Doha: Qatar Museums (QM) has announced a diverse lineup of free cultural, educational, and recreational events for families and individuals of all ages throughout September across its institutions, including the National Museum of Qatar, Fire Station: Artist in Residence, Museum of Islamic Art (MIA), 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum (QOSM), and Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art.
According to Qatar News Agency, the programme features a variety of engaging activities, including an immersive photography lecture with Kamal Naji, archaeology-inspired workshops, and interactive sports debates at 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum. Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art will also host workshops and training sessions ranging from portraiture with Ismail Azzam to creative fashion upcycling and public speaking skills.
Among the highlighted training sessions is the "How to Write a Public Speech" workshop, scheduled for September 3. Every Sunday and Tuesday throughout the month, participants can explore various portrait techniques, pencil, charcoal, and paint, in the "Art Lessons with Ismail Azzam" sessions, designed to nurture artistic talent, encourage skill exchange, and spark artistic dialogue.
On September 29, the "Fashion Forward: Upcycling Style" workshop, part of a seven-month creative journey at Mathaf, invites teens to transform everyday materials into wearable art in collaboration with Sustainability Week. The project will culminate in a final fashion show showcasing their unique creations.
Tasweer: Qatar Photography Festival invites participants to explore the art and history of photography through a captivating lecture and exclusive tour of antique cameras and media artifacts. On September 6, Kamal Naji, renowned photographer and collector, will deliver a lecture titled "A Journey Through Photography with Kamal Naji," exploring the evolution of photography and highlighting pioneering figures in the field. The lecture will be followed by an exclusive tour of his century-old cameras and rare media pieces, each with its own story.
The National Museum of Qatar will welcome families to enjoy interactive storytelling and entertainment without prior booking, focusing on Qatar's pearl diving heritage and rich history. On September 7, the museum will host "The Life of the Pearl Divers," featuring carefully selected artifacts that narrate the divers' vital role in shaping the country's economic and social development.
To mark the back-to-school season, the museum will present the story "Mya's First Day of School" on September 11, and "Family's Exploration Journey" tours on September 13, offering children and families an interactive adventure through galleries and family exhibits while engaging in problem-solving activities.
The Museum of Islamic Art (MIA), in collaboration with Qatar Calendar House, will host a rare and enriching experience on September 7: a live public viewing of a once-in-a-century total lunar eclipse (peak at 8:00 p.m.), complemented by family-friendly astronomy activities, guided tours, and art workshops inspired by the eclipse. On September 13, MIA will hold "Family Day: The Blessings of Quranic Plants and their Meanings," in collaboration with the Quranic Botanic Garden, allowing visitors to explore the hidden blessings and artistic representation of plants mentioned in the Quran. On September 23, "Sacred Gardens: The Plants of the Quran" will delve deeper into the cultural, artistic, and traditional significance of these plants.
3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum (QOSM) will inspire dialogue on sports and society through international conferences, debates, and family-friendly events. "321 Goals" will run from September 7-11, featuring conferences, debates, hackathons, and keynote speakers discussing major global challenges related to sports participation and physical activity. On September 22, the museum will mark the International Day of Peace with origami dove-making and reflective discussions on building a more peaceful world together.
Liwan Design Studios and Labs will host weekly "Design Meets Tradition" laser cutting and pattern-making workshops, merging heritage with modern design practices. The Archaeology Department of Qatar Museums will hold an "Artefact Workshop" on September 23, where children will learn pottery shaping and drawing techniques inspired by archaeological discoveries in Qatar and explore how these findings reveal stories of ancient civilizations in the region.
M7 will host creative sessions including the "Creative Letter and Postcard Workshop" on September 20 and "Drawing Mannequin Foundations like a Pro" on September 27, aimed at beginners seeking to develop fashion illustration and personal expression skills.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of Qatar Museums and the 50th anniversary of the National Museum of Qatar. The milestone coincides with the launch of the "Evolution Nation" campaign, an 18-month celebration of Qatar's cultural journey, from the founding of the National Museum to today's dynamic network of institutions that Qatar Museums proudly represents.