The Media Majlis at Northwestern University in Qatar recently concluded its successful eight-month run of MetaWhat?, a major interactive exhibition on the metaverse. Drawing over 14,000 visitors, the exhibition delved into the opportunities and pitfalls of the metaverse in today’s digital media landscape. It explored how the metaverse impacts the world and how users can shape their own virtual worlds, breaking free from traditional Western structures.
Jack Thomas Taylor, associate curator at The Media Majlis, expressed pride in the exhibition and its impact. He stated that MetaWhat? has set a new standard for exhibitions and looks forward to returning in the next academic year with even more engaging content. The exhibition featured various elements, including a virtual-reality film titled “Remember this place: 3120’46”N 3446’46”E,” which premiered at the Venice International Film Festival and was showcased at other international events.
In addition to the film, visitors also had the chance to view Gaia, a planet Earth replica created by artist Luke Jerram. Alfredo Cramerotti, the new director at The Media Majlis, commended the museum’s achievements during his tenure, emphasizing the success of MetaWhat? in engaging thousands of individuals through unique experiences and programming. Alongside the exhibition, The Media Majlis participated in various events, such as the Design Doha biennial and the International Museum Construction Congress in Oman.
Looking ahead, The Media Majlis is set to take part in the 2024 American Alliance of Museums’ Annual Meeting and MuseumsExpo, showcasing its commitment to furthering conversations around media, technology, and culture. The success of MetaWhat? highlights the growing interest in the metaverse and its implications, paving the way for more innovative and engaging exhibitions in the future. Visitors were captivated by the exhibition’s immersive experiences and thought-provoking content, signaling a strong demand for exploring virtual worlds and reimagining societal norms.
