Riyadh’s Al Mousa Centre—an ’80s shopping complex on Olaya Street opposite King Fahd National Library—has quietly become the city’s most concentrated spot for gallery-hopping. In 2025 it featured 15+ exhibitions during the city’s inaugural Art Week Riyadh, and today it’s home to roughly 20 galleries and several Artist Studios ranging from contemporary spaces to Modern-leaning rooms. Think: one building, many galleries, and lots of evening openings.
What & where is Al Mousa Centre?
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What: a repurposed shopping mall now packed with galleries; highlighted across the city’s art calendar and covered by regional press as a hub for exhibitions.
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Where: Olaya Street, Al Olaya, central Riyadh—steps from King Fahd National Library and its metro station on the Blue Line (Line 1).
Navigation tip: If you’re on the Riyadh Metro, get off at King Fahad Library (Line 1). From there it’s a short walk along Olaya Street to Al Mousa Centre.
When to go
Most galleries here keep evening hours (often around 5–10 pm), and many coordinate openings during city-wide events (Art Week Riyadh, Noor Riyadh). Always check a gallery’s Instagram for the latest timings.
Gallery directory (Some of the highlights inside Al Mousa Centre)
Abstract Art Gallery (Olaya)
Contemporary program with regular solo/group shows; active in the Al Mousa exhibition circuit. Map listings place it on Olaya Street within Al Mousa, with a public contact number.
AV Gallery
Riyadh gallery active since 2021; positions itself as a platform for contemporary Saudi visual arts.
ERRM / Erm Art Gallery
Saudi gallery staging frequent group exhibitions at Al Mousa Center
Frame Art Gallery
Marsami Art Gallery
A long-running gallery brand with an active program in Riyadh; featured in Art Week Riyadh’s Al Mousa lineup and regularly announces exhibition openings via Instagram.
Tajreed (Tajreed Art Gallery)
Hosts openings and themed group shows; multiple event pages specify the venue as “Riyadh | Al-Ulaya | Al-Mousa Complex | opposite King Fahd Library.” If you’re timing your visit, check its event announcements for evening vernissages.
WHJ ALLON (Whj Allon)
Hybrid space—gallery + workspaces + workshops + café
YUN Art Gallery
You’ll also encounter other neighbors like Ahlam Gallery, Alajilan, Kadi, Wrd, Ola, Takeib and more—part of what brings the venue count close to ~20 galleries today.
Why Al Mousa matters in Riyadh’s art scene
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It’s the densest cluster of galleries under one roof in most of the Middle East, offering a snapshot of local tastes from Modern to contemporary work.
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The complex was central to Art Week Riyadh 2025, with 15+ curated exhibitions on site—press and the Saudi Press Agency singled it out as a key venue.
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Media like The National profiled the transformation of the mall into a gallery hub, reinforcing its place on any Riyadh art itinerary.
Practical info (first-timers)
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Location: Al Mousa Centre, Olaya St, Al Olaya, Riyadh. (Look for the post-modern glass façade along Olaya.)
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Closest landmarks: King Fahd National Library & Al Faisaliah area.
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Metro: King Fahad Library station, Blue Line (Line 1). Trains typically run 6 am–12 am.
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Peak seasons: Nov–Dec (Noor Riyadh) and April (Art Week Riyadh). Expect more shows and crowds.
FAQ
Is Al Mousa Centre really all in one building?
Yes—multiple independent galleries operate inside the same former mall, which press and official releases described as hosting 15+ shows during Art Week Riyadh.
How many galleries are there?
Counts fluctuate, but releases and coverage cite “around 20 galleries” operating in the complex.
What time should I go?
Evenings are safest—several galleries list ~5–10 pm hours and often open later during events. Always check the gallery’s Instagram before you set out.
What’s the nearest metro?
King Fahad Library (Blue Line). From there, it’s a short walk along Olaya to Al Mousa.
