Najran Sees Growing Interest in Heritage and Archaeological Artifact Collection

These collections also include artifacts illustrating stages of the modern Saudi state, serving as educational platforms that bridge the past and present - SPA
These collections also include artifacts illustrating stages of the modern Saudi state, serving as educational platforms that bridge the past and present - SPA
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Najran Sees Growing Interest in Heritage and Archaeological Artifact Collection

These collections also include artifacts illustrating stages of the modern Saudi state, serving as educational platforms that bridge the past and present - SPA
These collections also include artifacts illustrating stages of the modern Saudi state, serving as educational platforms that bridge the past and present - SPA

Najran Region has witnessed growing enthusiasm among community members and heritage enthusiasts for collecting traditional and archaeological artifacts that document historical eras linked to the region’s civilization and the lives of previous generations, contributing to reconnecting society with its roots and raising awareness of the importance of preserving tangible heritage as an essential part of cultural identity.

Heritage enthusiasts play a significant role in preserving Najran’s cultural legacy by establishing private museums that display archaeological items, traditional tools, clothing, photographs, and historical collections reflecting daily life and customs, SPA reported.

These collections also include artifacts illustrating stages of the modern Saudi state, serving as educational platforms that bridge the past and present.

The hobby of collecting heritage items in Najran ranges from gathering everyday tools such as pottery and agricultural equipment to traditional clothing, jewelry, weapons, books, and manuscripts. Motivations vary between personal documentation, preserving family memory, and academic research aimed at understanding historical social and economic practices.

Local markets and seasonal exhibitions, along with digital platforms, have contributed to expanding this hobby, enabling knowledge exchange and increasing awareness of preservation methods and historical value. Community initiatives and workshops further support proper documentation and conservation, ensuring that this passion complements heritage preservation while adhering to scientific and legal standards.



Saudi Culture Ministry, ALECSO Sign Executive Program for Intangible Cultural Heritage

The agreement focuses on organizing a specialized symposium to exchange expertise on safeguarding policies, methodologies, and practices. SPA
The agreement focuses on organizing a specialized symposium to exchange expertise on safeguarding policies, methodologies, and practices. SPA
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Saudi Culture Ministry, ALECSO Sign Executive Program for Intangible Cultural Heritage

The agreement focuses on organizing a specialized symposium to exchange expertise on safeguarding policies, methodologies, and practices. SPA
The agreement focuses on organizing a specialized symposium to exchange expertise on safeguarding policies, methodologies, and practices. SPA

The Ministry of Culture has signed an executive program with the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) to establish a cooperative framework to safeguard intangible cultural heritage and advance shared Arab cultural goals.

Thursday’s agreement focuses on organizing a specialized symposium to exchange expertise on safeguarding policies, methodologies, and practices.

It also includes formulating recommendations for bilateral and multilateral cooperation and showcasing living Arab heritage practices on the international stage to unify regional preservation efforts.

Building upon a 2022 memorandum of understanding between the ministry and ALECSO, the executive program underscores both parties' commitment to broadening institutional partnerships that ensure the long-term protection and sustainability of intangible cultural heritage.


Visual Arts Commission Marks Saudi National Day with Cultural Campaign

Visual Arts Commission logo
Visual Arts Commission logo
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Visual Arts Commission Marks Saudi National Day with Cultural Campaign

Visual Arts Commission logo
Visual Arts Commission logo

The Visual Arts Commission has launched a cultural campaign for Saudi National Day, evoking national memory, culture, and shared lived experiences through visual art.

Centered around the question "What is a homeland?", the initiative explores how art intersects with the details of everyday life, inviting community members to contribute their personal stories, reflections, and cherished memories to the national narrative.

By positioning art as a platform for self-expression and cultural reflection, the initiative highlights individual experiences that shape collective Saudi identity.

The campaign aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 objectives to support culture and the arts, expand their footprint in society, and reinforce national heritage within the Kingdom's evolving cultural and artistic landscape.


Two Unseen Monet Paintings to be Sold in Paris

A visitor takes a picture of the painting "Iris, 1924-1925" by French painter Claude Monet (1840-1926) during the presentation of 28 art works from the Schlumberger Collection ahead of the auction at Sotheby's auction house in Paris, France, September 17, 2026. REUTERS/Abdul Saboor
A visitor takes a picture of the painting "Iris, 1924-1925" by French painter Claude Monet (1840-1926) during the presentation of 28 art works from the Schlumberger Collection ahead of the auction at Sotheby's auction house in Paris, France, September 17, 2026. REUTERS/Abdul Saboor
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Two Unseen Monet Paintings to be Sold in Paris

A visitor takes a picture of the painting "Iris, 1924-1925" by French painter Claude Monet (1840-1926) during the presentation of 28 art works from the Schlumberger Collection ahead of the auction at Sotheby's auction house in Paris, France, September 17, 2026. REUTERS/Abdul Saboor
A visitor takes a picture of the painting "Iris, 1924-1925" by French painter Claude Monet (1840-1926) during the presentation of 28 art works from the Schlumberger Collection ahead of the auction at Sotheby's auction house in Paris, France, September 17, 2026. REUTERS/Abdul Saboor

Two paintings by the Impressionist master Claude Monet that have never been shown in public are to be sold in Paris next month by the Schlumberger family of France, auction house Sotheby's said Thursday.

"Iris", a large painting Monet completed toward the end of his life, has been valued at 22 million to 30 million euros ($25-34 million), which represents "the highest estimate ever given for a painting offered at auction in France", Sotheby's said as it unveiled the sale at its Paris headquarters.

It has never left the Schlumberger family's home in Paris after being acquired by Jeanne Schlumberger (1889-1983), who was described as "a brilliant art collector" by Sotheby's art department co-head Thomas Bompard, AFP reported.

Alongside "Iris", three other canvases by Monet are included in the sale on October 22, among them "Saule Pleureur" (Weeping Willow), valued at 9-12 million euros.

This photograph shows French painter Claude Monet's La maison a travers les roses (The House Seen Through the Roses), during a preview of 28 Impressionist works from the Schlumberger Collection, unveiled ahead of the October 22, 2026, sale at Sotheby's auction house in Paris on September 17, 2026. (Photo by LOU BENOIST / AFP)

The sale comes in the year marking the centenary of Monet's death on December 5, 1926, which is being commemorated by two Paris exhibitions opening in late September: "Monet, Painting Time" and "Stories of Landscapes, from Monet to Hockney."

The Schlumberger collection, which will be shown in Hong Kong and New York before the sale, also includes three works by Paul Cezanne, among them "La Ferme" (The Farm), "the largest work by the artist ever to be offered at auction," estimated at 600,000 to 800,000 euros.