Doha:Msheireb Museums launched "Explore Msheireb: The Smart City of Tomorrow," an educational event held in collaboration with Qatar Reads, part of the Qatar National Library. The event, a feature of the Family Reading Program for October, was set in the museums' restored heritage houses and invited children to explore how Qatar's history shapes future cityscapes.
According to Qatar News Agency, the event introduced the Smart City Explorer, a new activity booklet created by Msheireb Museums and Qatar Reads. This booklet is designed for children and families, using Msheireb Downtown Doha as an interactive classroom. It guides young readers through the concepts of smart and sustainable cities with engaging activities and will be part of the Family Reading Program throughout October, broadening the museums' educational scope across Qatar.
The program incorporated hands-on learning, reflecting Msheireb Museums' award-winning heritage education approach. Children engaged in the Msheireb Smart Houses Workshop, where they learned about coding, microcontrollers, and sensors by building smart-home systems. Additionally, the Msheireb Patterns Clay Workshop merged heritage with innovation, allowing participants to shape clay using 3D-printed molds inspired by traditional Qatari motifs and the architectural design of Msheireb Downtown Doha.
Fatima Al Mansouri, Manager of Museums Education at Msheireb Museums, emphasized the importance of storytelling in heritage houses, aiming for the next generation to see themselves in Qatar's ongoing narrative. She noted that collaborating with Qatar Reads transformed Msheireb's history into a foundation for children to envision future cities, with the Smart City Explorer fostering curiosity at home and encouraging family visits to Msheireb Downtown Doha.
The event also featured a guided tour of Mohammed Bin Jassim House, highlighting Msheireb's evolution from its historical roots to a modern, sustainable city. The tour illustrated how traditional Qatari architectural principles and community values have influenced a contemporary urban model emphasizing people, culture, and the environment.
This initiative underscores Msheireb Museums' dedication to making heritage accessible and relevant for younger audiences while fostering partnerships that connect Qatar's cultural identity with education, innovation, and sustainable urban development.