Masterpieces of the MANN art show comes to AlUla

Dicsover the shared history between ancient Rome and Arabia.

AlUla is one of Saudi Arabia’s most sought-after destinations. It continues to wow visitors with its desert vistas and now, it’s adding another feather to its cap. MANN in Maraya is a new art exhibition opening in AlUla, bringing more history to this already ancient site.

Taking place from 7 November to 14 December, at Maraya — the largest mirrored building in the world— this exhibition is part of the Ancient Kingdoms Festival and is called Masterpieces of the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.

Backed by the National Archaeological Museum of Naples (MANN), the MAAN Maraya exhibition will present a collection of artefacts from ancient Italian sites such as Pompeii and Herculaneum which are famous for being found under volcanic ash after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE.

Among the artefacts on display are statues of Alexander the Great, a head of the Greek historian Herodotus, and a floor mosaic from Pompeii’s House of the Faun depicting the river Nile. The exhibition also boasts an array of Roman gladiatorial armour and helmets from the first century that are sure to make you travel back in time. Pieces from the Farnese Collection, which is considered one of the most significant collections from Greco-Roman history, will also be on display.

The MANN at Maraya exhibition will reflect on the cultural exchange that occurred through the Incense Road — an ancient trade route that connected the Arabian Peninsula with Rome, Egypt, Mesopotamia, and many other regions. This route helped establish deep ties between ancient Rome and Arabia, with goods like spices and incense flowing through the markets of AlUla.

Apart from the pieces, guests will also be able to learn more about popular leaders from the time such as Julius Caesar, Trajan, and Marcus Aurelius. Artefacts of these leaders have even been found in AlUla itself, particularly at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hegra, making this showcase all the more relevant.

So if you love history or just find yourself in AlUla during the cooler months, this exhibition is sure to leave you in awe. Make sure to pay MANN at Maraya a visit while you’re there.

GO: Visit www.marayaalula.com for more information.