3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum
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| Established | 30 March 2022 |
|---|---|
| Location | Al Rayyan, Qatar |
| Director | Abdulla Yousuf Al Mulla[1] |
| President | Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Thani |
| Website | 321qosm |
The 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum is the first sports-related museum in the Middle East. It focuses on the history of both domestic and international sports and officially opened to the public on 30 March 2022 with inauguration by the Qatari Emir, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.[2][3] The museum was designed by Spanish Architect Joan Sibina, measures 19,000 square meters and is connected to the Khalifa International Stadium.[4][5] The museum is partners with the International Physical Literacy Association and Accessible Qatar.[6] It received over 100,000 visitors in its first 8 months after opening.[7]
The main building was designed to represent the history and culture of Qatar. Its cylindrical shape made of glass is surrounded by five coloured rings to represent the Olympic rings. Each ring is illuminated and placed at various heights and angles. Traditional Islamic Jali-like screens fill the horizontal space between the rings and building facade.
The second part of the museum was built along the tallest side of the stadium, in a more subtle architectural style which reflects original designs from the stadiums itself. Rows of diamond-shaped panelling cover the outside of the building which is nestled between the stadium and Olympic ring building. The two museum buildings are connected through a glass enclosed walkway.[2][4]
Galleries
The museum is house to seven exhibition spaces, each focusing on a different theme.[8]
World of Emotion
As the first of the galleries, this is the reception and lobby area of the museum. Here there is an overview of all of the themes of the museum as well as how sports are influencing Qatar.[2]
A Global History of Sport
The second gallery allows visitors to travel through the history of sports from all over the world going back as far as 8th century BCE and moving up to the early 20th century.[6]
Olympics
The third gallery is dedicated to the Olympic Games from the beginning until the present games as they are today. Various items from over the years are on display including every torch from the Summer and Winter Olympic Games beginning from 1936.[8][9]
The Hall of Athletes
Gallery four is dedicated to 90 sports heroes from all over the world. Various items are on display, including a jersey worn by soccer legend Pele and a Formula One Ferrari that was driven by Michael Schumacher.[10][11]
Qatar – Hosting National
This gallery is dedicated to the several major sports events Qatar has hosted in recent years, beginning with the 2006 Asian Games held in Doha.[2][6]
Qatar Sports
The sixth gallery displays how sports have developed in Qatar, starting with the nations traditional games all the way to the introduction of international sports and eventually the implementation of international competitions.[9][10]
Activation Zone
The seventh gallery, and seventh floor of the museum, is dedicated to promote sports across Qatar. It is an interactive area hoping to inspire future talent and encourage visitors to follow healthy active lifestyles. Visitors can make their way through 18 stations to test their skills, after which they receive a personalized profile at a kiosk.[9][12]
Inauguration ceremony
On 30 March 2022, the museum was officially opened during an evening inauguration ceremony by Qatar Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra as well as a children's choir performed for the event. Qatar Museums Chairperson HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani held a speech and HH the Amir also honoured the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games high jump champions, Mutaz Essa Barshim and Gianmarco Tamberi. The ceremony was attended by numerous prominent figures, Ministers and high-ranking officials like David Beckham, HE Dr. Thomas Bach, and Gianni Infantino.[9][13]
Restaurant and cafe
Visitors to the museum also have the opportunity to visit the café as well as a restaurant. The 3-2-1 Café can be found on the third floor,[9] while the Naua, which means nucleus of the seed in Arabic, is located on the eighth floor. The Chef Consult Tom Aikens designed the menu concept along with the operator of the restaurant JW Marriott. The restaurants menu was specifically designed to promote conscious and healthy eating.[14][15]