Doha: HE Chairperson of Qatar Museums Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al-Thani inaugurated "A Nation's Legacy, A People's Memory: Fifty Years Told," a landmark exhibition celebrating the 50-year journey of the National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ). The event is part of a series of milestones, including the recognition of major donors, the Anniversary Awards Dinner: Recognising Evolution - A Journey from Tradition to Tomorrow, and the Taste Evolution: Collaboration Dinner organised by Qatar Creates. According to Qatar News Agency, "A Nation's Legacy, A People's Memory: Fifty Years Told" offers a comprehensive examination of the NMoQ's origins, growth, and evolution. It traces the museum's journey from its founding in 1975 as the region's first national museum to its reinvention in 2019 as a state-of-the-art experiential museum housed in an iconic building designed by French architect Jean Nouvel. The 50th anniversary celebrations began with the symbolic voyage of the historical dhow Fateh Al Khair across Doha. Saili ng along the Corniche, the dhow, adorned with the museum's logo, symbolized the NMoQ's narrative of continuity, resilience, and transformation. The ceremony featured cultural maritime performances by renowned Qatari singer Munsoor Al Muhannadi, alongside national performers and institutions, underscoring a collective pride in Qatar's heritage and reaffirming the museum's role as a bridge between past and present, inspiring future generations. The event paid tribute to significant donations that have enriched Qatar Museums' collections and supported the preservation of the nation's cultural heritage. These contributions reflect a deep sense of civic pride and a shared commitment among individuals, families, and institutions to safeguarding Qatar's legacy for future generations. Since its founding, the NMoQ has stood as a testament to Qatar's dedication to culture and heritage. As one of the first museums in the Arabian Gulf, it has influenced cultural initiatives in the region and remains a source of pride a nd identity for the people of Qatar. The museum's concept originated in 1972 by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani, with a mission to collect and display Qatar's history, traditions, and natural environment. Officially opened in 1975 within the Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Palace, its restoration earned the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 1980. After nearly three decades, the museum closed in 2004 for redevelopment. A new museum, designed by Jean Nouvel and inspired by the desert rose, opened in 2019, preserving the historic Old Palace while redefining Qatar's cultural landscape. HE Director of the National Museum of Qatar Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Thani stated, "For half a century, the National Museum of Qatar has safeguarded the legacy of our nation and our national treasures while continually developing new means of storytelling through the latest advances in technology. With 'A Nation's Legacy, A People's Memory: Fifty Years Told,' we invite audiences to join us in celebrating the institution's r emarkable record of honouring our heritage while imagining what is to come." The exhibition begins in temporary gallery 13, where visitors can explore the museum's history, from its establishment in the 1970s to its reinvention in the 21st century. Documents and photographs of personal stories highlight its cultural significance, while archival photographs and documents trace its role in chronicling Qatar's transformation. These narratives are presented alongside works by artists Shouq Al Mana and Khalifa Al-Thani. Qatari artist Shouq Al Mana's site-responsive installation reimagines the original Earth Dome as a tribute to technological innovation and national identity. The work recalls the 1975 display that paired a Quranic verse with a visualisation of Earth's formation, narrating Qatar's transformation from an island to a Gulf nation. The reinterpreted Earth Dome includes a slightly parted egal, a subtle homage to HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al-Thani's distinctive way of wearing it, a gesture that became an enduring symbol of Qatari heritage. In contrast, Khalifa Al-Thani's installations reflect on the nation's evolving cultural identity. "Our Past is the Foundation; Our Future is Built Upon It" uses TV installations and AI animation to reanimate the Old Palace's architecture and history. The exhibition extends to the Old Palace, where visitor testimonials provide personal reflections and memories of the museum across generations. Visitors also have the opportunity to record their memories, presented alongside site-specific works by VCU students. The immersive installation "Echoes of Time, The Four Doors," by Yousef Fakhoor, unfolds a poetic journey through Qatar's past, present, and imagined future. Using sound, light, and video, four symbolic doors invite visitors to listen, look, and reflect, each portal revealing a moment in time, from a young girl's whispered prayer in 1975 to a vision of Qatar in 2050, bridging generations through memory and emotion. His multimedia installation "Full Moon" in the centr al majlis presents four windows into landscapes-desert, shore, city's edge, and the National Museum of Qatar-inviting quiet reflection. Additionally, Khalifa Al-Thani's "Pearls Don't Lie on the Sand" transforms the traditional dhow into a luminous sculpture evoking resilience and discovery. Public programming accompanying the exhibition reflects NMoQ's commitment to engaging audiences of all ages, nurturing creativity, learning, and cultural participation. Building on this, programmes such as "NMoQ Late: Our Heritage, By Young NMoQ" empower teenagers to take an active role in the museum through creative expression, after-hours access, and culturally relevant initiatives. These programmes position NMoQ as a 'third space', a welcoming environment beyond home and school where youth can connect, collaborate, and lead, developing both skills and a sense of ownership within the community. The museum's learning and outreach programming further extends these opportunities, providing workshops, educational activiti es, and immersive experiences that connect audiences with Qatar's rich heritage. Culinary initiatives, including collaborations with Chef Noof, Desert Rose, and cooking classes at Jiwan, highlight food as living heritage, allowing participants to explore how traditional practices can be preserved, adapted, and celebrated in contemporary life. Together, these programmes transform the exhibition from a historical survey into a vibrant, interactive journey that celebrates Qatar's past, present, and future. "Nation's Legacy, A People's Memory: Fifty Years Told" is presented as part of "Evolution Nation," an 18-month campaign honouring Qatar's cultural journey over the past 50 years since the founding of the National Museum of Qatar. Curated by Qatar Creates, the national movement positions Qatar as a global hub for art, culture, and creativity, highlighting both the nation's cultural milestones and its aspirations for the future.