The National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) adds two more exciting attractions to its wide array of fascinating spots to visit as it launches two of its highly anticipated children’s playgrounds on Saturday.
Museum visitors specially families will now have more reasons to frequent NMoQ when The Cave of Wonders and Adventure Ship Playground opens to the public. Both playgrounds are specially created outdoor play areas, and are being launched as part of the second phase of NMoQ’s opening.
Commenting on the opening, Qatar Museums’ (QM) Chairperson, H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, said: “We are committed to ensuring that museums are a place of learning for all generations. From the natural formation of the land to a time where Qatar was one of the major pearl traders of Asia, the playgrounds – similar to the permanent galleries at the National Museum of Qatar – are immersive and experiential, telling the story of Qatar and its people. As we progress towards the second phase of the museum’s opening, we look forward to welcoming both children and adults as they explore two very important parts of our country’s heritage and culture.”
Speaking to reporters at a press preview yesterday, Bouthayna Baltaji, Acting Head of Exhibitions Section at NMoQ, stressed that the playgrounds were designed for families to engage in intergenerational play activities and aim to bring the NMoQ’s collection and permanent galleries to life.
The playgrounds encourage visitors to explore not just the galleries themselves but also Qatar’s natural and cultural offerings. The carefully designed playgrounds are immersive providing children total experience with their visual, auditory and olfactory features as well as activities which promote learning and keep children engaged during their visit.
The Cave of Wonders has been constructed to replicate a dahl, or cave, with rays of light coming through openings in the roof. Inside there are glowing rocks, objects that emerge like archaeological finds from the sand, rock carvings, hanging bats and a giant gecko.
Baltaji noted that the Adventure Ship Playground was inspired by Rahmah bin Jaber, a historical figure and captain as well as a famous Arabian horse and pearl trader.
Particularly, this playground was inspired by his famous Ghatrousha, which is a type of dhow or Qatari boat. During their exploration children can learn about sailing, pearling, fishing, trading and other occupations and traditions that whole families became involved in throughout the ages.
Through stories and songs, cargo and treasure, and imaginative play opportunities the children will absorb culture and feel a sense of pride as they reconnect with Qatari history.
The NMoQ has designed and developed a wide variety of exciting and engaging learning resources for school, family and youth audiences. The two playgrounds now join hands-on interactive gallery spaces, family trails, student activity booklets and more.
A third and final playground will be launched later this year. It will focus on oil and gas and is sponsored by TOTAL, one of the top integrated oil and gas companies in Qatar.
The playgrounds will follow NMoQ’s opening hours.