This new museum will give voice to Qatar’s heritage whilst celebrating its future.

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 provides:

– 220-seat auditorium

– Two retail outlets, two restaurants and a café

– A dedicated food forum, preserving culinary traditions

– Research center and laboratories

–  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.

The museum is committed to preserving the dhows that were once Doha’s lifeblood. In times gone by, 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.

ARTICLE CREDIT: http://www.qm.org.qa/