In the heart of the AlUla desert in Saudi Arabia, Wadi AlFann—meaning Valley of the Arts—is set to redefine Land Art with an ambitious open-air museum spanning 64 square kilometers. As part of this extraordinary cultural project, Light and Space artist James Turrell will create a monumental installation designed to immerse visitors in a sensory exploration of light, space, and perception. Construction is slated to begin within the next four years, with the project forming a cornerstone of AlUla’s artistic landscape.
Turrell’s work will be a series of interconnected pathways, tunnels, chambers, and staircases carved into the canyon floor, guiding visitors between light and shadow, sky and earth. At its center, the installation will feature two large and two smaller Skyspaces—subterranean observatories that transform the desert’s celestial light into interactive experiences. Above ground, the design will unfold as a “planetary diagram” etched into the sandstone cliffs, creating a seamless dialogue between the land and the cosmos.
This monumental artwork will join pieces by Manal AlDowayan, Agnes Denes, Michael Heizer, and Ahmed Mater, as part of Wadi AlFann’s mission to spotlight global artists alongside emerging Saudi talent. The project’s vision reflects a commitment to uniting contemporary art with AlUla’s natural and cultural heritage.
In anticipation of the museum’s completion, an ongoing exhibition during the AlUla Arts Festival (running through April 19th, 2025) offers a preview of Turrell’s visionary plans. Visitors can experience his celebrated works, including Alta (1968), a luminous corner projection, and Jubilee (2021), a mesmerizing circular Glasswork. These pieces, along with selections from Turrell’s Hologram series, highlight his mastery of transforming light into physical, almost tangible forms.
Wadi AlFann represents a bold resurgence of Land Art in Saudi Arabia, combining innovative design with the desert’s timeless beauty. For visitors, it promises a profound, meditative encounter where art and nature converge in perfect harmony.
Courtesy of JAMES TURRELL STUDIO and ROYAL COMMISSION FOR ALULA
