Al-Akhawayn Museum

Al-Akhawayn Museum is located in al-Malad historical Village in al-Bahah Province, in the southwest of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is one of the area's prominent tourist attractions in the province. The museum comprises sections that showcase agricultural tools, woodworking, blacksmithing, and the traditional al-Bahah kitchen, complete with natural underground storage areas. It also highlights the rich heritage of al-Bahah Province. In addition to its exhibits, the museum trains children to perform the Southern Ardah and other traditional dances.

Al-Akhawayn Museum replicates the traditional al-Bahah home and was established through the efforts of its founder, Mohammed Al Mahfoodh al-Ghamdi. The museum began with the gift of two Janbiyas (daggers) from the founder’s grandfather, which sparked his passion for collecting and preserving heritage. Starting with agricultural tools and other items historically used by his family, he expanded the collection to include various antique artifacts. The museum boasts rare pieces collected with great effort, represents eight traditional crafts, and houses a range of old weaponry. It also faithfully replicates the design and features of traditional homes.

The ground floor showcases traditional handicrafts like: Leatherworking, pottery, woodworking (for which the province is known), blacksmithing, jewelry-making, sewing traditional clothing, wool processing, and palm frond weaving. The museum also houses a cannon that is over three hundred years old.

The upper floor of the museum contains a weapons section, including a saddle from the Ottoman era, which is a war trophy from 1903. It also features the first flintlock rifle, methods for crafting rifle bullets, a section for old musical instruments, a shop displaying products from the 1970s, and a photography studio where visitors can take pictures in traditional attire.