Culture

UK Proposal to Charge Tourists to Visit Museums Sparks Backlash

Culture FILE PHOTO: People walk in front of the British Museum in London, Britain, September 28, 2023. REUTERS/Hollie Adams/File Photo

UK Proposal to Charge Tourists to Visit Museums Sparks Backlash

Britain is considering introducing entry fees for tourists visiting some of England's most renowned museums, a proposal that has drawn criticism from…

Asharq Al Awsat (London)
Culture The artworks are strategically distributed across major streets, public squares, cultural centers, and key urban hubs. SPA

Riyadh Art Unveils 75 Works in Expanding Public Art Collection Across Capital

The Royal Commission for Riyadh City, through its “Riyadh Art” program, has unveiled 75 new artworks as part of a growing permanent collection installed across…

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Culture A conservator works on the restoration of gilded moldings at the Prado museum's sculpture restoration department in Madrid on October 23, 2025. (Pierre-Philippe Marcou/ AFP)

New Tools Rescue Old Art at Madrid’s Prado Museum

In a quiet space secluded from the throngs of daily visitors to Madrid's Prado art museum, a team of experts perpetuate an ancient tradition of restoring…

Culture The Saudi Culture Ministry will oversee the national pavilion with participation from several entities

Saudi Culture Ministry Launches Nonprofit Cultural Sector Forum with Wide Participation from Experts, Entities

Under the patronage of Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan, the sessions of the Nonprofit Cultural Sector Forum, organized by the…

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Culture Maraya Hall reflects one aspect of the cultural transformation witnessed in AlUla - SPA

AlUla’s Maraya Hall Highlights Creative Fusion of Art and Landscape

In AlUla Governorate, features of human creativity are manifested in their finest form, as Maraya Hall hosts an exceptional artistic and architectural…

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Culture  This photograph taken on February 2, 2026 shows a hospitality staff arranging tableware at the Dharampura Haveli, an 18th-century haveli-turned-heritage hotel in the old quarters of Delhi. (AFP)

India’s Historic Haveli Homes Caught Between Revival and Ruin

Once the grand residences of Mughal-era nobility, the Indian capital's haveli homes now stand at a fragile crossroads -- a handful lovingly restored but many…

Culture Charcoal irons were once a common household tool in village homes over six decades ago - SPA

Charcoal Irons Illustrate Traditional Ironing Practices in Saudi Arabia’s Old Villages

Charcoal irons were once a common household tool in village homes over six decades ago, serving as the only way to iron clothes before they gradually fell out…

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Culture The activities will run through March 27 to revitalize the palace - SPA

Cultural and Heritage Events Launched at King Abdulaziz Palace in Qibah, Qassim

The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve Development Authority, in collaboration with the Heritage Commission, has launched a series of cultural and heritage…

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Culture  The event featured booths showcasing local artisans, food, and a photography corner - SPA

Heritage, Arts, and Entertainment Mark Sakaka's Eid Al-Fitr Celebrations

Eid Al-Fitr celebrations organized by Al-Jouf Municipality wrapped up after three days of events at Sakaka Public Park. The festivities drew large crowds…

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Culture Mors Imperator (Death is the Ruler) is seen as a powerful allegory of death and power, and was misinterpreted in the late 19th century (the Alte Nationalgalerie museum)

Painting that Shocked German Society Finally Returns to Berlin

More than 100 years after Mors Imperator caused a scandal in 1887 amid fears it mocked the German kaiser, the painting is being displayed in a state museum in…

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Culture Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) held a three-day festive program. SPA

Saudi Arabia: DGDA Held Eid Cultural Program Across Diriyah

The Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) held a three-day festive program celebrating Eid Al-Fitr from Friday to Sunday for residents and visitors of all…

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Culture Artwork entitled "Autoportrait au chapeau de paille" by French artist Henri Matisse on display during the exhibition "Matisse 1941-1954" at the Grand Palais in Paris, France, 19 March 2026. (EPA)

Matisse’s Last Years Cut Out -- But Not Pasted -- At Paris Expo

The final years of Henri Matisse's artistic life, marked by the Nazi occupation of France and a brush with death and surgery, will light up a twilight…

Culture Türkiye's is waging an increasingly assertive campaign to recover antiquities illegally taken abroad. Ozan KOSE / AFP

Türkiye in Cultural Diplomacy Push to Bring History Home

When an ancient bronze statue of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius landed back on Turkish soil after decades abroad, it was more than a symbolic homecoming. It…

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Culture An aerial view of the of the Monte Verde archaeological site in southern Peru, in this 2023 photograph released on March 18, 2026. Todd Surovell/via REUTERS

Study Suggests Younger Age for Chile's Important Monte Verde Archaeological Site

The Monte Verde archaeological site in Chile, discovered in the 1970s, revolutionized the thinking about when humans entered the Americas, with scientists…

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Culture The renovation uses traditional Al-Jouf mud-brick techniques and natural materials - SPA

Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project Restores Historical Al-Saidan Mosque in Al-Jouf Region

The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historical Mosques has commenced the restoration of Al-Saidan Mosque in Dumat Al-Jandal, Al-Jouf…

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Culture The inauguration of the new layout and archaeological area of the southern ambulacra of the Colosseum in Rome, Italy, 17 March 2026. (EPA)

Rome’s Colosseum Gets a Fresh Look That Recreates the Footprints of Long-Gone Columns

The Colosseum has a bright new look following a restoration using the same travertine marble of ancient Rome to recreate parts of columns from 2,000 years ago…

Culture The study documented human settlement at the site dating back about 13,500 years. (Saudi Ministry of Culture)

Northern Arabia Archaeological Site Reveals 13,500-Year-Old Human Settlement

The Saudi Heritage Commission, one of 11 sector-specific commissions under the Ministry of Culture, announced findings documenting archaeological evidence of…

Culture The Qasr Al-Shariah Mosque in Al-Haytham, Al-Kharj Governorate.(SPA)

Qasr Al-Shariah Mosque: An Architectural and Cultural Landmark

The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for Development of Historical Mosques focuses on preserving and restoring historical mosques across Saudi Arabia while…

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Culture Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz. SPA

Royal Order Issued on Establishment of Riyadh University of Arts

A royal order has been issued approving the establishment of the Riyadh University of Arts, an independent educational institution headquartered in Riyadh…

Asharq Al Awsat (Riyadh)
Culture Riyadh’s markets are experiencing a significant surge in activity - SPA

Riyadh’s Markets Thrive as Men Prepare Traditional Attire for Eid Al-Fitr

In preparation for Eid Al-Fitr, Riyadh’s markets are experiencing a significant surge in activity as men follow the Prophetic tradition of adorning themselves…

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Culture The restoration expanded the mosque’s area from 72.33 to 93.98 square meters - SPA

Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project Restores Al-Fuwaihi Mosque in Sakaka

As part of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historical Mosques, Al-Fuwaihi Mosque in Sakaka, originally built in 1380 AH (1960)…

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Culture FILED - 10 March 2026, Iran, Tehran: A member of the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) rescue teams works at the site of a building damaged in a US-Israeli airstrike in Resalat Square. Photo: -/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

Iran Says Museums and Historic Sites Damaged in War

Iran's cultural heritage and tourism ministry said Saturday at least 56 museums and historic sites across the country have been damaged, as the Middle East war…

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Culture Ukrainian artist Zhanna Kadyrova (R) and Ukrainian curator of the 'Security Guarantees' project Leonid Marushchak pose in front of the 'Origami Deer' sculpture in Prague on March 12, 2026. (Photo by Michal Cizek / AFP)

Ukraine's 'Origami Deer' Sculpture Rescued from Frontline Tours Europe

An "Origami Deer" statue rescued from a Ukrainian city destroyed and occupied by Moscow's army is touring six European countries before featuring at the 61st…

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Culture A crate containing the Djidji Ayokwe drum, at the airport in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. (Photo by Issouf SANOGO / AFP)

'Talking Drum' Looted by France in 1916 Back in Ivory Coast

The Djidji Ayokwe "talking drum", which was looted by French colonial troops in 1916 and taken to France, arrived back in Ivory Coast Friday, in the latest…

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Culture File photo of the fifth day of the Red Sea International Film Festival - SPA

Red Sea Fund Launches Second Round to Support Film Projects in Production Stage

The Red Sea Fund, affiliated with the Red Sea Film Foundation, announced the opening of applications to support film projects in the production stage within…

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Culture The renovation utilized modern technologies to restore the mosque's original identity - SPA

Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project Restores Historic Al-Jami' Mosque in Tabuk Region

The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historical Mosques has completed the restoration of Al-Jami' Mosque in Duba, Tabuk Region, as…

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Culture Throughout its history, the award has emphasized themes rooted in Saudi heritage and national initiatives - SPA

Leading Portraiture Competition Celebrates Saudi Heritage Through Art

The Dia Aziz Dia Award for Portrait, hosted by the Saudi Arabian Society for Culture and Arts in Jeddah, is a leading platform for portraiture and the only…

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Culture The evening featured a critical reading on the symbolism of the Saudi flag and its ties to national identity and core values

Jazan Cultural House Explores Symbolism of Saudi Flag

The Jazan Cultural House hosted a cultural evening on the Saudi flag, in collaboration with the Cultural Café, a literary partner of the Literature, Publishing…

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Culture The mosque is a prime example of traditional Najdi architecture - SPA

Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project Restores Historic Al-Qalaah Mosque in Riyadh Region

The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historical Mosques continues its mission to preserve the Kingdom’s architectural heritage by…

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