Minister lays foundation stone for Voltaire Library and Museum in Doha

HE the Minister of Culture Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad al-Thani, and HE the Chairman of the Board of the Qatari-French School Voltaire Dr Ali bin Fetais al-Marri, on Sunday laid the foundation stone for the Voltaire Library and Museum in Doha.The inauguration ceremony was held at the Voltaire School's Al Waab branch, in the presence of several cultural and diplomatic figures.In a statement to the Qatar News Agency (QNA), Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE) Dr Ibrahim bin Saleh al-Nuaimi affirmed the ministry's commitment to educational diversity, noting the presence of several French and other international schools in the country.He emphasised that the creation of the Voltaire Library and Museum will transform the site into a global hub for French culture in Qatar, benefiting students, researchers, and the broader public.Dr al-Nuaimi added that this project represents a modern and innovative model that connects culture with education across all academic levels, contributing to the intellectual development of students and preparing them to be knowledgeable future citizens.He also noted the ministry's support for all schools in Qatar, including Voltaire School, and the State's broader interest in launching significant cultural initiatives like this one – expressing hope that similar projects will be replicated in other schools.Spanning an area of 8,000sq m within the school campus, the Voltaire Library and Museum is considered a pioneering cultural initiative aimed at preserving the legacy of the French Enlightenment philosopher Voltaire and promoting intellectual dialogue and cross-cultural exchange.The project will feature a specialised library, reading and research spaces, and a theater equipped with state-of-the-art sound technology.The museum will also house personal belongings and letters of Voltaire, offering visitors an opportunity to explore various facets of his life and intellectual contributions.