In recent years, pilgrims who visit the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah have been experiencing enriching cultural encounters that enhance their “journey of a lifetime” to the holy cities in a unique and emotionally enhancing way. Various entities have organized exhibitions revolving around the two holy mosques, showcasing the history of the Kaaba, the Prophet’s biography, and the architecture of the Holy Mosques. These exhibitions spread over an area of 1200 square meters and showcase unique interior and exterior designs of the mosques’ architecture that pique the curiosity of Muslims, reconnecting them to the landmarks of the early Islamic era. The executive plan of the Doyof Al-Rahman Program 2021-2025, under the slogan “Landmarks of the Kaaba,” aims to enrich the experience of pilgrims of the Grand Mosque by providing cultural and artistic doses consistent with the sacred rituals, through a series of museums and centers that add an exceptional flavor to the pilgrims’ journey, touching their passion and enriching their experiences.
One of the latest museum options is the one organized by the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, which is the second edition of the exhibition being held at the Third Saudi Expansion of the Grand Mosque in Makkah. The exhibition offers an interactive experience that gives visitors a sense of actually being inside the heart of the Kaaba and viewing its interior and exterior parts very close. Virtual reality and augmented reality technologies were used to create historical scenes of important moments in the history of the holiest places on earth from their construction by Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismail, through the expansions and renovations the holy mosques have witnessed over the ages. The exhibition showcases rare artifacts and ancient coverings of the Kaaba, as well as the original stones used in its construction, along with the tools and construction techniques used throughout history, alongside rare photographs of the mosque and its surroundings.
The holy cities have not settled for temporary exhibitions, as Makkah boasts a wide range of permanent museums such as the “Peace Be Upon You, O Prophet” Museum, which houses about 1,500 artifacts dating back to the Prophetic era. The Umm Al-Qura Museum in the King Abdulaziz Palace in Aziziyah exhibits pieces from various Islamic eras, and the Clock Tower Museum on the tower’s highest point on 4 floors displays a collection of tools used in the tower’s construction, as well as various devices used to determine sunrise, sunset, the direction of the Qibla, and the movement of the earth, alongside a complete exhibition on eclipses and astronomical observation, as well as a scientific center housing cosmic research and studies. In contrast to the “Peace Be Upon You, O Prophet” Museum, the Dar Al Madinah Museum specializes in the history of the Madinah city and its civil and architectural heritage, and the Madinah Monuments Museum displays archaeological pieces from the history of the city. There are also the Qur’an Museum, which uses modern techniques to introduce and teach people the meanings of the Qur’an, and the Beautiful Names of Allah Museum, among others.
Overall, these museum options in Makkah and Madinah provide a unique cultural experience for pilgrims visiting the holy cities, enriching their spiritual journey with knowledge of the history, architecture, and artifacts of the mosques and the surrounding areas. The interactive and immersive exhibitions allow visitors to connect with the landmarks of the early Islamic era in a meaningful way, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the sacred sites. With a focus on enriching the pilgrimage experience for visitors, these museums and centers play a crucial role in providing cultural and artistic doses that enhance the spiritual journey and leave a lasting impact on the pilgrims. As the holy cities continue to develop and expand their cultural offerings, pilgrims can look forward to more enriching experiences that add an exceptional flavor to their sacred journey, touching their passion and enriching their overall pilgrimage experience.
