Riyadh Art Expands Collection of Public Artworks
From Alexander Calder to local masters, the capital's permanent collection grows to become a global benchmark for accessible civic art.
- Publish date: Friday، 17 April 2026 Reading time: 3 min reads
Riyadh Art, under the leadership of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, has announced a significant expansion of its permanent public art collection, unveiling new works across the capital and outlining a roadmap for additional installations through 2026 and beyond. This initiative stands as one of the most extensive public art programs globally, aiming to enrich the daily lives of residents while positioning Riyadh as a premier international hub for arts and culture.
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The Permanent Collection currently features 75 installed artworks scattered throughout the capital, with plans to add 115 more installations in the coming years. The program brings together a diverse roster of 100 international artists from 47 countries, including renowned figures such as Alexander Calder, Anish Kapoor, Jeff Koons, Giuseppe Penone, and Ugo Rondinone. These global voices are complemented by 35 Saudi artists, including Zaman Jassim and Mohammed Al-Saleem, creating a unique blend of world-class public art experiences integrated into the city's streets, neighborhoods, and cultural landmarks.
The artworks are strategically placed along key routes of movement, ensuring they are encountered through the natural rhythms of daily life rather than existing as isolated monuments. Bader Shenafi, senior director of Riyadh Art, emphasized that the collection is shaped by local context and dialogue with artists, viewing public art as an enduring civic act that is accessible to all.
A major component of the expansion involves 12 site-specific, monumental sculptures and urban interventions positioned along major transport corridors. These pieces were selected through a rigorous international competition that attracted 161 applications, resulting in 72 shortlisted artists and 70 final proposals. The final selection features internationally acclaimed creators such as Manal Al-Dowayan, El Anatsui, Janet Echelman, Anselm Kiefer, Idris Khan, and Ryoji Ikeda.
Recent additions to the collection highlight the diversity of the program. Alexander Calder's "Janey Waney," a monumental standing mobile constructed from painted sheet metal, exemplifies his exploration of balance and movement. At the Sports Boulevard, Nobuo Sekine's "Phase of Nothingness" engages with its surroundings through material restraint. Giuseppe Penone's "In the Balance" at the King Abdulaziz Historical Center reflects on nature and time, while Subodh Gupta's "Family Tree" at the King Abdullah Financial District uses domestic objects to explore memory.
Other notable installations include Zaman Jassim's "Golden Dune," which responds to urban rhythm along a major intersection, and Ahmed Angawi's "Untitled" at Al-Kharj Road, which combines geometric steel forms with sound. Angelo Bonello's "Run Beyond" transforms a pedestrian bridge into a visual landmark integrating light and movement. In the Diplomatic Quarter, Jeff Koons' "Diamond (Red)" and Anish Kapoor's "Sky Mirror, Blue" utilize color and reflection to engage public space.
The program also honors local heritage by restoring and installing geometric sculptural works by Mohammed Al-Saleem, a foundational figure of Saudi modernism. Created in the 1980s, these pieces were recently presented at Desert X AlUla and are scheduled for permanent installation across the city later this year.
As the Permanent Collection continues to grow, Riyadh Art remains dedicated to weaving art into the fabric of the city's evolving landscape. Through sustained installation, the initiative ensures that art becomes a permanent civic presence, shaping how Riyadh is experienced by residents and visitors alike, both today and in the future.