An outside view of the National Museum of Qatar.
Doha: The National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) proudly marks its 50th anniversary in June, celebrating five decades of preserving and showcasing Qatar’s dynamic cultural heritage and history. 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, the nation’s leading cultural organisation, which is responsible for developing and managing Qatar’s diverse museum landscape. To mark these milestones, Qatar Museums is participating in Evolution Nation, an 18-month celebration honouring Qatar’s cultural journey over the past 50 years. The Evolution Nation campaign—curated by Qatar Creates, the national movement positioning Qatar as a global hub for art, culture, and creativity—highlights key achievements, visionary projects, and the country’s bold aspirations for the future.
This landmark year honours the enduring vision of Qatar’s leadership, beginning with H H Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al-Thani, carried forward by Father Amir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, and continued by Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.
Their unwavering commitment to cultural enrichment laid the foundation for institutions like Qatar Museums 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.
Chairperson of Qatar Museums H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani 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 H H the Father Amir and H H the Amir, 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.”
By safeguarding oral histories, showcasing local craftsmanship, and exploring the diverse facets of life in Qatar, the museum reaffirms culture as both heritage and living identity. It serves not only as a record of the past but as an evolving platform for national self-expression, inclusion, and collective memory.
