Saudi Arabia to install public sculptures in Riyadh
Artworks produced by Saudi and international artists will become part of Riyadh Art’s permanent collection and be displayed across the capital
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (MNTV) — Twenty-five sculptures created during the seventh edition of the Tuwaiq Sculpture symposium will soon be installed in public spaces across Riyadh, extending the impact of the annual art event beyond its conclusion.
The artworks will be placed in streets, parks and other locations around the city as part of the Riyadh Art program’s effort to integrate large-scale contemporary artworks into everyday urban life.
Organized by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, the 2026 edition of the symposium concluded after nearly two months of live sculpting, exhibitions and community activities.
The sculptures produced during the event will now join Riyadh Art’s permanent collection and gradually be distributed across the capital.
This year’s symposium began in January along Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Road, commonly known as Tahlia Street, where the area was transformed into an open-air studio.
From Jan. 10 to Feb. 5, Saudi and international artists worked on-site to create 25 large-scale sculptures while visitors observed the process of carving, welding and assembling the artworks.
The pieces were made using locally sourced granite and recycled metal, highlighting both regional materials and the creative reuse of industrial elements.
Visitors were able to watch the artworks develop from raw materials into finished sculptures and engage directly with the artists to learn about their techniques and ideas.
The symposium also featured a broad public engagement program that included 10 panel discussions, 105 training workshops and 15 masterclasses focused on sculptural methods, materials and the role of public art in urban spaces.
Educational outreach was another key part of the event. Organizers arranged 25 educational visits for more than 600 students, while daily guided tours offered visitors deeper insight into the artworks and creative process.
After the live sculpting phase ended, the completed sculptures remained on display at the site until March 8, allowing visitors to view them before they are relocated across the city.
The symposium was curated by artists and curators Lulwah Al-Homoud, Sarah Staton and Rut Blees Luxemburg, who shaped the artistic direction around the theme “Traces of What Will Be,” exploring how sculpture can reflect future possibilities while responding to Riyadh’s evolving identity.
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