Qatar Museums
Led by its chairperson, Her Excellency Sheikha al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Qatar Museums (QM) is making Qatar a vibrant centre for the arts, culture and education in the Middle East and beyond.
Cultureshock produces books and a podcast series for Her Excellency Sheikha al Mayassa, under the Power of Culture brand. This work documents, archives and celebrates the ongoing development of Qatar’s cultural economy with its programme of museum and cultural-hub building, world-class exhibitions and creative collaborations.
The Power of Culture publication, authored by Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa, showcases Qatar’s far-reaching plan to become a culture-based, rather than carbon-based, economy. In an informative and readable book, Sheikha al-Mayassa’s personality shines through, whether she is discussing museums and galleries or where to find the most fashionable abayas. Part-memoir, part-easy-to-read guide, The Power of Culture offers an original insight into the Qatar of today, enhanced with in-depth interviews with some of the leading architects and artists who have contributed to its success. The book is published in English, Arabic, French, Spanish, Hindi and Mandarin Chinese. Cultureshock is currently preparing The Power of Culture: Book 2 for publication in 2025.
Our series of Qatar guidebooks include the annual Qatar Culture Guide, which ois a 48-page booklet, and the 220-page Qatar Ultimate Guide. Beautifully produced and including original photography and illustration, both titles showcase Qatar to visitors and local audiences as a vibrant hub for arts, culture, design, architecture and other creative industries. The guides explore Doha’s diverse neighbourhoods and various museums, alongside family attractions, public art and places to eat. Published in English and Arabic.
In the Power of Culture podcast series, Her Excellency Sheikha AlMayassa speaks to cultural luminaries about their remarkable careers and roles in the cultural development of Qatar. Guests so far in this ongoing series have included agenda-setting architects Jacques Herzog and Rem Koolhaus, the acclaimed Qatari-American artist Sophia Al Maria, art world sensation Jeff Koons, the curator of the 2013 Venice Biennale and director of the New Museum in New York, Massimiliano Gioni, and the curator of Arab Design Now, Rana Beiruti.
QM oversees a growing roster of institutions including the National Museum of Qatar, Museum of Islamic Art, Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art and the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum. It also nurtures and supports the Qatari cultural infrastructure through projects including the Fire Station: Artist in Residence programme, M7 creative hub for innovation, fashion and design, and Liwan Design Studios and Labs.