Cheetah, lion and buffalo sculptures unveiled in Riyadh park

• Italian sculptor partners with Riyadh Art and Italian embassy to bring contemporary art to public park

• Installation aims to bring attention to conservation efforts for species that were once prevalent in the region

Updated 26 February 2026

Arab News

February 26, 2026 20:00

Follow

RIYADH: Striking animal sculptures were unveiled in Riyadh’s Al-Nafal Park in the Diplomatic Quarter in a collaboration between Riyadh Art and Italian artist Davide Rivalta.

The installation features depictions of a cheetah, lion, lioness and buffalo, and was created in partnership with the Italian Embassy.

Under the theme, Echoes of Land, the sculptures encourage public engagement and contemplation of environmental and cultural heritage.

Omar Al-Braik, senior director of public art at the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, said that the collaboration with Rivalta was an “enriching process.”

“Art has the power to transform public spaces, spark conversations and connect people with their surroundings in ways that are both profound and unexpected,” he said.

“By bringing Rivalta’s work to Riyadh, we continue to expand the city’s artistic landscape, ensuring that diverse voices and creative perspectives are accessible to all.”

This installation also brings attention to conservation efforts, particularly for species such as the cheetah, which once thrived in the Arabian Peninsula.

By introducing these sculptures to Riyadh, Rivalta’s work serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between human development and natural ecosystems.

Born in 1974, Davide Rivalta is renowned for his striking, life-sized sculptures of animals, distinguished by their raw, textured surfaces.

Rivalta’s sculptures have been exhibited in cities across the world, with this latest installation marking his first contribution to Riyadh Art’s public art program.

Since its launch in 2019, Riyadh Art has installed in excess of 550 public artworks, engaged more than 500 local and international artists, and hosted 6,500 community engagement activities, attracting 9.6 million visitors and spectators.

One significant initiative by Riyadh Art is the recent Tuwaiq Sculpture Symposium, in which 30 sculptures were created in live sessions, and will be displayed at public spaces around the city.

The organization’s efforts contribute to Saudi Vision 2030’s goal of enhancing culture and creativity in the Kingdom.