The Qatar Museums Authority is inviting you to take a trip back in time.

‘Mal Lawal’ – meaning ‘from the old days’ in Qatari dialect – is the name the QMA has given to its innovative new exhibition of objects contributed by members of the public. 

Opening tomorrow to the public at the Al Riwaq exhibition space next to the Museum of Islamic Art, the QMA invited people to submit items of historical, personal or cultural value to them, and the result is an eclectic, interesting tour through recent Qatari history. Entry is free.

Highlights include a large collection of rare manuscripts donated by the Emir, including the Qu’ran, scientific works and novels; a collection of historic photographs; and a display of everyday objects including clothes, lamps, beds and children’s furniture, giving a unique insight into Qatari life in the 20th century. 

Side by side with these treasures is a display of contemporary work by three generations of Qatari Artists,  including Ali Sharif, Jassim al-Zaini and Wadha al-Sulaithi. 

If you visit, let us know what you think of the show!

Credit: An object from the collection of Mohammed Al Matawaa, on show at the exhibition, image courtesy of the QMA