Riyadh.”
Photo: Courtesy of Royal Commission for Riyadh City
This development remains in line with the Saudi Vision 2030 and is a key element of the second phase of the Diriyah master plan. Under this vision, the Royal Diriyah Opera House will be built by the Diriyah Company near At Turaif, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, the operation of the opera house will be entrusted to the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, the entity leading growth and development efforts in the city.
Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of Diriyah Company, announced that the renowned architectural firm Snøhetta has been engaged to design the opera house. Speaking of the design, Kjetil Thorsen, co-founder and architect at Snøhetta, stated, “Through the thoughtful integration of tradition and contemporary aesthetics, we aim to create a timeless cultural symbol that resonates globally. We have a deep appreciation and respect for Najdi architecture, which carries the soul of Saudi heritage. By weaving the intricate tapestry of Najdi motifs into a contemporary architectural narrative, we endeavor to craft a space that narrates the story of Diriyah’s rich history while embracing the boundless possibilities of Saudi Arabia’s future.”
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