Doha, Qatar – Qatar Museums is launching a vibrant January program filled with cultural events, workshops, and activities across its museums and creative hubs. The diverse lineup, beginning in 2026, aims to engage audiences of all ages with opportunities for learning, creative expression, and community connection. From exploring Qatari heritage to mastering new artistic skills, the program highlights Qatar’s commitment to becoming a global hub for art and culture.
The January schedule features a wide range of offerings, including the inaugural season of Lusail Museum Conversations, hands-on workshops at M7 and Liwan Design Studios, family-friendly experiences at Dadu Gardens, and film screenings at the National Museum of Qatar. These initiatives are part of Qatar Museums’ broader “Evolution Nation” campaign, celebrating the nation’s cultural journey over the past 50 years.
Qatar Museums January Program: A Deep Dive into Arts and Culture
The program’s highlights showcase a commitment to both preserving and promoting Qatar’s cultural identity. The launch of Lusail Museum Conversations will feature public lectures exploring the Late Ottoman world, offering insights into a pivotal period in regional history. Additionally, the National Museum of Qatar will host “From Me to NMoQ,” inviting visitors to create and share personal postcards, fostering a sense of collective memory and community engagement.
Workshops and Creative Hub Activities
M7, a hub for fashion and design innovation, will host a series of workshops throughout January. These include a Turkish Mosaic Candle Holder Workshop on January 9th, teaching participants the art of mosaic creation, and a “Make Your Own Garangao Tote Bag – Punch Needle Workshop” on January 10th, celebrating a traditional Qatari festival. Further workshops will focus on interior design, macramé, and color theory, providing opportunities to develop practical skills.
Liwan Design Studios and Labs will offer workshops focused on visual storytelling and costume design. “From Script to Stitch” will guide participants through the process of crafting character through costume, while “Storyboarding = Storytelling” will explore the fundamentals of visual narrative. These workshops aim to empower aspiring designers and artists with the tools to bring their creative visions to life.
Family-Friendly Experiences and Film Screenings
Dadu, Children’s Museum of Qatar, will continue its season of play and dynamic activities at Dadu Gardens, offering a unique space for children to explore learning through open-ended play. The National Museum of Qatar will also screen family-friendly films, including “Hope” and “Turtle Odyssey,” raising awareness about marine life and environmental conservation. These screenings are available throughout January and require no registration.
The Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) will host International Children’s Day activities and workshops like “Architects: Build Your Own Modern Monument,” encouraging children to explore Islamic art and architecture through hands-on creation. A “Flowers of the Past” workshop will allow young artists to create their own floral-inspired artwork.
Lusail Museum Conversations and Historical Insights
The Lusail Museum Conversations series will kick off with two public lectures. On January 13th, Edhem Eldem will discuss “Princes, Patrons, and Painters: The Ottoman Palace and the Challenge of Modernity.” On January 27th, a lecture will explore art, authority, and reform in 19th-century Tunis. These events aim to provide a deeper understanding of the Late Ottoman world and its cultural legacy. Registration is required for these lectures.
Qatar Museums’ January program represents a significant investment in cultural tourism and community engagement. The diverse range of activities reflects the nation’s commitment to fostering creativity and preserving its heritage. The program also supports the development of local talent in fields such as design, art, and filmmaking.
Looking ahead, Qatar Museums will continue to expand its programming throughout 2026, building on the momentum of the “Evolution Nation” campaign. Further announcements regarding future exhibitions and events are expected in the coming months. The success of the January program will likely influence the direction of future initiatives, with a continued focus on accessibility, innovation, and cultural preservation. The ongoing development of cultural infrastructure and programming remains a key component of Qatar’s National Vision 2030.
