NMoQ marks 50 years of cultural preservation, innovation

The National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) is marking its 50th anniversary in June, celebrating five decades of preserving and showcasing Qatar’s cultural heritage and history, a statement said Wednesday.Established in 1975 as the Qatar National Museum, the institution has long served as a vital cultural landmark, offering residents and visitors a profound connection to the nation’s past.From its original home in the historic palace of Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim al-Thani to its transformation into the iconic Jean Nouvel-designed NMoQ of today, the museum continues to illuminate Qatar’s history and cultural future.The 50th anniversary coincides with the 20th anniversary of Qatar Museums (QM), responsible for developing and managing the nation’s diverse museum landscape.To mark these milestones, QM is participating in Evolution Nation campaign, an 18-month celebration honouring Qatar’s cultural journey over the past 50 years.The initiative will be curated by Qatar Creates, the national movement positioning Qatar as a global hub for art, culture, and creativity.This landmark year honours the enduring vision of Qatar’s leadership, beginning with His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad al-Thani, carried forward by His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, and continued by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani.Their unwavering commitment to cultural enrichment laid the foundation for institutions like QM and NMoQ. Guided by a national vision that places cultural heritage at the heart of identity and pride, NMoQ brings this vision to life as a place where Qatar’s story is preserved, experienced, and shared with the world.HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, chairperson of Qatar Museums, said, "Qatar Museums was born from the same vision that founded the Qatar National Museum 50 years ago, and has passionately championed creativity, innovation, and cultural exchange, transforming the museum landscape into a vibrant ecosystem that celebrates our heritage and propels us into the future."This vision, shaped and guided by the foresight of His Highness the Father Amir and His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim, has laid the foundation for institutions like Qatar Museums and the National Museum of Qatar to flourish as cornerstones of national identity."The National Museum of Qatar, in particular, stands as a testament to our cultural identity and collective memory, a place where the stories of our people, traditions, and history are displayed. As we look ahead, we reaffirm our commitment, deeply rooted in preserving and showcasing our cultural heritage globally, ensuring that the essence of who we are continues to inspire the future generations."Together, we are building a legacy where culture is a living, breathing force, one that connects communities, sparks imagination, and shapes the story of Qatar for generations to come.”Sheikh Abdulaziz al-Thani, director of the NMoQ, said: "As we celebrate 50 years, we pay tribute to our rich history, embrace the vibrancy of the present, and commit to inspiring future generations to cherish and continue this extraordinary cultural legacy.”In honour of this landmark anniversary, NMoQ will host a series of engaging events and programmes throughout the year, culminating in the opening of a special 50th anniversary exhibition in October 2025.As part of its 50th anniversary celebrations, the NMoQ is launching Memories from the Public, an open call inviting people of all ages and backgrounds to share personal stories and reflections related to the museum. Submissions can include photographs, videos, written memories, voice notes, or drawings.From visits to the original museum to exhibitions and family outings, each contribution will help capture the museum’s enduring impact. Selected submissions will be featured on the museum’s social media platforms and presented as part of a special 50th anniversary exhibition.Details on how to submit will be announced soon via NMoQ’s official social media platforms, please follow @nmoqatar for updates.Further announcements about upcoming events and initiatives will be shared in the coming months as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations, the statement added.