The Royal Commission for Riyadh City has announced that its Riyadh Art initiative has installed 75 artworks across the capital as part of its permanent public art collection. The programme also confirmed plans to introduce an additional 115 artworks across Riyadh through 2026 and beyond.
The installations form part of a broader effort to integrate art into public spaces across the city. The permanent collection includes works by 100 international artists representing 47 countries, alongside contributions from Saudi artists. Featured international artists include Alexander Calder, Anish Kapoor, and Giuseppe Penone.
In addition, 35 Saudi artists are represented in the collection, including Mohammed Al Saleem. The artworks are distributed across streets, neighbourhoods, major transport routes, and cultural landmarks, with the aim of making art accessible in everyday urban environments.
The selected works were commissioned through an international competition that received 161 applications. A total of 72 artists were shortlisted, leading to 70 final proposals. The final selection includes artists such as Manal AlDowayan, El Anatsui, Anselm Kiefer, Janet Echelman, and Idris Khan.
The programme also includes 12 site-specific, monumental-scale sculptures positioned along major transport corridors. Among the installations, “In the Balance” by Giuseppe Penone is located at the King Abdulaziz Historical Centre. “Family Tree” by Subodh Gupta is installed at the King Abdullah Financial District. “Phase of Nothingness” by Nobuo Sekine is located along the Sports Boulevard.
Additional works include “Golden Dunes” by Zaman Jassim, situated at a major city intersection, and an untitled work by Ahmed Angawi located along Al Kharj Road and the Southern Ring Road.
The Riyadh Art programme continues to expand its public art network, with future installations planned across key locations in the city as part of its long-term development strategy.
