Msheireb Museums Opens Exhibition 'Marmo: Marble. Carving The Future'

Doha, Qatar: In a vibrant display of cultural synergy, Msheireb Museums has launched its latest exhibition,“Marmo: Marble. Carving The Future,” in partnership with the Embassy of Italy in Qatar. The event, which opened yesterday, marks a significant milestone in cross-cultural exchanges, blending the timeless artistry of marble with contemporary Qatari perspectives.

This travelling exhibition which has been displayed in many parts of the world celebrates the blend of business and art through a global production chain, enhanced by an original immersive soundtrack that connects each section. Alongside Italian exhibits, local artist Shuaa Ali presents works showcasing these materials' versatility in the local context.

The General Manager of Msheireb Museums Abdulla Al Naama described the exhibition as a traveling showcase that has previously toured several countries, but with a groundbreaking twist in Doha.“It's the first time that an artist from the hosting country participated in this exhibition,” Al Naama explained during an exclusive interview with The Peninsula. Qatari artist Shuu'a Ali has contributed four sculptures that weave elements of Qatari heritage into the narrative, reflecting on the exhibition's theme through her unique lens. One piece notably incorporates marble, symbolizing the material's enduring legacy while highlighting local craftsmanship and history.

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The exhibition emphasizes interactivity, moving beyond traditional artifact displays to engage visitors, especially younger audiences, with technology-driven storytelling.

“We feel it's more interactive... to move away from your traditional kind of exhibits,” Al Naama noted. This approach aligns with Msheireb's mission to foster dialogue between cultures, positioning the museum not just as a guardian of history but as an active participant in shaping it.

This collaboration is part of a broader pattern of international partnerships at Msheireb Museums. In recent months, the institution has worked with the French Embassy on a Syria-themed exhibition, the Irish Embassy for film screenings, and embassies from Colombia and Mexico on various cultural programs. Al Naama highlighted Qatar's burgeoning status as a global art powerhouse.“In February, Qatar will be hosting Art Basel,” he said, underscoring the influx of international exhibitions and artists that elevate local talent. The nation's cultural landscape boasts numerous museums, galleries, and private collections that rival those in many other countries.“The local artist community here... they are very active in terms of global issues today,” Al Naama added, praising their forward-thinking engagement with contemporary themes rather than dwelling solely on the past.

On a personal note, Al Naama views art expansively:“Any narrative, any topic, if you see beauty in it, it's art.” This philosophy resonates with Msheireb's diverse programming, which aims to attract non-traditional museum-goers and diversify audiences.

As Qatar continues to invest in its cultural infrastructure, exhibitions like“Marmo: Marble. Carving The Future” exemplify how local institutions are bridging global traditions with homegrown innovation, ensuring Qatari voices resonate on the world stage.

Meanwhile, Qatari artist Ali noted that the inspiration behind her works are the rock stacks that people used to use in the desert to find their location.“You know, a long time ago in Doha there was not a lot of paved roads so people to find their place or like a certain farm or a certain tent they would put like some kind of a little landmark that would be from just discarded material in that area whether it's an oil barrel or a car tire that's broken or some rocks just to mark that location. So I started using these rocks from discarded construction sites to form these like little models that represent this in my work. Like it's an ancient kind of location marking or like wayfinding,” she said.

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