HE Dr Hamad bin Abdul Aziz al-Kuwari and HE Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani opening the exhibition. PICTURES: Najeer Feroke

By Joseph Varghese/Staff Reporter

An exhibition, Travelling Through Arts and Times, began yesterday under the patronage of HH the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, at Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMUQ).

The exhibition features more than 160 rare artefacts from the private collection of  Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al- Thani Museum.

The exhibition, which will continue until March 27, was opened by HE the Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage Dr Hamad bin Abdul Aziz al-Kuwari and HE Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani, chairman of Al Faisal Holding. Present on the occasion were senior members of the military, ambassadors and diplomatic representatives, faculty from CMUQ and other guests.

Many of the artefacts are on public display for the first time. The exhibition is showcasing rare art and heritage artefacts, some of which are from the 7th century. These include Islamic coins, gold and silver jewellery, vintage cars and many more. A set of gold Qatari jewellery, a unique 7m wooden model pearl fishing boat, manuscripts, Islamic art and Qatari heritage exhibits are also on display at the exhibition.

The exhibition is a collaboration between Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani Museum and CMUQ to mark the 10th anniversary of the CMU campus in Qatar. It showcases the richness of Qatari and Islamic culture, heritage and civilisation and is laid out in three sections, focusing on rare Islamic manuscripts, Islamic art and Qatari heritage.

HE Sheikh Faisal said, “This exhibition from my private collection offers an exclusive opportunity to view rare and culturally significant artefacts that reflect the richness of Qatari and Islamic culture, history and heritage throughout the ages. Many of these items – such as the gold jewellery, vintage cars and Islamic coins — are on public display for the first time. The artefacts we have chosen to display express my fascination with the past and our heritage and how historical struggles and accomplishments have shaped our current culture and identity.”

Sheikh Mohamed bin Faisal al-Thani, vice-president of Al Faisal Holding, said the exhibition has been organised to mark the 10th year of CMU in Qatar. “Some of the exhibits are displayed outside the museum for the first time. We are highlighting three main things through the exhibition: Islamic art, Qatar’s heritage and manuscripts. The items displayed here are of great importance for the museum and some of the exhibits are very rare ceramic and copper items that are up to 600-800 years old,” he explained.

Many of the items at the exhibition reflect Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani Museum’s aspirations to be a leading institution for collecting and preserving the cultural heritage of Qatar. Visitors to the exhibition can also view, for the first time, four vintage cars from HE Sheikh Faisal’s private collection.

The vintage cars are on show in front of the entrance to the CMUQ main building for the duration of the exhibition – a 1939 Studebaker Champion, a 1939 Ford, a 1947 Cadillac convertible and a 1955-56 Ford Crown Victoria.

BELOW:

1)   A model of a pearl fishing boat.

2)    One of the vintage cars on display. Right: Some of the artefacts at the exhibition.

3)   Musicians entertain the audience during the opening ceremony.  Right: A section of the audience at the opening ceremony.

4)  Left: A rare art piece.  Centre: Some of the carpets on show.  Right: An art piece from the 10th century.