Riyadh, January 27, 2025 – In a significant move to enhance cultural relations, the Museums Commission of Saudi Arabia and the Triennale Milano Foundation of Italy have signed an executive program designed to foster collaboration between the two nations in the field of museum development and cultural exchange. This new initiative aims to showcase the rich cultural heritage of both Saudi Arabia and Italy while fostering innovative and dynamic cultural interactions, with a special focus on design, architecture, and education.
The agreement was formalized in a ceremony attended by the Acting CEO of the Museums Commission, Ibrahim Al-Sanousi, and the President of the Triennale Milano Foundation, Stefano Boeri. Both leaders expressed their excitement for the partnership, emphasizing the importance of the collaboration in strengthening the cultural ties between the two nations. The executive program is set to pave the way for a number of joint initiatives that will promote mutual cultural understanding and the exchange of knowledge.
At the heart of the agreement are several key areas of collaboration, including the provision of consultations and support for the development of Saudi Arabia’s Design Museum. This partnership will see experts from Italy working alongside their Saudi counterparts to help shape the museum’s future, ensuring it becomes a world-class institution that celebrates both Saudi and Italian design and architecture. The agreement also calls for the exchange of traveling art exhibitions, which will focus on showcasing the distinctive design and architectural heritage of both nations.
In addition to the exchange of exhibitions, the agreement outlines plans for a series of educational programs, workshops, and conferences. These programs will be hosted by the Design Museum in Saudi Arabia, with participation from both Saudi and Italian experts, and will cover a wide range of topics, from design and architecture to museum studies and cultural heritage preservation. The exchange of speakers between the two parties will also enrich these educational events, providing diverse perspectives and fostering a deeper understanding of the cultural landscapes of both countries.
Ibrahim Al-Sanousi, the Acting CEO of the Museums Commission, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting its importance as a milestone in the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to enhance cultural cooperation on the international stage. He noted that the program aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader cultural vision, which seeks to develop the Kingdom’s museum sector by leveraging international expertise to create engaging, educational experiences that reinforce national identity and attract global visitors.
“We are proud to partner with the Triennale Milano Foundation,” Al-Sanousi said. “This program is a testament to our commitment to developing a vibrant museum sector that reflects the Kingdom’s rich cultural heritage and fosters international collaboration.”
Stefano Boeri, the President of the Triennale Milano Foundation, also expressed his pride in the new partnership, emphasizing the shared commitment between Saudi Arabia and Italy to create innovative and inspiring cultural projects. He praised Saudi Arabia’s ambitious cultural vision, noting that this collaboration is an exemplary model of how museums can blend heritage with modern innovation to create dynamic and meaningful cultural experiences.
“The collaboration between Saudi Arabia and Italy is not just about sharing knowledge but also about creating projects that celebrate the best of both cultures,” Boeri said. “Together, we will create museum experiences that inspire, educate, and promote cultural understanding between our nations.”
This agreement marks a new chapter in Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to position itself as a global cultural hub, blending traditional heritage with innovative approaches to art and design. Through this collaboration, both nations are set to embark on an exciting journey that will not only enhance the museum landscape but also foster a deeper cultural connection between Saudi Arabia and Italy.