The Revelation Museum
Makkah, KSA / 2020
Located to the northeast of “Al Masjid Al Haram”, Jabal Al-noor is one of the most prominent locations of Makkah. Some distinctive aspects of the site is its terrain and relationship to the holy city. The site has a direct relationship to the mount An-noor and the Hira’ cave, the mountain’s peak where the prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used to retreat away and contemplate the creations of Allah and where he received his first revelation of the verses of the holy Qur’an.
The journey of the museum is divided into five stages (path, threshold, horizon, moment, light), implementing the experiential qualities of the journey to Hira’ cave and educating users of the religious and cultural importance of the site. Each stage highlights and focuses on certain aspect of the whole journey, with its own message and qualities. Museum journey acts as an educational bridge between the Muslim community and the story of Hira cave, its significance and historical importance with relationship to Islam.
The entry experience itself is reminiscent of entering a sacred cave. The design embraces the mystique and reverence associated with the Hira' cave, creating a sensory journey. As visitors cross the threshold, they are enveloped in a serene ambiance, akin to stepping into a sacred space, fostering a profound connection with the divine. The meandering paths that lead to a straight path in the museum's journey evoke the spiritual and introspective nature of the pilgrimage. These paths symbolize the individual's personal exploration and contemplation towards enlightenment. The path not only physically connects the museum to the cave but also symbolizes the spiritual strength and resilience of those who embark on this journey.
The poetry of space is skillfully guided by the qualities of light within the museum. Illumination plays a crucial role, casting shadows and creating an interplay of light and darkness that heightens the spiritual experience. As visitors traverse the stages of the journey, the interplay of light leads them through a transformative narrative, evoking a sense of divine presence and awe-inspiring beauty.
Beyond its spiritual significance, the project serves as a programmatic platform that fills the wadi nestled between the three majestic mountains. This approach honors the natural topography and context of the site, seamlessly integrating the museum into its surroundings. The plaza, a grand public space, acts as a central gathering point, inviting visitors to pause, reflect, and engage with the community.
At the culmination of the museum journey, a straight path of light emerges, leading visitors to a paradise garden. This symbolic pathway represents the ultimate destination of the spiritual journey – a transcendent state of enlightenment and inner peace. Surrounded by lush greenery, fragrant flowers, and tranquil water features, the paradise garden provides a serene sanctuary for reflection and contemplation, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the spiritual beauty and harmony of the divine.
design team
Ahmed Al-Ali, Farid Esmaeil, Jacky Tang, Khaled Imad Abushahla, Omarov Abdukarim, Ruby Muhandes, Arvin Padayo
- client
Confidential
- program
Museum
- built up area
50,174 sqm
- scope
Architecture
- status
Competition Entry
The Revelation Museum
Makkah, KSA / 2020
Located to the northeast of “Al Masjid Al Haram”, Jabal Al-noor is one of the most prominent locations of Makkah. Some distinctive aspects of the site is its terrain and relationship to the holy city. The site has a direct relationship to the mount An-noor and the Hira’ cave, the mountain’s peak where the prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used to retreat away and contemplate the creations of Allah and where he received his first revelation of the verses of the holy Qur’an.
The journey of the museum is divided into five stages (path, threshold, horizon, moment, light), implementing the experiential qualities of the journey to Hira’ cave and educating users of the religious and cultural importance of the site. Each stage highlights and focuses on certain aspect of the whole journey, with its own message and qualities. Museum journey acts as an educational bridge between the Muslim community and the story of Hira cave, its significance and historical importance with relationship to Islam.
The entry experience itself is reminiscent of entering a sacred cave. The design embraces the mystique and reverence associated with the Hira' cave, creating a sensory journey. As visitors cross the threshold, they are enveloped in a serene ambiance, akin to stepping into a sacred space, fostering a profound connection with the divine. The meandering paths that lead to a straight path in the museum's journey evoke the spiritual and introspective nature of the pilgrimage. These paths symbolize the individual's personal exploration and contemplation towards enlightenment. The path not only physically connects the museum to the cave but also symbolizes the spiritual strength and resilience of those who embark on this journey.
The poetry of space is skillfully guided by the qualities of light within the museum. Illumination plays a crucial role, casting shadows and creating an interplay of light and darkness that heightens the spiritual experience. As visitors traverse the stages of the journey, the interplay of light leads them through a transformative narrative, evoking a sense of divine presence and awe-inspiring beauty.
Beyond its spiritual significance, the project serves as a programmatic platform that fills the wadi nestled between the three majestic mountains. This approach honors the natural topography and context of the site, seamlessly integrating the museum into its surroundings. The plaza, a grand public space, acts as a central gathering point, inviting visitors to pause, reflect, and engage with the community.
At the culmination of the museum journey, a straight path of light emerges, leading visitors to a paradise garden. This symbolic pathway represents the ultimate destination of the spiritual journey – a transcendent state of enlightenment and inner peace. Surrounded by lush greenery, fragrant flowers, and tranquil water features, the paradise garden provides a serene sanctuary for reflection and contemplation, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the spiritual beauty and harmony of the divine.
design team
Ahmed Al-Ali, Farid Esmaeil, Jacky Tang, Khaled Imad Abushahla, Omarov Abdukarim, Ruby Muhandes, Arvin Padayo
- client
Confidential
- program
Museum
- built up area
50,174 sqm
- scope
Architecture
- status
Competition Entry