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We are closed and will open at 04:00 pm
Baseqat: The Palm Tree Exhibition showcases the palm tree as a living legacy, an essential plant of the Arabian Peninsula, shaping the cultural, economic, and ecological landscapes of the region. The palm family includes over 2,500 species across more than 180 genera, including Phoenix Dactylifera (The Date Palm), Cocos Nucifera (The Coconut Palm), Elaeis Guineensis (The African Oil Palm), Washingtonia Robusta (The Mexican Fan Palm), and Areca Catechu (The Betel Nut Palm).
This exhibition, which has been open since October 10, 2025, highlights the date palm tree and its deep-rooted significance in Saudi culture and heritage. It also celebrates the tree’s connection within the palm family, and its global reach, linking communities through a shared cultural language. From roots to fronds, the exhibition explores how every part of the tree has been utilized and reimagined by contemporary designers, makers, and researchers, combining ancestral knowledge with modern technologies to reveal its limitless potential for creativity and innovation.
Baseqat, the Arabic name for this exhibition, is derived from the translated Qur’anic verse:
“And towering palm trees loaded with clustered fruit” (Surah Qaf:10). This verse reflects the majesty of the date palm and its enduring impact, emphasizing its role as a source of sustenance, shelter, and inspiration across generations. It also informs the exhibition’s spatial design, where palm wood, ropes, and fibers are used to create interconnected spheres of areesh-inspired spaces, each representing different facets of the palm tree’s cultural and material heritage.
Exhibit Offerings
Elegance from Palm Fronds: Interactive Experience
5th December 2025
6:15 PM - 8:45 PM
+12
Arabic, English
Lush Garden
Exhibit Contributors
FAQs
Who are the artists featured in the exhibition?
The exhibition presents works by Saudi and international artists, designers and craftspeople selected through a residency or direct commission under the AlKhoos Initiative.
Is the exhibition suitable for all ages?
Yes, the exhibition is open to all audiences. Some installations may include interpretive text for adult viewers, but the experience is designed to be engaging for general audiences.
Where is the exhibition located?
The exhibition is hosted in Ithra's Great Hall
Is photography allowed?
Yes, personal photography is allowed unless signage states otherwise. Flash and tripods are not permitted.
