Qataris who wish to have a say in the branding of one of the country’s most iconic structures have been invited to participate in a logo-making contest for the under-construction National Museum.

The “Leave your mark” contest is being run by Qatar Museums, which said in a statement:

“The new logo and visual identity aims to incorporate aspects of heritage and innovation. We believe it is vital that the museum is recognized as an international cultural destination…

We want to create a brand that is a true reflection of the New National Museum of Qatar which will act as a personified image of Qatar and the future without relinquishing the heritage and traditions of the past.”

All entries for the challenge, which is open to individuals living in Qatar who are 18 years and older, must be submitted by Tuesday, Sept. 22.

Designs will be judged by QM chairperson Sheikha Al Mayassa and National Museum director Sheikha Amna, as well as senior executive members of QM.

The winner will be announced on Sept. 29, and will travel to London for two weeks in October to work with design firm Pentagram on finalizing the logo from the initially submitted concept.

See here for a full list of terms and conditions.

National Museum

Qatar’s National Museum is tentatively scheduled to open next year.

Earlier this summer, QM announced that a landmark palace that is the centerpiece of the museum was successfully restored.

Home to the former ruler of Qatar, Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani, the structure is located in the heart of the museum, which is across from the Corniche near the Museum of Islamic Art.

When completed, the museum is expected to look like a desert rose that appears to grow out of the ground and represent Qatar’s “past, present and future.”

Thoughts?