Diriyah Company, in collaboration with the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, has unveiled plans for the Royal Diriyah Opera House. The landmark project will rise in Diriyah, the historic birthplace of Saudi Arabia, within its 300-year-old heritage district.
The announcement occurred during the Bashayer 2023 Event and included the revelation of a strategic partnership with the esteemed architectural firm Snøhetta for the opera house’s design. Local architectural insights were provided by Riyadh’s own Syn Architects, ensuring the design resonates with the region’s rich architectural legacy.
Set near the UNESCO World Heritage Site of At Turaif, the Royal Diriyah Opera House will be the first opera house in the Kingdom. Diriyah Company is tasked with its construction, while the Royal Commission for Riyadh City will oversee its operation. This initiative stands as a testament to the Kingdom’s dedication to honoring its cultural heritage while embracing modernity, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 to establish Diriyah as a premier cultural and creative hub.
His Excellency Ibrahim Al-Sultan, the esteemed Minister of State and CEO of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, remarked, “The Royal Diriyah Opera House represents our ambitions for Riyadh to emerge as a leader in global cultural and architectural innovation. With Riyadh’s candidacy for Expo 2030, we are manifesting our dynamic vision for the future. This iconic edifice will not only highlight our cultural and innovative prowess but also bolster Riyadh’s stature as an eminent cultural and architectural beacon worldwide.”
Echoing this sentiment, Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of Diriyah Company, expressed delight in the collaboration with Snøhetta, “Our partnership with Snøhetta reflects Diriyah’s commitment to architectural and cultural excellence. The opera house will set a benchmark for the innovative and heritage-conscious designs that form the cornerstone of our visionary masterplan.”
Snøhetta’s co-founder, Kjetil Thorsen, emphasised their design approach, “We aspire to create a cultural icon that marries tradition with modernity, resonating on a global scale. Our design will pay homage to the essence of Najdi architecture, bringing to life a contemporary space that tells the story of Diriyah’s storied past and bright future.”
The Royal Diriyah Opera House, spanning 45,000 square metres, is envisioned as a cultural beacon, blending the intricate beauty of traditional Najdi architectural elements with cutting-edge design. It will provide a venue for a rich array of cultural performances, furthering Diriyah’s role as a catalyst for cultural engagement and exchange.
This project is a key component of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City’s broader goals to enhance Riyadh’s livability, workability, and visitability. It joins a suite of leading cultural and infrastructural projects, cementing Diriyah Company’s commitment to shaping Diriyah as a dynamic center of culture and heritage, pivotal to the Kingdom’s evolving cultural landscape.
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