Qatar Museums Authority celebrated this year’s International Museum Day themed: museums for social harmony.  On the occasion, several QMA experts in museum administration, archaeology and acquisition participated in a seminar titled “Collecting and Exhibiting in the 21st Century.”

The seminar started with a welcome speech from Abdulla Al Najjar, CEO of QMA, in which he stated the importance of museums role in social harmony and explained how QMA is contributing to social and cultural development of Qatar.  This was followed by a presentation by Peggy Loar, Director of the National Museum of Qatar about the new project.

Collecting was the first topic discussed in the full-day seminar and it began with a presentation by Sumaya Ahmad Laram, Acquisitions Administrator in the Chairperson’s Office.  This was followed by a detailed explanation by Oliver Watson, Director of the Museum of Islamic Art about some of the artefacts in the MIA collection.  Finally, Faisal Al Nuaimi, Head of Antiquities at QMA spoke about collecting artefacts during archaeological digs in Qatar.

In the second session, which focused on exhibiting in the 21st century, Dr Sultan Muhesen Senior Advisor on Archaeology and Heritage demonstrated innovative methods of exhibiting artefacts.  Then, Louis Rolim Silva from Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum explained how to collect and exhibit oral history.  Finally Hans Dieter-Gerber also from Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum spoke about showcasing narratives.

Many international cultural institutions and museums from around the world celebrate International Museum Day which is an initiative from ICOM (International Council of Museums).  ICOM is an international organization based in Paris and works closely with UNESCO.  Through celebrating International Museum Day, QMA aims to strengthen its relations with international organizations as a signification institution contributing to human development in Qatar.