Back
2023/10/23 - 2024/02/17
Growing Kopi, Drinking Qahwa - The Story of Coffees in Qatar and Indonesia
In collaboration with the National Museum of Indonesia, the National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) presents Growing Kopi, Drinking Qahwa; Stories of Coffee in Qatar and Indonesia.
Hosted during the Qatar-Indonesia 2023 Year of Culture, this immersive exhibition will bring to life the traditional and contemporary coffee cultures of both nations through interactive exhibits, unique experiences and local events in Qatar.
This new exhibition in Doha will take visitors on a sensory journey through the global history of coffee using innovative displays, dynamic projections, fragrances, soundscapes, specially commissioned artworks and more! The exhibition will open to the general public on Tuesday 24th October.
Exploring Coffee Culture in Qatar and Indonesia
The exhibition at the National Museum of Qatar will emphasise sustainable coffee cultivation that protects ecosystems, the empowerment of women in coffee production and the human stories at the heart of the coffee industry.
Visitors will move through 5 distinct areas of the Growing Kopi, Drinking Qahwa exhibition space, beginning with What is Coffee? This captivating introduction to the coffee bean is followed by Growing and Trading Coffee, with a focus on the history and impact of growing coffee consumption in both Indonesia and the Arab World.
Roasting and Brewing highlights the processes and traditions of coffee practices, using coffee beans and spices to give visitors a sensory experience. Serving and Drinking will showcase the rituals associated with drinking coffee in Qatar and Indonesia with a 360-degree projection transporting visitors to a coffee shop in the heart of Jakarta, and a space dedicated to the iconic Qatari majlis.
The final zone Coffee and Creativity, will celebrate some of the vibrant cultural art forms practised in both countries, from Indonesian batik textiles and traditional mask dances to Qatari artists and creative entrepreneurs in Qatar.
An exciting public events programme will unfold alongside the exhibition in Doha, bringing together local coffee shops, contemporary artists and Indonesian baristas, as well as competitions, guided tours and more.
January Events Programme
Latte Art Competition
What? Competition for the general public to attend
When? 13th January 2024, 3:00 to 7:00 pm (Arabic and English)
Where? Next to Mawater Gallery, National Museum of Qatar
Join us at the National Museum of Qatar for an exciting Latte Art Competition! Witness some of the most skilled local baristas in action as they create stunning latte designs. Booking is required, with free tickets available on the NMoQ website.
More upcoming events in January will be announced soon.
December Events Programme
Latte Art Competition - Open Call For Baristas
What? Competition for local baristas to enter
When? 2nd December 2023, 2:30 to 7:00 pm (Arabic and English)
Where? Darwish Al Far Auditorium, National Museum of Qatar
Skillful baristas in Qatar are invited to enter our Latte Art Competition and exhibit their craftsmanship. Keep an eye on the NMoQ Website for the competition guidelines and registration.
Latte Art Competition
What? Competition for the general public to attend
When? 13th January 2024, 3:00 to 7:00 pm (Arabic and English)
Where? Next to Mawater Gallery, National Museum of Qatar
Join us at the National Museum of Qatar for an exciting Latte Art Competition! Witness some of the most skilled local baristas in action as they create stunning latte designs. Booking is required, with free tickets available on the NMoQ website.
Discover a Coffee Alternative with Date Pits
What? Drop-In Activity
When? 1st December 2023 11:00 am to 2:00 pm and 2nd December 2023 3:00 to 6:00 pm (Arabic and English)
Where? Next to The Children's Gift Shop, National Museum of Qatar
Discover a unique coffee alternative at this drop-in experience at the National Museum of Qatar! Using date pits, the team will brew a delightful beverage that is both decaffeinated and delicious. As this is a drop-in activity, no booking is required.
Sustainability & Coffee
What? Panel Discussion
When? 7th December 2023 5:00 to 7:00 pm (Arabic and English)
Where? Darwish Al Far Auditorium, National Museum of Qatar
Join us for an enlightening discussion on sustainability and coffee. The speakers will be Ecolgist and Research scientist Dr. Aspa, PhD Professor of Plant Science Dr. Mohammed H. Abu-Dieyeh and Entrepreneur in the coffee industry Ghanim Al Sulaiti. Booking is required, with tickets available free of charge on the NMoQ website.
A Story of Arabic Coffee
What? Guided Tour
When? 19th and 26th December 2023 1:00 to 2:30 PM (English) & 4:00 to 5:30 PM (Arabic)
Where? National Museum of Qatar
On this series of guided tours, participants will learn about the history of Arabic coffee as well as the traditions, necessary equipment and rituals related to preparing and serving the Gahwa in Qatar. Email toursnmoq@qm.org.qa for enquiries and bookings.
November Events Programme
Grandma's Cup
What? Storytelling for Families
When? 4th November 2023, 4:00 to 5:00 pm (Arabic)
Where? Mohammed Jassim Al Khulaifi Library
Join us for a fun storytelling session to learn about Grandma’s cup and the Qatari coffee. After listening to our delightful storyteller, children will be able to take home their own handmade memento of the story. Suitable for 12 years old and under. Free to attend, registration is required by email: librarynmoq@qm.org.qa
Coffee Entrepreneurship in Qatar
What? Panel Discussion
When? 9th November 2023, 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM (English and Arabic)
Where? Darwish Al Far Auditorium – National Museum of Qatar
Join us for an inspiring talk on coffee entrepreneurship by local entrepreneurs. Learn how they brewed success in Qatar's coffee industry. Entry is free, tickets are available on the NMoQ website and at the NMoQ reception desk.
Learn how to make Qatari coffee - Postponed
What? Drop-in Activity
When: 13 November 2023, 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, 15 minutes per participant (Arabic and English)
Where? Next to Darwish Al Far Auditorium – National Museum of Qatar
Discover the art of making delicious Qatari coffee! Join us for a hands-on experience in the traditional process of brewing Qatari coffee. Drop by, engage, and immerse yourself in an authentic coffee-making journey. Suitable for ages 13+.
Coffee Cup Design
What? Drop-in Activity
When? 23rd / 30th November 2023, 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, 15 minutes per participant (Arabic and English)
Where? Next to the children's gift shop – National Museum of Qatar
Join us for an impromptu coffee cup drawing session! Unleash your artistic talents as you adorn Qatari coffee cups with your unique designs. Grab a cup, get creative, and enjoy your coffee with a personalised touch! Suitable for ages 13+.
Majlis Film - Postponed
What? Film Screening
When? 15th November 2023, 4:00-6:00 PM (Arabic and English)
Where? The Old Palace
Join us for a remarkable screening of the Majlis film by talented Qatari teens, learn about their journey of film production and inspiration through an insightful discussion. Tickets are Free.
Latte Art Workshop
What? Workshop
When? 14th November 2023, 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM (English)
Where? Café #999, Fire Station
Unleash your inner barista! Join our Latte Art Workshop and learn the art of creating stunning coffee designs. Perfect for coffee lovers and aspiring baristas. Get hands-on and turn your latte into a masterpiece!" Suitable for ages 16+. The workshop costs 140 QR and can be booked online.
October Events Programme
Coffee in Qatar and Indonesia
What? Panel Discussion (in English and Arabic)
When? 25th October 2023, 5:00 to 7:00 PM
Where? Darwish Al Far Auditorium – National Museum of Qatar
This lecture on Qatar and Indonesia's coffee culture hosted by the Learning & Outreach team is set to be a caffeinated cultural exploration. Unravel the unique traditions and captivating stories from these diverse nations during this panel discussion at NMoQ. This event is free of charge (advanced reservation required), with tickets available on NMoQ website and at the NMoQ reception desk.
Open Call: Brewing & Storytelling Competition
What? A competition for skilled baristas (in English and Arabic)
When? 28th October 2023, 3:00 to 7:00pm
Where? Darwish Al Far Auditorium – National Museum of Qatar
Calling all talented baristas in Qatar - NMOQ invites talented baristas across Qatar to showcase their coffee artistry in a brewing competition. Organised by the Learning & Outreach team in collaboration with Partners&Partners participants will have the opportunity to win acclaim, prizes and the hearts of coffee lovers in the ultimate coffee showdown.
A Story of Arabic Coffee
What? Guided TourNMoQ
When? 30th - 31st October 2023, 1:00 to 2:30 PM (English) 4:00 to 5:30 PM (Arabic)
Where? National Museum of Qatar
In this guided tour organised by the National Museum of Qatar, participants will learn about the history of Arabic coffee as well as the traditions, equipment and rituals related to preparing and serving the Gahwa in Qatar. They will also have the opportunity to taste the coffee as part of the tour. Suitable for ages 16+. Contact toursnmoq@qm.org.qa for enquiries and bookings.
Exhibition Partners:
Qatar-Indonesia 2023
Discover Qatar-Indonesia
The Qatar-Indonesia 2023 Year of Culture celebrates the friendship and collaboration between our countries, sharing our heritage, values, traditions and contemporary innovations. When Qatar and Indonesia’s cultures come together, a rich past meets a bright future.
