2017 Qatar Business Awards

14 MEA MARKETS / Qatar Excellence 2017 , Company: National Museum of Qatar Contact: Ibrahim Fouad Contact Email: [email protected] Address: QM Tower, P.O Box 2777, Doha, 2777, Qatar Phone: 00974 4452 5555 Website: qm.org.qa/en/project/ national-museum-qatar K National Museumof Qatar is currently under construction and is set to give voice to Qatar’s heritage whilst celebrating its future. We profile this innovative heritage site to find out more. Best Cultural Heritage Institution 2017 The National Museum of Qatar is a museum currently under construction, located across from the Corniche in the Qatari capital Doha. The building, which is being constructed in place of the, Old previous Qatar National Museum (1975-2005), was designed by architect Jean Nouvel. This museum will provide a unique experience for visitors to discover Qatar’s cultural heritage, diverse history, and modern developments. Visitors to the National Museum of Qatar will be able to learn about Qatar’s ancestors, Qatar’s Marine &Terrestrial Environment and the formation of early cities, as well the modernization of Qatari society. Exhibitions will combine historic objects and contemporary influences, opening up a dialogue around the impact of rapid change. Innovative presentation techniques will excite audiences and push boundaries. Entire walls can become cinematic screens; individual cocoons will hold oral histories and handheld mobile devices will guide people through thematic displays. The interlocking disc design by Jean Nouvel is inspired by the desert rose. The space will be a thriving hub for the public, students, and museum professionals. It will redefine the role of a cultural institution, fostering a spirit of participation and providing the conditions for discovery to thrive. Beyond galleries, it also provides a 220- seat auditorium, two retail outlets, two restaurants and a café, a dedicated food forum, preserving culinary traditions, research centre and laboratories as well as a park filled with indigenous plants. The museum is built around Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al-Thani’s original palace – his family home and seat of the government for 25 years. Th ensure authenticity, the museum is committed to preserving the dhows that were once Doha’s lifeblood. In times gone by, and until Nowadays, they enabled trade, pearling and fishing. Teams explore original building methods using laser scanning and digital photography. They have created 3D digital models of the vessels, which are accessible to and intrigue a wide audience. They assist in conserving one of the Arabian-Persian Gulf’s maritime traditions. Looking ahead, the museum’s opening will allow visitors to enjoy the fruits of this project and ensure the education of citizens and visitors alike on the rich traditions of this fascinating country. QA170006