Masterpieces of the MANN: Explore Old World’s Civilizations at Ancient Kingdoms Festival
The Ancient Kingdoms Festival in AlUla, running from November 7-30, 2024, is bringing unmatched exhilarating cultural experiences that dive deep into the history and heritage of the ancient Saudi city. Part of these amazing experiences is the Masterpieces of the MANN exhibition.
It is a first-of-its-kind showcase that offers an outstanding glimpse into the ancient past of renowned civilizations, by debuting rare collections of distinguished artifacts and antiquities for the first time ever in Saudi Arabia.
Masterpieces of the MANN
In a landmark partnership, the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) signed a strategic agreement with the National Archaeological Museum of Naples (MANN) to display ancient masterpieces from the museum’s unique collection in Saudi Arabia.
The Museum of Naples is home to some of Europe’s most precious artifacts, including statues that date back to the Roman and Greek ages, in addition to bronze and mosaic artworks.
The agreement facilitates the transfer of selected collections of artifacts from Naples, Italy to AlUla, Saudi Arabia to debut at the Masterpieces of the MANN event, part of the Ancient Kingdoms Festival, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
Unique Selection
The Masterpieces of the MANN exhibition, taking place from November 7 to December 14, 2024, displays 15 artifacts from ancient sites and landmarks, such as Pompeii, Herculaneum and Rome. Furthermore, the exhibition showcases the Nilotic Mosaic, which debuted abroad only once in Japan, according to Arab News.
This distinctive exhibition highlights historical figures and iconic characters, such as Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, Marcus Aurelias, and Emperor Trajan, by sharing untold stories about each of these figures.
It also sheds light on how AlUla is interconnected to the ancient world, as the famous Incense Road served as route for trade during the ancient times, connecting the Arabian Peninsula with Rome, Egypt, Mesopotamia and other regions.
A Deep Dive into History
Through the Masterpieces of the MANN, visitors have an extraordinary opportunity to delve into the history of ancient cities and explore the uniqueness of its heritage and cultural legacy. The collections in display include artifacts from the Pompeii and Herculaneum, two Roman cities that were preserved under volcanic ash for centuries, after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE.
Also in display are masterpieces from the distinguished Farnese Collection, a pillar of Greek and Roman art that includes some of the most influential classical works and antiquities.
Moreover, the exhibition showcases spectacular statues of renowned figures, including Alexander the Great, a head of the Greek historian Herodotus, and a floor mosaic from Pompeii’s House of the Faun portraying the River Nile, according to Fact Magazine. The Masterpieces of the MANN also features distinctive collections of Roman gladiator armors and helmets that date back to the first century.
Maraya Iconic Building
The Masterpieces of the MANN is taking place at the unique Maraya, the largest mirror building in the world. Maraya is an awe-inspiring marvel in the heart of the stunning desert landscapes of AlUla. It offers a unique blend of architectural innovation and natural beauty.
The choice of Maraya as a venue for the Masterpieces of the MANN exhibition adds to the appeal of the event, as this architectural wonder reflects the beauty of the surrounding sandstone cliffs and the golden sunlight, creating a magnificent scene and a memorable experience for the exhibition’s visitors.
Cultural Partnership with MANN
Saudi Arabia is making major strides towards preserving its cultural heritage and establish the Kingdom’s position on the global culture map. These efforts align with the ambitious Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the Kingdom’s economic revenues and enhance its global presence across all fields.
Through the strategic partnership with the National Archaeological Museum of Naples, the museum joins the growing network of the RCU’s cultural partners. This network includes heritage and educational institutions from the UK, France, China and Italy. They are joining efforts to study, preserve and celebrate the rich heritage of AlUla, dating back more than 20,000 years ago.
Furthermore, the partnership involves a number of joint projects that extend to various cultural landmarks and heritage sites in AlUla. It builds on a previous agreement between the governments of Saudi Arabia and Italy, signed in May 2023, with the aim of strengthening cultural preservation, knowledge sharing and heritage protection.
AlUla Project
As part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to highlight the cultural significance of AlUla, the Kingdom is also collaborating with France for the sustainable development of the ancient oasis city. Hence, both countries signed an intergovernmental agreement in 2018 to transform AlUla into an attractive tourist destination, while protecting its heritage and history.
As a result, the French Agency for AlUla Development (AFALULA) is cooperating with the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) in the AlUla Development Project which aims to create an archaeological, cultural and touristic complex to serve as an open-air live museum to display the region’s captivating archeological sites and stunning landscapes.
AlUla is emerging as a prime tourist destination, boasting a rich cultural heritage, distinguished archeological sites, and fascinating natural landscapes. This unique blend makes the ancient oasis city an ideal hub for various types of tourism all year round, including astrotourism and wellness tourism.
Recognizing this, Saudi Arabia is capitalizing on the massive potential of this distinctive region, by organizing a diverse array of festivals and events that highlight the uniqueness of AlUla. These include the Ancient Kingdoms Festival, AlUla Skies Festival, Winter at Tantora Festival and AlUla Wellness Festival.
