Red Sea Museum.

Housed in the historic Bab Al-Bunt building in Jeddah’s Al-Balad district, the Red Sea Museum explores the natural and cultural heritage of the Red Sea. A former customs building and arrival point for pilgrims, Bab Al-Bunt is itself part of this history. Its sensitive adaptation and extension by Chatillon Architectes preserve the building’s character. Distinctive arches, pale walls and historic timber elements provide an evocative setting for the exhibitions.

The exhibition design by Agence Nathalie Crinière brings a contemporary design language into this historic architecture. Across 23 galleries, manuscripts, navigational instruments, ceramics and contemporary art reveal the diverse relationships between people and the Red Sea. The displays explore the connections between seafaring, trade, pilgrimage and cultural exchange. Flowing lines echo the sea, translating the museum’s subject into the design of its exhibition spaces.

Glasbau Hahn manufactured and installed 50 bespoke table, wall and freestanding display cases for the museum. Each solution faithfully realises the exhibition designers’ intent, integrating the presentation of the objects into the distinctive spaces of the historic building.

Pale, undulating bands connect shallow display cases that appear almost to float between the substantial piers. A generous table case creates a quiet focal point in the lofty central hall. Elsewhere, individual glass cases follow a continuous curved plinth in front of the historic timber windows. Extra-white, anti-reflective glass provides clear views of the objects, while integrated lighting brings out their details. Clearly defined display surfaces and discreet structures preserve views through the surrounding architecture.

This visual lightness reflects Glasbau Hahn’s commitment to object protection and preventive conservation at the highest international level. The display cases have an air exchange rate (AER) of 0.1 per day. Oddy-tested materials, passive climate stabilisation and active climate stabilisation using Glasbau Hahn’s WSHC system support the long-term preservation of the objects on display. Engineering precision and skilled craftsmanship combine the protection of cultural heritage with the faithful realisation of the design vision in every detail. The cases become an integral part of an exhibition that brings together architecture, collections and the history of the Red Sea.