Msheireb Museums brought the community together to mark International Museum Day 2026 with a special seminar highlighting the evolving role of museums as spaces for dialogue, learning, inclusion, and cultural connection.
Held at Msheireb Museums in Msheireb Downtown Doha, the seminar was led by Dr Ech Cherki Dahmali, member of the Executive Board of the International Council of Museums (ICOM) and Director of the Cultural Advisor’s Office at Qatar Foundation. Titled “Museums: From Functional Role to the Social Dimension,” the session explored how museums have moved beyond their traditional function of preserving heritage to become active public platforms that support community engagement and social cohesion.
The event formed part of global celebrations for International Museum Day 2026, held under the theme “Museums Uniting a Divided World.” This year’s celebration also coincided with the 80th anniversary of ICOM, reinforcing the organisation’s long-standing mission to position museums as drivers of cultural exchange, education, and sustainable development.
Organised annually by ICOM since 1977, International Museum Day has become one of the world’s most widely observed cultural occasions. More than 37,000 museums across 158 countries and territories participate each year, using the occasion to reaffirm the importance of museums as trusted public spaces that promote learning, inclusion, intercultural dialogue, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Speaking on the occasion, Abdulla Al Naama, General Manager of Msheireb Museums, said International Museum Day offered an important opportunity to reflect on the changing role of museums in society.
“International Museum Day provides an important opportunity to reflect on the growing role museums play within society today. At Msheireb Museums, we believe museums are not only spaces that preserve history, but also platforms that encourage dialogue, inspire learning, and strengthen social cohesion. Hosting this seminar aligns with our commitment to creating meaningful cultural experiences that connect communities and contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable future,” he said.
Dr Ech Cherki Dahmali also emphasised the need for museums to remain accessible, relevant, and responsive to the communities they serve. He noted that cultural institutions must continue adapting to changing audience expectations, particularly among younger generations.
“Museums need to become more accessible and engaging for their communities, offering opportunities that truly reflect and respond to the spirit of the community. Otherwise, they will become outdated institutions, disconnected from their audiences and eventually left behind. Today’s exhibition operates in a highly competitive cultural and entertainment landscape, particularly for younger audiences. Therefore, they should focus on aligning their marketing plans with the evolving demands and expectations of the current era,” he said.
As one of Qatar’s key cultural destinations, Msheireb Museums continues to play an important role in enriching the social and cultural life of Doha. Located in the heart of Msheireb Downtown Doha, the museums take visitors through Qatar’s history, urban development, identity, and collective memory through four heritage houses and an active calendar of public programming.
The International Museum Day seminar underlined the growing importance of museums as places where communities can come together, exchange ideas, and engage with both local heritage and global cultural conversations. It also highlighted the value of international collaboration in strengthening cultural understanding and building stronger community ties in an increasingly connected world.
Through initiatives such as this, Msheireb Museums continues to support Qatar’s wider cultural vision by creating meaningful spaces for education, dialogue, and public engagement. The event reflected how museums in Qatar are contributing not only to heritage preservation, but also to community development, cultural awareness, and inclusive social progress.
