Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani Museum in Qatar, one of the country’s leading heritage centres, marked the International Museum Day on May 18 by showcasing its collections including Islamic cultural artifacts to vintage cars.

The museum joined more than 30,000 museums in around 100 countries worldwide to celebrate the special day.

The International Council of Museum (Icom) partnered with the UNESCO Memory of the World Programme, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2012.

Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al Thani, collector and owner of Faisal Bin Qassim Museum, said: “International Museum Day serves as a reminder of the significant role that museums play by keeping alive the past’s history, culture and traditions for the next generation to learn and draw from, thus enriching and influencing society in a positive way.  This year’s theme of Social Change underlines the relevance of museums today.”

An important bridge to the next generation is the brand new museum website, which presents the museums’ awesome collections and exhibits in mesmerizing detail with stunning photography.

A new logo has added a contemporary touch to this important center for Islamic culture, arts and heritage.

Sheikha Al Anood Bin Faisal Al Thani, vice-chair of Board of Trustees of Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani Museum said: “Recently we launched the first ‘Travelling Museum Exhibition in the Middle East, showcasing the rich heritage of the Islamic art of Calligraphy, entitled The Beauty of Words at the American University of Sharjah and received a rapturous reception from students, alumni and the University.

“The aim was to empower and expose students to some of the most distinguished and unique artworks and reflect our mission to encourage cultural exchange and promote history and art.”

Later this year the museum is donating important pieces to the British Museum in London to exhibit in October as part of the Qatar/ UK Year of Culture 2013.  The Museum’s second Travelling Exhibition will thus be on show in the UK’s top tourist attraction that receives over 6 million visitors a year.

Sheikha Al Anood Bin Faisal Al Thani continued:  “Opening up the Museum to the next generation of schoolchildren is something planned for this winter, to raise their awareness of history and culture and experience the past.”

“It is an environment that holds so much that students can learn from and we hope to create a programme of interactive School Visits that encourage them to draw and paint their impressions at the Museum,” she added. – TradeArabia News Service