DaeWha Kang Design has completed one of the most ambitious cultural adaptive reuse projects undertaken in Saudi Arabia to date: the Black Gold Museum, opening on the KAPSARC campus in Riyadh is now open.
Spanning 6,800 sqm and across four storeys, the museum explores the transformative story and profound influence of oil on humanity, through the lens of modern and contemporary art.
Rather than constructing a new building, the London-based design studio completely transformed the Zaha Hadid-designed research library (completed in 2017) into a state-of-the-art cultural institution. Of the museum’s total 6,800 m² gross floor area, 440 sqm of new structure was added – only 6%. These limited insertions establish the museum’s primary circulation spaces, enabling the former library to transform into a major art museum with minimal structural intervention.
The interiors now feature museum-grade lighting, 14 versatile gallery spaces, back-of-house facilities, and advanced climate control, supporting the conservation and display of more than 350 artworks and major installations to the highest international standards.
The interior architecture introduces a new central atrium and sculptural spiral staircase, forming the building’s spatial and experiential core. Previously enclosed areas now benefit from abundant natural daylight, enhancing openness, visibility, and intuitive orientation. The interior layout supports a clearly curated visitor journey, guiding guests seamlessly from basement to fourth floor and back, with every movement carefully choreographed to create a sense of discovery.
The material palette draws inspiration from Saudi Arabia’s geology, including wadis, canyons, and sedimentary formations, while subtle visual references to hydrocarbon molecular structures inform patterns and spatial rhythms. Hexagonal geometries link natural formations with scientific systems, echoing KAPSARC’s architectural language.
Together, the materials and spatial language anchor the museum in local identity, while contributing to global conversations on energy, society, and culture. More
Black Gold Museum in Riyadh KAPSARC campus, Saudi Arabia – Building Information
Design and Project Architect: Daewha Kang Design – https://daewha.com/
Project name: Black Gold Museum
Project location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Year: 2026
Programme: Four floors of permanent galleries, temporary exhibition hall, events garden, café, offices, art handling, art logistics
Site area: 5,585 sqm
Gross Floor Area: 6,800 m
Pictures: DaeWha Kang Design
Black Gold Museum, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia images / information received 100426
