IN WHAT could be termed as a great recognition of the sincere efforts for developing, promoting and sustaining the cultural sector of Qatar at the highest standards, the National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) has won two LCD Berlin Awards. NMoQ is the only cultural destination in the world to have won two prestigious LCD Berlin Awards: the New Culture Destinations of the Year award in the ‘Middle East and Africa’ category and the Leading Culture Destinations of the Year award for Best Museum Shop. By taking cultural experience beyond the borders of the nation, NMoQ sets a new trend of reaching out to people around the world by breaking the barriers of languages, cultures and traditions. Undeniably, this style of functioning inspired the next generation of cultural producers. NMoQ is committed to bringing to life the unique story of Qatar and its people by giving voice to the nation’s rich heritage and culture. Being a vibrant and immersive space, NMoQ provided an atmosphere conducive for diverse communities to come together and experience Qatar’s past, present and future. By organising events and exhibitions, NMoQ lifted the nations pride beyond borders. LCD Awards highlight the world’s best established and emerging cultural destinations, recognising their exceptional contribution to cultural life. The New Culture Destinations of the Year awards highlight the significant role of culture in changing the perception of towns and cities and influencing their future development, while the Leading Culture Destinations of the Year awards highlight the experiential shift of cultural destinations into social hubs where visitors can explore, dine, shop, work – and even sleep. “Since the National Museum of Qatar opened last year, it has been widely acclaimed as leading example of modern architecture which, through its exhibitions and offerings, has given citizens, residents and visitors a unique opportunity to engage in the country’s history and development. We are honoured that LCD Berlin has chosen the museum and its gift shop to be the recipient of the New Culture Destinations of the Year (Middle East/Africa) and Leading Culture Destinations of the Year – Best Museum Shop,” said Ahmad Al Namla, CEO at Qatar Museums. Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel, the National Museum of Qatar tells the story of the country’s heritage and culture through commissioned films and artworks, storytelling, artefacts and music, combining wide-ranging scholarship with the voices of the people of Qatar. Culture is an identity. Undoubtedly, NMoQ has succeeded in firmly positioning Qatar and its culture on the global map and also in taking the nation’s fame beyond borders.
