(MENAFN- Gulf Times) National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) is set to open on February 15 two of its unique playgrounds designed for families to engage in intergenerational play activities and aim to bring the museum's collection and permanent galleries to life.
'We are committed to ensuring that museums are a place of learning for all generations. From the natural formation of the land to a time where Qatar was one of the major pearl traders of Asia, the playgrounds similar to the permanent galleries at the National Museum of Qatar are immersive and experiential, telling the story of Qatar and its people, Qatar Museums' (QM) Chairperson, Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani said in a press statement.
A visitors exiting the ‘Cave of Wonders' playground
Children will enjoy the interactive features of the 'Cave of Wonders
The ‘Adventure Ship' features some games which reflect Qatar's rich heritage and culture
Bouthayna Baltaji showing one of the many fun-filled games at NMoQ's 'Adventure Ship'
Bouthayna Baltaji at the media preview of The ‘Cave of Wonders' at NMoQ
'As we progress towards the second phase of the museum's opening, we look forward to welcoming both children and adults as they explore two very important parts of our country's heritage and culture, HE Sheikha Al Mayassa said.
The new playgrounds encourage residents and visitors to explore not only the galleries but also Qatar's natural and cultural offerings.
The ‘Cave of Wonders', constructed like a ‘dahl', sinkhole or cave with rays of light coming through openings in the roof, features glowing rocks, rock carvings, and objects that emerge like archaeological finds from the sand, hanging bats and a giant gecko.
Speaking to reporters at the media preview of the two playgrounds Wednesday, NMoQ's acting head of Exhibitions Section Bouthayna Baltaji said the ‘Cave of Wonders' reflects the content of the first few galleries of the museum, focusing on archaeology, natural formation and environment and geology, among others.
'We actually went with the team with the designer to the actual dahl in Qatar to study it closely and try to recreate the dahl here but in a very fun, playful and imaginative way, she said.
'We are very keen in promoting intergenerational learning, how can we create spaces for parents to communicate with their kids, or siblings, or conversations to start, a way to remember the history of Qatar, Baltaji noted.
A few metres away from the ‘Cave of Wonders' is the ‘Adventure Ship', which was inspired by historical figure, captain, and a renowned Arabian horse and pearl trader Rahmah bin Jaber.
The second playground has been constructed like Jaber's Ghatrousha, a type of dhow or traditional Qatari boat, which gives families and children the opportunity to play and at the same time learn more about Qatar's rich heritage and culture in a fun and interesting way.
Through stories and songs, cargo and treasure, and interactive games, the Ghatrousha also allows children to discover more about Qatar's history and their forefathers from sailing, pearling and fishing to trading and other occupations that families have been involved before.
The NMoQ designed and developed a wide variety of exciting and engaging learning resources for school, family and children.
The two playgrounds, according to NMoQ, now form part of hands-on interactive gallery spaces, family trails, and student activity booklets, among others.
In 2019, the museum announced that Total, one of the top integrated oil and gas companies in Qatar, is the official sponsor of the third playground that will focus on oil and gas. It is scheduled to open later this year.
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