Doha, May 15 (QNA) - The world celebrates International Museum Day on May 18 each year, an event that was officially launched in 1977 by a resolution of the General Assembly of the International Council of Museums (ICOM) during its meeting in the Russian capital, Moscow. The day aims to raise global awareness about the role of museums, culture, and heritage in societies and to unify the creative efforts of museum institutions around the world. This day is an annual occasion to highlight the importance of museums as active cultural platforms that contribute to supporting sustainable development and enhancing quality of life, in addition to their pivotal role in cultural exchange, and in promoting the values of mutual understanding, cooperation, and peace among peoples. Since 1992, an annual theme has been chosen for the celebration of International Museum Day. In 1997, the first official poster for the event was adopted, creating a visual identity accompanying the cultural messages of this occasion. Regarding this year’s celebration, which carries the theme "The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities", local and international experts in the field of museums told Qatar News Agency (QNA) that this occasion is of great importance. They pointed out that museums are facing growing challenges, which require intensified efforts and enhanced innovation to ensure that museums maintain their central role and leading position in the contemporary cultural scene. In this context, Dr. Al Sharqi Dahmali, who serves as President of the Arab Organization for Museums (ICOM Arab), said in a special comment to QNA that this year’s adopted theme carries strategic implications, especially since it will also be the central topic of the ICOM General Conference scheduled to be held in Dubai next November, making it a real opportunity to discuss the future of museums amid rapid transformations. Dahmali explained that museums are no longer the sole players in the cultural scene, but are now in direct competition with other mediums and institutions such as cinema, libraries, and cultural cafes. He added that this necessitates that museums keep up with developments in order to continue attracting visitors and maintaining their appeal. He pointed out that contemporary societies are witnessing rapid transformations due to multiple factors, including conflicts and political, social, and economic changes. He added that this requires museums to adapt to these shifts and ensure that their programs and cultural content reflect the reality of the communities they belong to, while also emphasizing the importance of maintaining their connection with the public by keeping up with such developments. The President of Arab ICOM noted that this change in museums requires a renewal of the museum discourse, making it a mirror of its society and an expression of its pulse. In this regard, he highlighted positive examples in the Arab world of museums that have successfully renewed themselves or were established with a vision that responds to social and cultural transformations. He also noted, however, that many museums in the region are still in the process of developing a more integrated vision of the social role that museum institutions can play. Dr. Al Sharqi Dahmali also pointed to the path that museums in the Arab world should follow, questioning whether it is more appropriate to continue with traditional working models, or to move toward developing a museum discourse that aligns with the nature of the collections and the aspirations of visitors. In conclusion, the President of the Arab Organization for Museums (Arab ICOM) expressed his hope that International Museum Day would serve as an opportunity for Arab museum institutions to review their cultural and social roles and work on enhancing their engagement with their audiences through activities and programs that align with the needs and developments of society. For its part, Qatar Museums has taken it upon itself to enlighten the local public opinion of citizens and residents with its efforts, and organize group visits for individuals and families in most of its museums. In this regard, CEO of Qatar Museums Mohammed Saad Al Rumaihi said in a similar statement to QNA that in light of the constant changes in the lifestyles, ways of communication and efforts to preserve the planet, museums must evolve not only to remain relevant, but also to be one of the necessary aspects of life. He added that at Qatar Museums, they take this occasion as an opportunity to re-imagine their role, not only as custodians of heritage, but as active participants in building inclusive, resilient and forward-looking communities. He stressed that the International Museum Day is an occasion that always reminds all that the future of museums lies in their ability to inspire dialogue, ignite creativity, and strengthen ties between people, transcending borders and passing generations. Al Rumaihi revealed that in celebration of International Museum Day, Qatar Museums announced that admission to its museums and exhibitions will be free on Sunday, May 18. in addition, Qatar Museums institutions will provide a wide range of educational activities, where visitors will have the opportunity to explore the Qatar National Museum, the Museum of Islamic art, the Arab Museum of Modern Art, 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic Sports Museum, in addition to all temporary exhibitions of Qatar Museums for free. He pointed out that the invitation is open to residents and visitors of the State of Qatar to attend the events of the third edition of the Qatar Tasweer Festival 2025 through eight distinctive exhibitions throughout Doha, where visitors will discover an exhibition "As I Lay Between Two Seas," which is the main exhibition of the Qatar Tasweer Festival, held at the fire station: artists' residence, accompanied by an exhibition " Al Mihrab" by Khalid Al Muslimani, an in-depth study of houses of worship in Qatar; "After The Game," which documents the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022; and "Garangao 2025," a photographic tribute to the authentic Qatari heritage. He added that it is also possible to visit the exhibition "Refractions: Tasweer Project Awards" at the Cultural Village Foundation-Katara, which brings together images of 18 contemporary Arab photographers who won photography awards for photographic projects in 2023 and 2024. He stressed that also on the same site, they will see the exhibition "Obliteration – Surviving the Inferno: Gaza's Battle for Existence," which presents touching images of the ongoing war in Gaza. At the Company House in Msheireb Museums, visitors can explore "Threads of Light: Stories from the Tasweer Single Image Awards," which displays 32 winning images from 2023 and 2024. The CEO of Qatar Museums noted that a variety of engaging events and activities will be held in celebration of International Museum Day. On the morning of May 18, the National Museum of Qatar will host a creative workshop for children on designing their own museum building. The museum will also offer a photo booth where visitors can take commemorative pictures, and distribute crossword puzzles and answer sheets throughout the gallery halls. At the same time, visitors will be able to explore ongoing exhibitions such as Latino Americano Exhibition, Eduardo Costantini collection, as well as A Design Journey with Marcello Gandini Between Italy and Qatar. He added that the Museum of Islamic Art will also host a wide range of events and activities for all ages on the same day, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. These activities will revolve around five thematic stations designed to deepen visitors’ understanding of Islamic art and culture, as well as introduce them to the museum’s educational and research programs. At the create with islamic patterns art education station, visitors will engage in interactive art activities. Children will also participate in a guided tour to search for those patterns in the artworks on display in the museum. At the library station, visitors can take part in a creative workshop to make bookmarks and explore the museum’s reading collection through the Islamic Art Book Club workshop. A curated selection of Islamic art books will be on display, and children will enjoy storytime sessions featuring well-known tales from Islamic heritage. Al Rumaihi noted that other stations include Be a Museum Guide for a Day, the finals of the Museum of Islamic Art Ambassador competition and Secrets of the Museum of Islamic Art. In addition, visitors will be able to access all 18 permanent galleries, as well as view the exhibition of winning entries from the Al Raqim Arabic Calligraphy Competition, which showcases the creativity of top calligraphers from around the world and reflects the artistic and cultural significance of Arabic calligraphy as a cornerstone of Islamic heritage. In connection with the theme of International Museum Day, Al Rumaihi said that Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art will host an interactive booth at the Student Center in Education City today. There, visitors can learn more about the museum and take part in a drawing activity designed to encourage creativity and engagement. Visitors to Mathaf will also enjoy the exhibition Our Spectres, Your Spectres Promising Visions of a Groundbreaking Cinema Qatar which features the work of more than 40 filmmakers and video artists from the Arab world, Africa, and Southeast Asia. The exhibition addresses themes such as exile, migration, and the complexities of cross-border intersections through ten immersive sections housed in seven galleries, offering powerful reflections on deserts, ruins, borders, and belonging. (QNA)