Qatar Museums Authority Berlin visit "huge success"

The Museum of Islamic Art (MIA), the flagship of the Qatar Museums Authority located on Doha Corniche and scheduled to open November 2008, is now being recognised around the world as an important and distinguished cultural and heritage landmark, a state-of-the-art museum which reflects the history, influence and achievements of Islamic art.

The QMA delegation, led by Vice Chairman Sheikh Hassan Bin Mohamed Al Thani and accompanied by MIA Director Dr. Oliver Watson, hosted a private reception at the Qatar Embassy in Berlin that was attended by distinguished German and Qatari cultural academics and scholars including Dr. Otto Wiesheu, German-Arab Friendship Society and Professor Dr. Claus-Peter Haase, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin (National Museum of Berlin).

"Just 5 months before we open, the Museum of Islamic Art is now anticipated with excitement in many countries. The reputation of Qatar as a leading global force in energy, finance and business will soon be boosted by a world class museum and Islamic art collection,"

commented Ambassador Al-Nesef.

Delivering a well received speech, Al Najjar shared the vision of the State of Qatar to become a global capital of culture. "Our visit to Berlin to celebrate the Museum of Islamic Art was a huge success. It was obvious the German people share with Qatari's a desire to promote international understanding and dialogue through cultural exchange," explained Al Najjar as he described how the Museum of Islamic Art will play an influential international role.

Dr. Watson presented images from the MIA collection, explaining that the MIA will preserve Islamic art for future generations. "The museum, and IM Pei's inspirational design, demonstrates the creative qualities of Islamic civilizations over 13 centuries. It is our responsibility to be proactive in education, dialogue and information sharing to promote better understanding of Islamic art with museums and cultures around the world," commented Watson.

"The museum reflects the leadership and desire of its Chairperson HE Sheikha Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani, to inform and educate the whole world that Qatar is home to a landmark building housing one of the world's most precious collections of Islamic art," added Al Najjar.

The Berlin reception is another important event in a series of promotional visits which have included New York, Paris and London. Designed by international renowned architect IM Pei, the Museum of Islamic Art is the pioneering project of the QMA, a true symbol of Islamic architecture, standing on its own island on Doha Corniche and housing a variety of collections of unique artifacts and archaeologies.