Riyadh is currently experiencing a profound cultural transformation, largely driven by initiatives like the Tuwaiq Sculpture Symposium and Exhibition. This prestigious event, now in its seventh iteration, plays a crucial role in reshaping the city's visual identity. Featuring 25 large-scale sculptures strategically placed along Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Street, the exhibition effectively converts a historically significant area into an engaging open-air art gallery. This strategic placement highlights the power of public art to not only beautify urban spaces but also to stimulate renewed development and enhance the overall experience of city living for its residents. The symposium's commitment to integrating art into daily life underscores a forward-thinking approach to urban planning, demonstrating how cultural interventions can foster a dynamic and vibrant metropolitan environment. Through its continuous evolution, Riyadh is setting a new precedent for how art can function as a core element of urban development.
Riyadh's Urban Artistic Evolution
The seventh Tuwaiq Sculpture Symposium and Exhibition is making a significant impact on Riyadh's urban fabric, showcasing 25 large-scale sculptures along Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Street. This initiative transforms a once industrial corridor into a dynamic sculpture park, emphasizing public art's role in urban renewal and improving quality of life. From February 9 to 22, 2026, the exhibition invites the public to witness the creation and display of these monumental works, integrating art seamlessly into the city's evolving identity.
Organized by Riyadh Art under the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, the symposium serves as a vital cultural nexus, blending local heritage with global artistic perspectives. Under the theme “Traces of What Will Be,” the 2026 edition features artists from 18 countries, chosen by an expert jury. Over nearly a month, the public can observe artists transforming locally sourced stone and reclaimed metal into finished sculptures. This “live laboratory” approach highlights a material intelligence that directly reflects Riyadh's ongoing renewal, fostering a deeper connection between the art, the city, and its residents.
Integrating Public Art into the City's Permanent Collection
Guided by curators Lulwa Alhomoud, Sarah Staton, and Rut Blees Luxemburg, the participating artists explore the dynamic interplay between human creativity and natural resources. The sculptures, which range from grand abstract forms to detailed granite and steel textures, demonstrate a strong commitment to durability and the sustainable use of materials within an urban setting. These artworks are not merely temporary installations but are conceived with longevity in mind, reflecting a deep respect for both artistic expression and environmental responsibility in their construction and presentation.
These sculptures are designed for a life beyond the temporary exhibition on Al Tahlia, as each of the 25 pieces will eventually become part of the Riyadh Art Permanent Collection. They will find enduring homes in prominent public spaces throughout the city, becoming accessible fixtures of Riyadh's daily landscape. Since its inception in 2019, the program has welcomed over 170 artists, contributing more than 60 works that are now integral to the daily lives of Riyadh's inhabitants. Through an extensive accompanying program of workshops and panel discussions, the Tuwaiq Sculpture Symposium actively embeds contemporary art into the very fabric of the community, fostering a richer cultural environment for all.