Qatar Museums has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Qatar Cinemas Co. which aims to revitalise the historic Gulf Cinema Complex, once a vibrant cultural hub frequented by locals and expats alike. The partnership seeks to bring new life to the complex, which originally opened to the public in 1972 as Doha's first cinema.
This MoU will advance the preservation and rehabilitation efforts of the historic complex, striving to restore its past grandeur while integrating contemporary advancements and technology. The initiative aims to retain the original heritage building's essence, making it suitable for modern use without diminishing its historical value. In addition to restoring the cinema hall, the revitalised complex will feature a state-of-the-art Cinematique Museum – the first of its kind in Qatar. This museum will be complemented by studio spaces, a media/film library, a grand theater, food and beverage venues, and more.
The Doha Film Institute will have an essential role in realising this vision, bringing in expertise and programming to ensure the success of the project. Meanwhile, Qatar Museums will oversee the display of its unique film collections, ensuring the authentic adaptive reuse of the complex.
The MoU signifies QM’s commitment to reviving the influential role of cultural institutions, and aims to revitalise the complex that was once a cornerstone of local film culture and restore its former glory. This initiative also marks a significant step towards QM’s goal of preserving Qatar’s rich cultural heritage while simultaneously adapting to the modern needs of today's film and media industry.
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About Qatar Museums
Qatar Museums (QM), the nation's preeminent institution for art and culture, provides authentic and inspiring cultural experiences through a growing network of museums, heritage sites, festivals, public art installations, and programmes. QM preserves, restores, and expands the nation's cultural offerings and historical sites, sharing art and culture from Qatar, the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia (MENASA) region with the world and enriching the lives of citizens, residents, and visitors.
Under the patronage of His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and led by its Chairperson, Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, QM has made Qatar a vibrant centre for the arts, culture, and education in the Middle East and beyond. QM is integral to the goal of developing an innovative, diverse, and progressive nation, bringing people together to ignite new thinking, spark critical cultural conversations, educate and encourage environmental stewardship and sustainable practices, and amplify the voices of Qatar's people. Since its founding in 2005, QM has overseen the Museum of Islamic Art and MIA Park, Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, the National Museum of Qatar, QM Gallery Al Riwaq, QM Gallery Katara and the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum. Future museums include Dadu, Children's Museum of Qatar, Qatar Auto Museum, Art Mill Museum and the Lusail Museum.
Through its newly created Creative Hub, QM also initiates and supports projects—such as the Fire Station Artist in Residence, the Tasweer Qatar Photo Festival, the creative hub for innovation, fashion and design M7, and Liwan Design Studios and Labs —that nurture artistic talent and create opportunities to build a strong and sustainable cultural infrastructure.
Animating everything that Qatar Museums does is an authentic connection to Qatar and its heritage, a steadfast commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, and a belief in creating value through invention.
About Doha Film Institute
Doha Film Institute is an independent, not-for-profit cultural organisation. It supports the growth of the local film community through cultivating film appreciation, enhancing industry knowledge and contributing to the development of sustainable creative industries in Qatar and the region. The Institute’s platforms include funding and production of local, regional and international films; skills-sharing and mentorship programmes; film screenings; the Ajyal Film Festival; and Qumra, a one-of-a-kind professional incubator crucial to the success of first- and second-time filmmakers from the Arab world and beyond. With culture, community, learning and entertainment at its foundation, the Institute is committed to supporting Qatar’s 2030 vision for the development of a knowledge-based economy.
Press Contact
Mohammed Khamis Faraj Al Abdulla
mfaraj@qm.org.qa
+974 4402 8544
Jasmin Afifi
jafifi@qm.org.qa
+974 4452 5338