People with disabilities (PWDs) stand to benefit from the National Museum of Qatar’s (NMoQ) state-of-the-art technologies, giving them access to an array of collections and programmes in its 11 interlinked galleries, according to Qatar Museums (QM).
Designed to be immersive and inclusive to all regardless of physical ability, QM said Qatar’s newly-opened museum offers a range of assistive technology and mobility aids, which are available upon request at its reception.
“We are committed to providing equal access to our visitors through identifying and eliminating any barriers that may compromise the museum experience,” QM noted, stressing that it always ensures PWDs are included in its programmes, exhibitions and events.
QM added that the National Museum also has bespoke tours for residents and visitors, including people who are blind or visually impaired.
Several exhibits are equipped with multi-sensory and interactive features, including tactile models with Braille interpretation, QM noted.
Besides its extensive range of activities and events for schools, QM said NMoQ is also developing dedicated programmes and handouts to meet the needs of students with disabilities.
Providing equal access to various programmes and services for all people, especially to PWDs, forms part of Qatar’s commitment to uphold the concepts and aims of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities it ratified in 2008.
NMoQ also developed a variety of learning resources for school, family and youth audiences such as hands-on interactive gallery spaces, family trails, student activity booklets, art-trolleys, handling collections and outdoor playgrounds – all contribute to creating a dynamic and fun environment for young learners.
The museum has six intergenerational learning spaces for families, with exhibits designed by Dutch designers Opera Amsterdam within the main museum galleries. It encourages visitors to play, design and become part of the story of Qatar’s natural world.
Each of these spaces is made up of around five mini-interactive exhibits, giving its audiences an opportunity to explore the local flora and fauna and discover the unique features that allow them to survive the extreme climate.
NMoQ will also host public events programmes quarterly aimed at ensuring “a dynamic and ever-changing cultural offering to multiple audiences.”
This year, the museum will also organise talks and discussions for adults and students, practical art and design workshops, family weekend drop-in activities, as well as special evening performances and courses.
NMoQ has permanent (7,000 sqm) and temporary (1,700sqm) exhibition galleries, forming an elliptical circuit around a central courtyard. It also has a 213-seat auditorium, two conservation laboratories, and educational group facilities, among others.
