King Abdulaziz Historical Center

"Murabba Palace was the former home and court of King Abdulaziz, founder of modern Saudi Arabia. It constructed outside the walls of the old city of Riyadh, on what had previously been used as farmland during the winter months. It marked the first major expansion of the city as the country teetered on the brink of a new era of prosperity. The palace, where the King lived from its completion in 1938 until his death in 1953, was built in the traditional Najdean style, with vast palm frond layered walls and ceilings and rooms arranged around a breezy central courtyard. The National Museum, next to it, was opened in Jan. 1999, designed by architects Moriyama & Teshima"