SCTA continues preparations for Roads of Arabia

The Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities is finalizing the preparations for “Roads of Arabia – The Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia” exhibition, which will be held in the Louver Museum in Paris, France. His Royal Highness Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz, president of SCTA, stated: “This exhibition is not only an art gallery or an event of public relations, it is rather an exhibition devoted to highlight the historic and civilizational aspects of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as well as introducing its great heritage and rich culture to the world.”

The exhibition comes as a part of the cooperation agreement between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of France in the fields of art and cultural promotion. More than 300 archeological pieces will be exhibited covering from the Old Stone Ages (one million years BC) and up to the Saudi Renaissance. These pieces are originally displayed at the National Museum in Riyadh, King Saudi University Museum, as well as a number of other museums throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Noteworthy, His Royal Highness Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz, president of SCTA, along with Louver director Henri Loyrette, signed an agreement for the staging of the exhibition consistent with the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, to hold an exhibition on the antiquities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through the ages at Louver Museum in France. This actually follows the suggestion of the former French President Jacques Chirac, when they were both inaugurating the exhibition of masterpieces of Islamic arts at Louver Museum, which was held by SCTA in the National Museum, Riyadh, on March 6, 2006.

The exhibition is scheduled to open on July 12, 2010 and will end in September 2010. It will be held at the Napoleon Hall, which is the most prominent hall that hosts the visiting exhibitions in the Louver Gallery.