As Qatar moves further into stage 2 of Phase 4, several activities, facilities and services have re-opened to the public with preventive and precautionary measures.

One of the most-awaited of all has been the opening of the National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ).

The wait will end on October 1, 2020 as NMoQ will debut ‘Splendours of the Ancient East: Antiquities from the Al-Sabah Collection Special Exhibition.’

This exhibition reflects Qatar’s deep-rooted and unique relationship with Kuwait and highlights new insights into the ancient roots of Islamic Art.

The museum is all set to open its permanent galleries and take the wraps off the landmark exhibition on Thursday.

Drawn from the extraordinary holdings assembled in Kuwait by Sheikh Nasser Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah and Sheikha Hussa Sabah al-Salem al-Sabah, more than 170 objects provide a sweeping overview of the artistic and material culture of the ancient world, while also revealing new insights into the roots of Islamic art.

The exhibition will see objects ranging in date from the third millennium BCE to the fifth century CE.

They include: jewelry and adornments (rings, earrings, necklaces, pendants, bracelets, buckles, and buttons); household furnishings (bowls, beakers, jars, ewers, cups, rhytons, bottles, dishes, and rugs); anthropomorphic and zoomorphic figurines and ritual objects; decorative elements; and carved gemstones and seals.

The use of such precious materials, and the exquisite workmanship of these artifacts, made it possible for these objects to be preserved and treasured for millennia.

To ensure the health and safety of all visitors to the exhibition, Qatar Museums (QM) has implemented certain protocols including:

- Requiring visitors to purchase tickets in advance.

- Making it mandatory for visitors to present a “green” health status on the Ehteraz virus-tracing app.

- Asking visitors to bring and wear face coverings for the duration of their visit.

Timings will be from Saturday to Thursday: 9 am to 7 pm. While on Fridays, the exhibition will run from 1:30 pm to 7:00 pm.

The exhibition will remain open until January 3, 2021.

Some important things to remember for anyone who wishes to visit NMoQ:

- a limited number of visitors and staff will be allowed in the museum at a time.

- Masks are required for all visitors (12 years of age and older).

- Each person will also be checked for a normal temperature reading at the entrance.

- Visitors who have a temperature or do not have a mask will not be allowed to enter the museum.

- Hand sanitizer stations will be placed throughout the location encouraging visitors to keep their hands clean.

- Signage reminding visitors to keep a safe distance from other visitors will also be visible on site.

- Cloak rooms will be unavailable during this period.

- Interactive features such as touchscreens will be temporarily removed, and gallery guides will be offered online only.

The museum’s gift shops ad Jiwan, the museum’s restaurant, will also be open but will operate at a limited capacity.

A maximum of six people per table inside and 10 for outdoor terrace tables will be permitted (from Saturday to Thursday for lunch and afternoon tea).

The Desert Rose and Café 875 will also be open at a limited capacity, as will the museum’s playground and library.

The collection galleries of the NMoQ remain closed due to maintenance.

--

Make sure to check out our social media to keep track of the latest content.

Instagram - @qatarliving

Twitter - @qatarliving

Facebook - Qatar Living 

YouTube - qatarlivingofficial