The Old Education Museum in Riyadh, founded by Ali Al-Muberek, a devoted Saudi teacher, preserves the history of Saudi education. Over the course of 25 years, Al- Muberek accumulated 5,000 artifacts that create the museum. Situated in the Al-Fayha neighborhood and spanning an impressive 300 square meters within Al-Muberek's residence, this museum offers a captivating pilgrimage through Saudi Arabia's educational transformation. It meticulously unfolds the narrative of the Kingdom's educational evolution, encapsulating pivotal milestones with an astounding 32 distinct sections
Among the treasures it houses, the artifacts eloquently narrate the inception of the formal education system in Saudi Arabia. The Directorate of Knowledge, established in 1926, marks a crucial turning point, followed by the emergence of the modern formal education system with the founding of the Ministry of Knowledge in 1953, which later became the Ministry of Education.
Wandering through the museum's chronologically arranged exhibits, visitors are transported through time. They encounter ancient educational curricula, remnants of bygone classrooms, and historical schoolroom relics such as pens, inkwells, and an exquisite tamarisk wood inkwell dating back more than 75 years. Additionally, the museum recreates the ambiance of historic classrooms, featuring the iconic "Hanbal" sitting rug, double-connected tables, and single tables poised before a chalkboard.
The museum is also a treasury of rare artifacts that harken back to the days when King Abdulaziz was forging the unification of Saudi Arabia. These artifacts serve as potent reminders of the Kingdom's historic journey.
What sets this museum apart is that it is the personal endeavor of Ali Al-Muberek, making him the first teacher globally to establish a comprehensive education museum within the confines of his own home. His motivation came from trips to museums devoted to physical heritage, where he noticed a clear absence of focus on the history of education. In his quest, Al-Muberek scoured auctions, invested in precious holdings, and embarked on journeys to various regions, collecting artifacts from schools across the nation. This dedication has culminated in a museum that stands as both a tribute to education and a beacon for researchers seeking to delve into Saudi Arabia's educational legacy.
Awards, medals, vintage photos, and examples of clothes and athletic footwear given to students over the years are all displayed in a portion of the museum. Additionally, it contains a unique collection of images and newspaper articles that document the Kingdom's educational development.
