Qatar Launches 'Lawh Wa Qalam' Museum Dedicated to Maqbool Fida Husain

Post by : Mara Rahim

HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, the Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, officially inaugurated the 'Lawh Wa Qalam' museum in Education City on Thursday. This museum pays tribute to Maqbool Fida Husain, an artist renowned for his groundbreaking and emotive creations. In her remarks, Sheikha Moza hailed Husain as a pivotal figure whose art bridges diverse cultures, histories, and identities on a global scale. She noted that the museum embodies his aspiration for a venue dedicated to showcasing his life and artistry for wider appreciation.

After the inauguration, HH Sheikha Moza explored the museum's galleries, which narrate Husain's artistic evolution. Guests can delve into themes such as faith, philosophy, cultural plurality, and Husain's Yemeni roots. The museum also underscores Husain’s interaction with Arab heritage and his mission to unify people through artistic expression. Each exhibit offers a glimpse into his creative journey, aiding visitors in grasping the motivation behind his celebrated pieces.

The ceremony concluded with a formal dinner in the museum’s Seeroo fi al ardh Hall, which is now a notable attraction of the venue. Distinguished guests included HE Vice Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al-Thani, along with various dignitaries, ministers, international art collectors, and connoisseurs. This assembly highlighted Qatar's expanding influence in promoting global arts and culture.

The 'Lawh Wa Qalam' museum features over 150 items, including paintings, films, textiles, photographs, and memorabilia of Husain, many of which are on public display for the first time. A centerpiece is his last artwork, “Seeroo fi al ardh,” which was completed posthumously in 2019 with Qatar Foundation's guidance. The museum serves not just to preserve his art but to enlighten visitors about his artistic ideology and cultural significance.

Designed personally by Husain, the museum acts as an education and cultural hub, equipped with a library, creativity corner, lecture hall, gift shop, and café. These facilities aim to foster learning, creativity, and interactive engagement with art. The museum opens its doors to the public from Saturday to Thursday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and on Fridays from 1:30 PM to 7:30 PM, remaining closed on Mondays and public holidays.

The launch of 'Lawh Wa Qalam' underscores Qatar's dedication to promoting arts and culture, establishing a platform that stimulates creativity and conversation. The museum enhances the understanding of global art through the lens of Maqbool Fida Husain, allowing audiences of all ages to connect with his profound cultural legacy. By celebrating the life and contributions of this distinguished artist, Qatar fortifies its role as a global hub for art, culture, and education.