Superb and refined architecture that embodies the pride and traditions of the people of the Qatar, able to offer international visitors a rapid change and modernization of the country. Designed so that entire walls become cinematic screens where mobile handheld devices guide visitors through a succession of thematic showcases that will contain the various art collections.
If you look closely, the building was designed as a desert Rose which seems to be born from the earth and contextually part of it. Find its realization in a space of 1,5 million square meters at the end of the Corniche of Doha, where the first monument that travelers from the airport will be able to see upon arrival will be placed. The building takes the form of a ring with interlocking pavilions surrounding a large courtyard that includes an impressive 430 meters of internal space.
Indeed, the building suggests the image of a caravanserai, the traditional closed place for stopping caravans and which encloses the flow of commerce, information and people through the commercial routes of the desert, almost as if to materialize the identity of a nation on the move. The inclination, the discs interpenetrate and define the floors of the pavilions, the walls and the roofs, clad on the outside in colored sand-cement which become the lamellar petals of the desert rose, a mineral formation of crystallized sand found in the layer brackish just below the surface of the desert.
After the very successful opening in 2008 of Museum of Islamic Art, which showcases an artistic tradition that spans half the world, now Qatar intends to consider enhancing the physical and immaterial environment with a historical and at the same time contemporary vision.
Commenting on his drawing, Jean Nouvel said: “This museum is a modern caravansary. From here you leave the desert behind, returning with precious images that remain etched in your memory. The National Museum of Qatar will be the voice of a culture, capable of offering a message of modernity, the metamorphosis and beauty that occurs when the desert meets the sea”.
The collections currently consist of around 8.000 objects and include archaeological finds, architectural elements, household and heritage objects, travel, textiles and costumes, jewellery, decorative arts, books and historical documents. The first rumors date back to the end of the last ice age (about 8000 BC). The Bronze Age (about 2000-1200 BC) is represented, as are the Hellenistic and Islamic periods. The Museum also has examples of weapons and other items from the period of tribal warfare and more modern additions used for everyday life.
A celebration of innovation and success that enables the Qatar to become the most important destination for art modern and to know the traditions of this country.
