National Museum of Qatar - Family Exhibits

Playing along the riverbed

National Museum of Qatar, Doha (QA), 2019

In architect Jean Nouvel’s design, the history of Qatar flows through the museum like a river. Families can step out of the current at six spots.

An immersive museum walk

The National Museum of Qatar presents the history of the country, its nature and its people in an immersive 1.5-kilometre museum walk. At the edges of the main storyline, there are spaces for families with children between the ages of five and 15 to rest and play. Here, they can discover Qatar’s history in interactive, tactile, immersive ways.

Diving in the Persian Gulf

Kids can find out first-hand what it’s like to dig up an archaeological relic. They can invent their own animals. The Persian Gulf comes alive in projections that let them “dive” for pearls. They’ll learn that energy comes from different sources, drawing water from a well is hard work, and animals leave tracks in the desert. They can make each other coffee in the traditional way and fry fish on board a ship. They can even take selfies posing as the pearl in an oyster.

For all the family

Each exhibit has its own storyline and style. Families can learn together through play and cooperation. We designed different types of installations to appeal to every member of the family. Tactile games invite younger children to make discoveries. Older children can enjoy games with more complex narratives.

An international partnership

Studio Louter and OPERA Amsterdam designed the Family Exhibits in close cooperation with the Qatar Museum Authority and Atelier Jean Nouvel. An international consortium led by Acciona of Spain produced the digital components. Studio Louter was responsible for the creative direction.

“First time in my life my children asked to make a second route through the museum.”

Raoul Cilento, graficaitaliana.wordpress.com — 27 November 2019

Credits

Client
National Museum of Qatar

Architect
Ateliers Jean Nouvel

Content Design
Studio Louter

Spatial Design
OPERA Amsterdam

Film & Interactive Media Production
Acciona Producciones y Diseño, Studio Louter, Kiss the Frog, All of Us, Cyan Animatica, Spiral, Shosho, KlevR sounddesign

Construction & Hardware
MAN Enterprise - Empty SL Joint Venture

Awards 

International Design Award 2020
Bronze | Multimedia-Interactive Media

AVICOM F@IMP 2.0 2020
Winner | Interpreting exhibition installation

Muse Design Awards 2019
Silver | Interior Design Exhibits, Pavilions, & Exhibitions

SBID Awards 2019
Nomination | Public Space Design