Riyadh continua a scommettere forte sull’arte pubblica: nei prossimi anni oltre 100 nuove opere installate nella capitale saudita
Saudi Arabia is significantly expanding its Riyadh Art public art initiative, with plans to install over 100 new monumental works across the capital city in the coming years. Following the recent Tuwaiq Sculpture 2026 event, which added 25 stone and metal sculptures to the permanent collection, the city has announced 12 new site-specific installations by high-profile international artists including Anselm Kiefer, El Anatsui, and Manal AlDowayan. The project aims to reach a total of 115 new commissions, building upon a collection that already features masters like Anish Kapoor, Jeff Koons, and Giuseppe Penone.
This massive investment reflects Saudi Arabia’s strategic use of cultural diplomacy and urban renewal to redefine its international image. By integrating world-class contemporary art into the daily fabric of the city rather than confining it to museums, the Royal Commission for Riyadh City seeks to foster a new public identity and support the local creative economy. The inclusion of restored works by Saudi modernist pioneer Mohammed Al Saleem further signals an effort to bridge the gap between global contemporary trends and national art history.