A major exhibition of ancient objects recently excavated in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will be opened Saturday at the Smithsonian's Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, Washington, DC. “Roads of Arabia: Archeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," organized by the Sackler Gallery and the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities, is the first U.S. venue for the exhibit and part of the gallery's 25th-anniversary celebration. The collection includes about 300 objects, ranging from alabaster bowls, gold earrings and bronze statues to early 20th-century photographs of Makkah, Madina and Riyadh. Officials said they hope the exhibit will enhance understanding of a nation often viewed simply as the world's largest exporter of oil. “This is a new window to see a country that has never been thought of or seen in the arena of heritage, development of civilization, and culture," said Saudi Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, president of the Saudi tourism commission, who arrived here to promote the exhibit. “We've always been at the crossroads of civilization, and we are now at the crossroads of international affairs and economic affairs," said Prince Sultan. The exhibit runs through Feb. 24. It will then travel to museums in Houston, Chicago and Boston through early 2015.
