Dar Al Madinah Museum

Table of Contents

A project was launched in 1983 that transformed the Al-Hejaz Railway Station, which was established around eight decades ago in 1908, into the Dar Al-Madinah Museum in the city’s Eastern outskirts. This also included the construction of the Hejaz Railway Museum.

The following guide covers everything there is to know about the Dar Al-Madinah Museum:

What is Dar Al-Madinah Museum?

Dar Al-Madinah Museum is an institution of cultural and historical significance located in the heart of Medina, Saudi Arabia.

The museum’s door opened to the public in 1983 and gave in-depth information about Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) mosque.

Dar Al-Madinah Museum Ticket Prices

The ticket prices for the Dar Al-Madinah Museum entrance are as follows:

25 SAR for adults
15 SAR for children

Where is the Dar Al-Madinah Museum Located?

Safwan Ibn Malik Al Tamimi, Medina Saudi Arabia

Dar Al-Madinah Museum is located in the Knowledge Economic City near Madinah Airport (Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport) and the Haramain Madinah Railway Station in the Madinah province.

Dar Al-Madinah Museum Opening Times

Dar Al-Madinah Museum is open 6 days a week:

Monday – 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday – 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday – 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday – 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday – Closed
Saturday – 11:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Sunday – 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Dar Al-Madinah Museum Contact Information

Phone: +966 53 477 9997

You can dial the above-mentioned phone number to know about any changes in the opening times of the Madinah Museum, book tours for a large group, or other queries.

Who is the Owner of Dar Al-Madinah Museum

Dar Al-Madinah Museum near Masjid Nabawi is owned by Abdul-Aziz bin Abdul-Rahman bin Ibrahim Kaki.

What is Inside Dar Al-Madinah Museum?

The Dar Al-Madinah Museum is divided into several sections dedicated to different aspects of Medina’s history and the early Islamic era. These include:

The Prophet’s Life and Times
Islamic Art and Calligraphy
Archeological Discoveries (From the pre-Islamic era to the early Islamic period.)
Interactive Exhibits
The Battle of Uhud Gallery
Medina’s Architecture and Urban Development
Medinah’s Manuscripts
Hajj and Pilgrimage (Its history and the various rituals involved.)
Cultural Events and Festivals
The Medina of Today

Tours of Dar Al-Madinah Museum

There are professional and trained staff members on the ground of Dar Al-Madinah who communicate with tourists in seven languages, including Arabic, English, and Urdu.

They cite sources and references to provide detailed and credible information on different subjects.

Upon entering the museum, you will find a visitor’s center where you can obtain information about the museum’s layout and any temporary exhibitions on display.

The main exhibition area of Dar Al-Madinah is divided into several sections, each representing a different era in the history of Madinah and the Islamic world.

The tour begins with the pre-Islamic period, where you learn about the Arabian Peninsula and the religious and cultural context that existed before Islam’s arrival.

The displays include artifacts, maps, and informative panels that provide a comprehensive overview of this era.

Moving forward, you will enter the section dedicated to the rise of Islam. Here, you will discover Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) life and the early Islamic community.

The exhibits showcase the Prophet’s personal belongings, replicas of key historical sites, and manuscripts of the Quran.

The museum provides an in-depth look at the expansion of the Islamic empire and the various caliphs who played vital roles in its development.

The museum also dedicates a section to the Ottoman Empire’s influence in Madinah

The exhibition that displays Masjid Nabawi’s history depicts multiple eras throughout Islamic history.

It provides visuals to help visitors understand how the Prophet’s Mosque changed over the years, starting from when the first stone was laid down for its foundation to the time when Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) migrated to Madinah, ending with Saudi’s Second Expansion.

Another exhibition takes visitors on a tour of Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) life, which includes his sealed tomb’s interior layout on display.

Artifacts on Display at Madinah Museum

The Dar Al-Madinah Museum near Haram boasts a wide range of exhibits that showcase the city’s multifaceted history. It has more than 2,000 artifacts on display.

Here are some of the halls in the museum that display artifacts related to the history of Madinah:

Museum Lobby
Al-Madinah in the Prophetic Era
Al-Madinah Heritage
Al-Madinah (Under King Abdul Aziz Reign)
Al-Madinah Nature, History, and Environment
Mohajreen (Migrants)
Ansar (Supporters)
Al-Madinah – First Saudi State Reign
Prophet Muhammad’s Family
Prophetic Mosque
Al-Madinah (Caliphs Reign)

Enlarged view showing the mosque in the location of the Birthplace of the Prophet (s.a.w.)

There are four other halls that are used to conduct national and international seminars for the public and businesses. Three main halls cover Madinah’s urban history, Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) life, and the story of Islam.

The outdoor halls have artifacts on display that provide information about Madinah’s ancient architecture belonging to the era when Islam was first introduced.

These include unique items, ancient Qur’anic manuscripts, calligraphy, and rare paintings.

For an immersive experience, the museum includes intricate models and replicas of important Islamic landmarks, including the Prophet’s Mosque, Uhud Mountain, and Quba Mosque.

There are also models of Haram Al-Sharif and Masjid Al-Aqsa, with a few elements missing.

One of the most important artifacts is Sa’d ibn Abi-Waqas’s bow. He was a famous archer and the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) companion.

Another prized artifact is the original black and red ceremonial hajj palanquin – Ottoman mahmal, which dates back to 1792.

Photos of Dar Al-Madinah Museum

Reviews of Dar Al-Madinah Museum

Google has 4,580 reviews on Dar Al-Madinah Museum. Some of the top ones include:

Jawad Afzal

10/1/2023

“Must visit place. If you want to know the history about the Makkah and Madinah and also how the cities changed with time, must visit this museum. All the history is preserved, and you can also see the summits of both the cities. Translators are available in Arabic, English and Urdu languages”

Jawad Sadiq

5 Months Ago

“Amazing museum. Must visit for everyone in Madinah. They have got excellent models of some ghazwas and Masjid-e-Nabawi. Also, cool artefacts from the time of the prophet Muhammad (PBUH). They also offer guided tours in English, Urdu and Arabic!”

Shahid Waheed

5 Months Ago

“This 30-minute walk in the world of miniatures models would take you to so many events from the lifetime of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). As well as you would be able to see the amazing expansion of the prophet’s mosque. You can have a tour in English, Urdu and Arabic and will learn something new for sure. Tickets can be bought at the entrance (25 SAR for adults and 15 SAR for children), but it’s a place to visit and cherish.”

TripAdvisor has 97 reviews on Dar Al-Madinah Museum. Some of the top ones include:

Nazerah

Toronto, Canada

Dioramas Bring the Seerah to Life

May 11, 2023

“You can read the books and watch the videos, but nothing beats handmade dioramas of the life of our Nabi ﷺ with a knowledgeable and kind guide. Quite different from the high-tech version at the International Fair and Museum of the Prophet’s Biography and Islamic Civilization in the Haram, but truly worth the trip out. Easily accessible by Uber.”

Arif Hasan

London, UK

Must Visit Museum

May 9, 2023

“Excellent information, a must-visit. Guide is included in the price. The models are very well built and represent the history.”

Rashedazd

Huddersfield, UK

Amazing Tour with Visuals and Commentary

April 14, 2023

“The tour was amazing and brought to life by our English-speaking guide Ahmed, who had a lot of subject knowledge and took his time to explain everything and let the group ask questions – would highly recommend and gave a good historical and religious perspective on the Prophets life in Madina and Mecca and brought meaning of the places to my visit.”

Hotels Near Dar Al-Madinah Museum

Anwar Al Madinah Movenpick Hotel

Anwar Al Madinah Movenpick Hotel is one of the most famous hotels in Madinah and is 11 km away from Dar Al-Madinah Museum.

It will take you around 18 minutes by car to reach the museum from the hotel. The reason people prefer this hotel when coming for Umrah is because it is very close to the Prophet’s Mosque.

The hotel offers comfortable rooms, including suites and a studio apartment with modern amenities. Its dining options serve international and local cuisine.

There’s free Wi-Fi in every room, and guests even get a Pillow Menu. Other facilities include a shuttle service to Masjid Nabawi and tourist sites.

Marriott Executive Apartments Madinah

Marriott Executive Apartments Madinah is 11 km away from Dar Al-Madinah Museum. It will take you 5 minutes to reach the museum from the hotel.

The apartments offer a blend of comfort and luxury. With various room types, including studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments, there is a choice to suit different needs.

The interiors are tastefully designed, with modern furnishings and a soothing color palette that creates a calm and welcoming atmosphere.

Each apartment features a well-equipped kitchen, allowing guests to prepare their meals if they wish. The living areas are spacious, making it an excellent choice for families and large groups.

Here are some of the on-site amenities that the hotel offers:

Free Wi-Fi
Restaurant
Free Hot Breakfast and Continental Buffet
Indoor Pool
Spa
Fitness Center
Meeting Space
Dry Cleaning Service
Gift Shop
Laundry
Wake up Calls
Room Service
Daily Housekeeping
Kitchenette

Rahabah Hotel

Rahabah Hotel is 4.9 km away from Dar Al-Madinah Museum. It will take you 6 minutes to reach the museum from the hotel.

The hotel boasts a range of well-appointed rooms and suites, each designed with modern amenities to ensure a comfortable and memorable stay for its guests. The rooms are spacious, clean and offer a peaceful environment for rest and relaxation.

It offers on-site dining options, 24/7 room service, concierge services, a business center, free parking, laundry services, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Hafawah Suites

Hafawah Suites is 6.6 km away from Dar Al-Madinah Museum. It will take you 8 minutes to reach the museum from the hotel. The hotel offers a peaceful atmosphere and multiple room types for individual travelers and families.

Apart from the usual amenities, such as free tea service, free Wi-Fi, 24/7 concierge, and daily housekeeping, the hotel also offers a sauna and hot tub for adults, a water park for kids, and wellness and business centers.

Is Dar Al-Madinah Museum Near Masjid al Nabawi?

Dar Al-Madinah Museum is 16 minutes (10.3 km) away from Masjid Nabawi and can be reached via King Abdul Aziz Road.

You can also use the Al-Madinah Hop-On Bus to visit the Dar Al-Madina and other nearby tourist sites.

Summary – Dar Al Madinah Museum

In conclusion, the Dar Al Madinah Museum stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Madinah. It serves as a beacon of Islamic knowledge for locals and tourists.

The artifacts on display, from ancient manuscripts to archaeological finds, offer valuable insight into the evolution of the Prophet’s Mosque over the centuries.

The exhibits within the museum are carefully curated to offer a comprehensive understanding of Madinah’s history and culture. From the life of the Prophet Muhammad to the golden era of Islamic civilization, these displays provide a chronological journey through time