Saudi Arabia has unveiled plans for an ambitious cultural project: the construction of a world-class art museum in Riyadh, modeled after the Louvre in Paris. This initiative, spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, aims to attract millions of tourists to the kingdom.
The centerpiece of the future museum’s collection will be Leonardo da Vinci’s “Salvator Mundi,” the most expensive artwork in the world. The Saudi Crown Prince purchased the painting for a record-breaking $450 million in 2017. Currently, the painting is stored in a Geneva vault.
Saudi officials believe the painting will draw visitors from around the globe, much like the “Mona Lisa” does at the Louvre. By showcasing masterpieces and investing in the arts, the kingdom aims to position itself as a leading cultural destination in the Middle East.
Leading experts in the art world have already been enlisted to work on the museum’s creation, including Iwona Blazwick, former head of London’s Whitechapel Gallery, and Hartwig Fischer, former director of the British Museum. The project is estimated to cost around $500 million.
This endeavor follows the example set by the Louvre Abu Dhabi, which opened in 2017 under an agreement between the UAE and France that allows the use of the Louvre name until 2047.
