Client:          MiSK Foundation
Location:     Mecca, Saudi Arabia
Timescale:   2019

The MiSK Foundation commissioned Cultural Innovations to carry out a strategic review of the visitor engagement and operations for the Clock Tower Museum in Mecca. The Museum covers the Universe, the Solar System and Time and is situated behind the clock in the Mecca Clocktower which is the third tallest building in the world. The museum was established for a number of years before being opened fully to the public in early 2019. Cultural Innovations were asked to review all aspects of the Museum and the additional areas of the Lunar Research Centre that occupies 9 levels at the top of the tower. The analysis included review of the access arrangements, the exhibition strategy and also proposed positive uses for currently under-utilised spaces including parts of the Lunar Research Centre. The Mecca Clock Tower Museum is in a unique location and comprises a unique combination of uses. The strategic study included benchmarking against prominent international examples allowing comparison with Sites of Special Significance, Observatories, Science Museums and Observation Decks. This supported a comprehensive approach to maximising visitor satisfaction and maximising potential visitor numbers. The Strategic Study was finalised and submitted at the end of 2019 and contains a detailed Business Model to support the museum’s contribution to delivering the stated objectives for Saudi Vision 2030.