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The President of the Transitional Presidential Council of the Republic of Haiti, Anthony Frank Laurent Saint-Cyr, and his accompanying delegation visited the National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) on Monday.The visit came as part of his participation in the Second World Summit for Social Development, scheduled to convene on Tuesday.During the tour, Saint-Cyr viewed the museum's most prized collections across its various galleries and received a comprehensive briefing on its precious treasures, which span multiple eras.He was accompanied by HE Director of the National Museum of Qatar Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Hamad Al-Thani.

A stockpile of more than 350 letters and correspondence, dating back to 1975, provided the National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) with the intimate and untold story of its founding, highlighted at a major exhibition celebrating the institution’s 50th anniversary.“The biggest discovery (during the research and planning stage) for us who work in the museum were the correspondence, old letters which we found in the storage of our museums,” NMoQ’s Research and Collections deputy director Dr Abdullah Mohammed al-Sulaiti told reporters.He said that when they opened the box and discovered the old, the hidden letters came as a shock, a find that allowed them to piece together the story of the old museum.The exhibition, titled “A Nation’s Legacy, A People’s Memory: Fifty Years Told running until February 7, 2026”, traces the museum’s evolution from its inception in 1975 as the first national museum in the region to its reinvention in 2019 in the iconic structure designed by French architect Jean Nouvel.Such discovery, Dr al-Sulaiti added, offers a raw, firsthand account of the huge logistical and technological challenges faced by the museum’s original architects and curators.“We understand exactly what they are thinking and the difficulties of doing that project at that time,” he said. “There is no Internet, there is no e-mail, there is nothing (of that sort).”“They only have telephone and Telex, it’s a very old machine at that time,” he said, pointing out the contrast with modern communication.Dr al-Sulaiti said that the documents show that early museum staff often had to travel extensively to collect information and objects, highlighting the rigorous dedication required in the pre-digital era.The exhibition begins at Temporary Gallery 13, guiding visitors through the museum’s history from its establishment, an idea initiated in 1972 by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad al-Thani, to its present state.The mission was, and remains, to collect and display the history, traditions, and natural environment of Qatar.The Qatar National Museum officially opened in 1975 within the Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Palace, the restoration of which earned the prestigious Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 1980.Key historical artifacts are on display, including some of the newly discovered correspondence.Highlights include the brass opening piece from the 1975 inauguration, displayed next to a photograph of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa.The exhibition also features contemporary re-creations of beloved features from the original site, such as the famous Earth Dome.According to Qatar Museums, the exhibition weaves together personal stories of individuals who contributed to the museum’s legacy alongside archival photographs that trace its role in chronicling Qatar’s national transformation.The exhibition also showcases the work of artists Shouq al-Mana and Khalifa al-Thani, whose pieces reflect national identity and resilience.Among these is Khalifa al-Thani’s Pearls Don’t Lie on the Sand, which transforms the traditional dhow into a luminous sculpture symbolising discovery.A major feature is Yousef Fakhoor’s installation, Echoes of time, The Four Doors.Using sound, light, and video, the piece unfolds a poetic journey through Qatar’s past, present, and imagined future.Each of the four symbolic doors invites reflection, bridging generations by presenting moments in time, from a young girl’s whispered prayer in 1975 to a vision of Qatar in 2050.

The National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) has unveiled “Lehmesa: Return by Moonlight”, an immersive exhibition that explores the life cycles, habitats, and ecological significance of Qatar’s sea turtles.The exhibition focuses on the endangered Hawksbill turtle, the only sea turtle species that nests on Qatar’s beaches, and reflects the nation’s natural endowment.The exhibition was inaugurated by HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums (QM), in the attendance of QM chief executive Mohammed Saad al-Rumaihi, NMoQ director Sheikh Abdulaziz al-Thani and other dignitaries.Taking its name from the local term for a sea turtle, “Lehmesa” celebrates the resilience of the Hawksbill turtle, and reflects the nation’s commitment to protecting its biodiversity.On view from today until February 7, 2026, the exhibition marks the 50th anniversary of the NMoQ, a milestone that honours five decades of preserving and sharing the nation’s cultural and natural legacy.Through six immersive sections, “Lehmesa: Return by Moonlight” traces the Hawksbill’s journey from land to sea, offering visitors a sensory-rich experience inspired by Qatar’s coastlines, coral reefs, and marine habitats.Blending environmental science with creative interpretation, the exhibition features works by London-based artist Josh Gluckstein and encourages visitors to reflect on their role in sustaining the balance of the natural world.As part of the exhibition’s public programming, the NMoQ will host a series of events, workshops, and educational activities in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) and Qatar University.These initiatives are aimed at deepening public understanding of marine biodiversity and conservation, engaging families, students, and communities in hands-on learning experiences that highlight the importance of Qatar’s coastal ecosystems.“Lehmesa: Return by Moonlight” is presented as part of Evolution Nation, an 18-month campaign honouring Qatar’s cultural journey over the past 50 years, since the founding of the NMoQ.Curated by Qatar Creates, the national movement positioning Qatar as a global hub for art, culture, and creativity, Evolution Nation highlights both the nation’s cultural milestones and its aspirations for the future.The exhibition explores the turtle within the context of Qatar’s identity, aligning with the Years of Culture initiative, which shares Qatar’s cultural heritage with partner nations.

Qatar Museums (QM) Chairperson HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani unveiled the major retrospective “A Nation’s Legacy, A People’s Memory: Fifty Years Told” on Thursday, marking the official kickoff of the National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ)’s 50th-anniversary celebrations across Doha. The celebration featured the recognition of major donors, the prestigious Anniversary Awards Dinner, themed *Recognising Evolution – A Journey from Tradition to Tomorrow, and the “Taste Evolution: Collaboration Dinner”, presented by Qatar Creates. **media[373167]** The opening was attended by QM chief executive Mohammed Saad al-Rumaihi and NMoQ director Sheikh Abdulaziz al-Thani, among other dignitaries and guests. “A Nation’s Legacy” chronicles the NMoQ’s journey, from its establishment in 1975 as the region’s first national museum to its reinvention in 2019 as a cutting-edge experiential institution housed within an iconic building designed by French architect Jean Nouvel. **media[373173]** According to the QM, the NMoQ’s 50th-anniversary festivities began on October 22 with a symbolic voyage of the historical dhow Fateh Al Khair. Bearing the museum’s logo, the dhow sailed along the Doha Corniche, serving as a visual narrative of continuity, resilience, and transformation. **media[373169]** The ceremony was enhanced by cultural maritime performances, featuring renowned Qatari singer Munsoor al-Muhannadi, highlighting the museum’s role as a vital bridge between past heritage and future generations. “For half a century, the NMoQ has safeguarded the legacy of our nation and our national treasures while continually developing new means of storytelling through the latest advances in technology,” Sheikh Abdulaziz said in a press statement. **media[373168]** “With ‘A Nation’s Legacy, A People’s Memory: Fifty Years Told’, we invite audiences to join us in celebrating the institution’s remarkable record of honouring our heritage while imagining what is to come.” NMoQ Research and Collections deputy director Dr Abdullah Mohammed al-Sulaiti told reporters during the press preview that extensive public programming will form part of the exhibition, aimed at nurturing creativity, learning, and cultural participation across all age groups. Key among these initiatives is “NMoQ Late: Our Heritage, By Young NMoQ”, which aims to empower teenagers by offering creative expression opportunities, after-hours access, and culturally relevant initiatives. This effort seeks to position the museum as a vital “third space”, a welcoming environment where youth can connect, collaborate, develop skills, and build a sense of ownership within the community. The QM added that the NMoQ’s learning and outreach programmes, such as workshops, educational activities, and immersive experiences, will further connect audiences with Qatar’s heritage. Specialised culinary initiatives like collaborations with Chef Noof, Desert Rose, and cooking classes at Jiwan will explore food as a living heritage, demonstrating how traditional practices are preserved, adapted, and celebrated today. These programmes will transform the exhibition from a historical survey into a vibrant, interactive journey celebrating Qatar’s past, present, and future. The QM noted that the anniversary celebrations included a special tribute dedicated to the significant donations that have enriched the QM’s collections and sustained the preservation of the nation’s cultural heritage. These gifts were highlighted as a reflection of deep civic pride and the shared commitment of individuals, families, and institutions to safeguarding Qatar’s legacy. The celebrations also featured a live musical performance from Dana al-Meer and Hala al-Emadi, who reflected Qatar’s evolving national identity through a lively fusion of traditional Arabic and modern sounds. It concluded with “Taste Evolution: The Collaboration Dinner”, a culinary experience crafted by Chef Noof al-Marri and QC+’s Michelin-starred Chef Jeremy Cheminade, blending authentic Qatari flavours with contemporary techniques.