A cultural symposium titled ‘Museums: From Functional to Social Dimension’ was launched at Msheireb Museums, focusing on the qualitative transformation of the role of modern museums, which are no longer just incubators of heritage and memory, but have also transformed into vibrant public spaces that stimulate dialogue, support community interaction, and build bridges of communication between individuals and cultures.
The seminar, presented by Dr. Al Sharqi Dahmali, Member of the Executive Bureau of the International Council of Museums (ICOM) and Director of the Office of the Cultural Advisor of Qatar Foundation, highlighted the growing social and cultural role of museums in promoting societal cohesion and building more inclusive and interconnected communities. Expanding its impact, promoting understanding and consolidating societal ties in an increasingly interconnected and interconnected world.
Mr. Abdulla Al Naama, Director General of Msheireb Museums, said: “World Museums Day is an important opportunity to reflect on the growing role that museums play in contemporary societies, stressing Msheireb Museums’ belief that these institutions are not just places to preserve history, but vital platforms that encourage dialogue, inspire learning, and promote social cohesion.
In his speech, Dr. Al-Sharqi Dahmali said: “Museums are required to be more open to society and provide content that listens to the pulse of the street, otherwise they will become transcended and abandoned cultural institutions, as the museum display is now in strong competition with several cultural and entertainment shows, especially those targeting young people, so museums must focus on directing museum marketing plans in line with the requirements of the stage.”
Msheireb Museums continues to enrich the city’s cultural and social life, offering visitors an interactive journey through its four heritage houses and diverse programmes to explore Qatar’s history, urban development and national identity, as well as providing open spaces for dialogue and community outreach.
This event comes as part of the global celebrations of World Museums Day 2026, which is being held this year under the theme “Museums Unite a Divided World” in conjunction with the 80th anniversary of the establishment of the International Council of Museums (ICM), affirming its continuous commitment to supporting museums as effective platforms for cultural exchange, education and sustainable development, noting that the Council has organized this celebration annually since 1977, to become one of the most prominent cultural events with the participation of more than 37 thousand museums in 158 countries and territories around the world as an international platform that promotes learning, inclusivity and support United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
