RIYADH: The Museums Commission on Wednesday appointed Dr. Hartwig Fischer as director of the Museum of World Cultures that will be established in the Royal Art Complex in King Salman Park, Riyadh. The museum is scheduled to open in 2026, and Fischer, with longtime experience managing major international museums, will be charged with the establishment and management of the site. Fischer, a scholar, art historian and cultural heritage expert, has decades of experience as an exhibition curator and leader of pioneering cultural institutions that promote dialogue and mutual respect between cultures. The new director will bring valuable insights to the museum through programs, educational initiatives and international partnerships that will turn the museum into a vibrant hub for cultural exchange. Housed in a 110-meter-high building, the museum was designed by Spanish architect Ricardo Bofill. Its establishment is a significant milestone in the Kingdom’s cultural development under Vision 2030. The museum aims to have an influential role in enriching Saudi Arabia’s thriving cultural scene and enhancing the Kingdom’s position as a prominent intellectual destination.