Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Calligraphy Museum – A Tribute to Art, Culture & Craftsmanship

Located in the heart of Al Madinah Al Munawwarah, the Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Calligraphy Museum stands as a monument to the art of Arabic calligraphy and its deep cultural significance in the Islamic world

. This prestigious museum is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the legacy of Arabic script, showcasing masterpieces of calligraphic art – from historical and contemporary works to cutting-edge digital displays

. Beyond its remarkable exhibits, the museum itself is an architectural marvel, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern sustainable materials

. To ensure the interior reflects the grandeur and authenticity of Islamic art, the designers chose Conmarble’s Microtadelakt lime plaster for the walls – a finish known for its seamless elegance, natural depth, and timeless durability

. In total, over 25,000 m² of Microtadelakt were applied throughout the museum’s interior, with locally sourced Medina black stone incorporated into the plaster mix to honor the region’s heritage
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. With this innovative plaster, the museum’s walls do more than just enclose space – they become part of the artistic narrative, echoing the fluid beauty of Arabic script

. Key features of Microtadelakt in the Calligraphy Museum:
Seamless, handcrafted surfaces: joint-free walls that enhance the calligraphic experience by providing a pure, uninterrupted backdrop.
100% natural & eco-friendly: a lime plaster that is breathable, durable, VOC-free, and aligned with sustainable design principles.
Elegant polished finish: soft sheen surfaces that complement Islamic geometric patterns and traditional motifs.
Water-resistant and long-lasting: able to withstand humidity and heavy visitor traffic, ideal for a cultural landmark.
Heritage meets innovation: an ancient material aesthetic used in a contemporary way – truly a tribute to tradition, designed for the future.
Why Microtadelakt Was Chosen for the Calligraphy Museum
1. Seamless & Joint-Free – A Pure Canvas for Calligraphy
Arabic calligraphy thrives on fluidity and precision, and the museum’s interior needed to reflect this aesthetic. Microtadelakt provides a smooth, uninterrupted finish that eliminates any grout lines or seams on the walls

, creating a visually harmonious backdrop for the artwork. The plaster is hand-polished to a subtle sheen, mimicking the elegance of ink flowing on parchment, which reinforces the museum’s artistic theme

. In the museum’s dedicated calligraphy halls, these seamless Microtadelakt walls form a pure canvas that enhances the display of ancient manuscripts and modern digital art alike, allowing visitors to focus on the intricate scripts without distraction.
2. Sustainable & Eco-Friendly – Perfect for a Cultural Landmark
As a public cultural institution, the museum aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 emphasis on sustainability. Microtadelakt was an ideal choice because it is 100% natural and zero-VOC, contributing to healthier indoor air quality

. Unlike synthetic paints or coatings, this lime-based plaster actually absorbs CO₂ during its curing process, effectively making it a carbon-neutral or even carbon-negative material

. It also has natural breathability – the walls can “breathe,” regulating humidity and preventing moisture buildup

. This quality is crucial for preserving delicate artworks; the museum’s rare manuscripts and priceless calligraphy pieces are now housed in an environment where the plaster helps buffer humidity swings, protecting them from environmental damage

. By choosing Microtadelakt, the project combined contemporary green building practices with the preservation needs of a museum – achieving sustainability without compromising on heritage or quality.
3. Inspired by Islamic Heritage – A Material with Deep Cultural Roots
The choice of Microtadelakt carries deep cultural resonance. Tadelakt lime plaster (the traditional predecessor of Microtadelakt) has been used in Islamic architecture for centuries – from the ornate palaces of Morocco and the graceful mosques of Andalusia to the soothing hammams of the Ottoman era

. By using Microtadelakt, the museum revives this ancient craft in a modern context. The material’s historical richness is brought into contemporary design, aligning perfectly with the museum’s philosophy of honoring Arabic and Islamic traditions while innovating for the future

. In this project, the Microtadelakt finish was even infused with locally sourced Medina black stone, literally embedding a piece of the region’s geological heritage into the walls
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. The result is an authentic texture and hue that echo the landscape of Al Madinah, connecting the museum’s modern interiors to the very soil and stone of its locale. Using a material rooted in Islamic heritage not only adds authenticity and elegance, but also creates a tangible link between the museum’s architecture and the cultural history it celebrates.
4. Water-Resistant & Highly Durable – Built to Last
Museum spaces demand materials that can stand the test of time and heavy use. Traditional lime plasters are beautiful but often require sealants to protect against moisture. Microtadelakt, however, is naturally water-resistant – when properly burnished, its lime-based surface closes up micro-pores, eliminating the need for any synthetic sealants

. This makes it suitable even for humid environments or occasional exposure to water, ensuring that the walls remain pristine. Additionally, Microtadelakt offers exceptional durability for high-traffic areas: it is scratch-resistant and impact-resistant, so it can withstand the constant interaction of visitors without losing its luster

. From the busy entrance lobby to interactive exhibit zones where thousands of visitors pass through, the Microtadelakt finish holds up admirably – maintaining a flawless appearance despite daily use. Choosing this plaster means the museum’s interior surfaces will age gracefully, requiring minimal maintenance while looking as elegant years down the line as they did on opening day.
A Museum That Honors the Past & Embraces the Future
The Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Calligraphy Museum is more than just a repository of art; it is a bridge between tradition and modernity, celebrating the art of the written word while embracing contemporary design techniques and sustainability

. Every element of the museum’s design, from its exhibition layout to its wall finishes, was chosen to respect the past and inspire the future. The use of Microtadelakt exemplifies this ethos – an ancient material reinvented for modern architecture. The museum’s very walls become a silent storyteller, their texture and tone complementing the elegance, discipline, and rhythm of Arabic calligraphy

. In blending historic art with forward-looking design, the Calligraphy Museum stands as a visionary cultural landmark: one that honors heritage through its form and materials, and educates future generations through its innovative presentation of art. With its grand calligraphic exhibits set against Microtadelakt’s seamless backdrop, the museum offers visitors an immersive experience where art, architecture, and history are in harmonious dialogue. It truly is a masterpiece of Islamic calligraphy and architectural elegance – a fitting tribute to the richness of Arabic culture and the Kingdom’s commitment to preserving it.