The Museum of Islamic Art has reopened for the public. It was closed for a year for a facility enhancement project and reimagination of its permanent collection galleries. The inauguration was attended by notable dignitaries including diplomats and cultural emissaries representing all nations of the region that are celebrated as part of the Qatar-MENASA 2022 year of culture. The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Bin Jassim Al Thani and Qatar Museums Chairperson Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Qatar were an integral part of the reopening ceremony.
In addition to the museum, the Flag Plaza, a community space initiated by the Years of Culture program, was also inaugurated. The Flag Plaza serves the purpose of being a community gathering space for festivals, celebrations, and other events in the country. The inauguration was done by His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Bin Jassim Al Thani – accompanied by the Minister of Culture His Excellency Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad bin Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, Minister of Social Development and Family Her Excellency Mariam bint Ali bin Nasser Al-Misnad and Minister of Youth and Sports His Excellency Salah bin Ghanim Al-Ali Minister of Culture.
The Reimagined Museum of Islamic Art
The Museum of Islamic Art, an architectural tour de force designed by internationally acclaimed Pritzker Prize-winning architect I.M. Pei (1917-2019), was the first institution opened by Qatar Museums in 2008 under the leadership of Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa. Prominently positioned on its reclaimed island on the Corniche, specifically chosen by Pei, the Museum is a beacon for Islamic arts and a platform for international dialogue and exchange bridging past and present, East and West.
The reimagined MIA has a more comprehensive visitor trail, that is more accessible and child-friendly, making the museum an attraction for families and younger guests. The galleries are organized according to the cultural themes, periods, and geography and explore the traditions of Islamic craftsmanship. MIA also introduces a new section on Islam in Southeast Asia with a focus on the connection between different cultures through exhibits on the trade of commodities and the exchange of ideas across the Islamic world and beyond. The trail serves the purpose of easily navigating the way for guests with upgraded cafes and retail locations.
MIA once again collaborated with the French interior design and architecture firm first retained by I.M. Pei, Wilmotte & Associés, throughout the reinstallation process.
Flag Plaza
119 flags representing nations with diplomatic missions accredited by the state, were raised during the ceremony with the Qatar Armed Forces Band Regiment performing during the inauguration.
The ceremony was attended by Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa Bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums, along with ambassadors of more than 100 nations.
Aisha Ghanem Al Attiya, Director of Cultural Diplomacy, Qatar Museums, said: “The Years of Culture initiative seeks to foster connections between people whenever possible. We believe that culture is one of the most effective tools to bring people closer together, encourage dialogue, and deepen understanding between nations. Flag Plaza will be one such physical location – where different cultures are celebrated, and people come together to make new connections.”
The Flag Plaza will host its first event, open from 5 – 15 October 2022, which will be the “Community Days Festival.” Embassies are taking part in the “Community Days Festival” by presenting a different program of events to celebrate the many cultures and people who call Qatar home.
