Mixed public reaction as QM launches new logo, brand

QM logo

As part of a new rebranding strategy, Qatar Museums (formerly Qatar Museums Authority) has launched a new logo for its organization, evoking mixed reactions from residents.

The new image has been criticized by some on Twitter for being “boring,” while others have said they admired the strong use of color.

Earlier this month, QM told Doha News that launch of its new brand is part of an attempt to convey a new remit of promoting and protecting culture and heritage across Qatar. The organization also hopes to come across as “an approachable, modern service with a public voice.”

The new logo features four simple, geometric shapes in orange, pink, blue and yellow, and in English and Arabic bears the words “Qatar Museums” and “art, heritage creativity.”

It was formed from geometric shapes used in arabesque art and architecture and aimed to tie together museums, exhibition spaces and heritage sites, which all come under the aegis of QM.

Qatar Museums Chairperson Sheikha Al Mayassa Bint Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani said that the design of the new logo had been chosen to appeal particularly to families and young people. In a statement, she added:

“The colors and shapes are dynamic, reflecting Qatar’s cultural ambition in developing arts, heritage, and creativity.”

But responding to the new logo on social media, some commentators said they felt the design was too simplistic:

https://twitter.com/hooHar/statuses/468106359418789888

https://twitter.com/NoBSThirsty/status/468279677052649473

The logo was also likened to the recently introduced and similarly brightly colored tourist bus that can be seen around Doha:

New website

Despite criticism over the new logo, some have welcome QM’s re-designed website:

The new site features information on already popular cultural venues such as the Museum of Islamic Art and the Arab Museum of Modern Art (Mathaf), as well as sneak previews of upcoming sites including the National Museum of Qatar and the 3-2-1 Olympic and Sports Museum.

QM website

While including enticing architectural images of the planned musuems, there is notably no details on when these are expected to open to the public.

The National Museum, designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, was originally slated to open its doors at the end of this year, though this date is now unlikely given its current state of construction.

There is also no mention of the proposed Children’s Museum, which a QM employee previously told Doha News may be scaled back or even scrapped. However, a QM spokesperson said there had been “no change” to plans for this museum with teams continuing to work on the collection.

Meanwhile, there has been ongoing concern among QM employees that internal reorganization may lead to some redundancies.

Strategic priorities

As part of its re-branding, QM also announced three strategic priorities. These are:

  • Nurturing emerging talent to inspire the next generation of cultural producers through projects such as the Fire Station: Artist in Residence program;
  • Creating a platform for the voice of Qatar in global debates on culture and creativity, as seen through exhibitions such as Mal Lawal; and
  • Taking museums “beyond four walls,” as exemplified by the Al Zubarah archaeological site.

What are your thoughts on the new logo?

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