Doha, Qatar: On the eve of International Museum Day, Qatar Creates has unveiled the new documentary exhibition Building a Creative Nation, the first presentation outside the country about Qatar’s next generation of cultural institutions.
On view at ACP – Palazzo Franchetti during the 18th International Architecture Exhibition - La Biennale di Venezia, the exhibition will be open until November 26.
The exhibition, designed by 2x4, highlights the development of Qatar’s cultural sector over the past 18 years, and demonstrates Qatar Museums’ commitment to promoting cultural understanding and exchange through its establishment of a world-class portfolio of museums, galleries, and public art, which serve not only to preserve cultural heritage but also as platforms for education, research, and entertainment.
Building a Creative Nation underscores Qatar’s steadfast commitment to expanding the country’s cultural landscape over the last eighteen years and showcases plans for five more cultural institutions in collaboration with internationally renowned architectural firms, including Art Mill Museum by ELEMENTAL led by Alejandro Aravena, Lusail Museum by Herzog & de Meuron, Qatar Auto Museum by Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA), Qatar Preparatory School by Philippe Starck, and Dadu, Children’s Museum of Qatar by UNStudio.
A talk titled “The Evolving Role of Museums and Architecture in Fostering Cultural Engagement” took place to accompany the exhibition on May 17. The panel of speakers included Alejandro Aravena, architect and executive director of ELEMENTAL, Ben van Berkel, architect and founder of UNStudio, and Sheikha Reem Al Thani, Acting Deputy CEO of Exhibitions for Qatar Museums, who shared their expertise and perspectives. The talk focused on the transformation of museums from mere structures housing collections to active players in fostering local talent, promoting cultural heritage, and engaging with communities.
The talk was followed by a private event held on the same evening, hosted by H E Khalid bin Yousuf Al Sada, Qatar’s Ambassador to Italy, who welcomed international guests, architects, museum directors and Qatar Museums representatives, for a preview of the next generation of Qatar’s cultural institutions.
Sheikha Reem Al Thani said: “We are incredibly proud to share our vision for the next generation of cultural institutions with the world. This unique exhibition showcases our commitment to cultural evolution, combining innovation with respect for our past.”
