3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum is thrilled to announce The Race is On, an exhibition celebrating Qatar's motorsport history and marking a new era for Formula 1 in the country. The exhibition opens to the public on 6 November 2024, and will be on view until 1 April 2025, at the museum’s E8 Exhibition Gallery. It will showcase Formula One and rally history and examine Qatar’s journey as an international host and leading competitor, from the first Qatar Motor Rally in 1975 to last year’s successful Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix at Lusail International Circuit.
The exhibition is timed to coincide with the 2024 Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix from 29 November until 1 December and the 2025 Qatar International Rally on 1-2 February 2025. It will provide an exciting opportunity to explore the country’s growing influence in the global motorsports world.
Commenting on the occasion, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed Abdulla Al Thani, President of 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum, said: “Over the last decade, Qatar has gained significant regional and international recognition as a hub for cultural and sporting events, and is now becoming home to F1 races. The Race is On is a testament to Qatar Museums and 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum’s commitment to diversifying the cultural offerings to visitors from Qatar and around the world, providing them with unforgettable experiences. We invite everyone to join us as we mark a thrilling era in Qatar’s motorsport history.”
The exhibition presents a unique range of historic items from the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum and Silverstone Museum in the UK and local and international lenders. Among the highlights are racing suits worn by Formula 1 and rally champions, trophies, tyres from past races, an intricate model of the Lusail Circuit, and original and exact replica helmets, and more. Visitors will be able to admire these pieces while learning about the drivers and the stories behind them.
Commenting on the exhibition, Abdulla Yousuf Al Mulla, Director of the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum, said, “The Race is On marks a significant milestone in Qatar’s motorsport legacy, and 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum is honoured to present an exhibition that reflects the passion, innovation, and speed of this exhilarating sport. This exhibition spotlights legends from F1 history and Qatar’s trailblazing rally heroes, and celebrates Qatar’s ever-expanding role in international motorsports.”
In addition to the objects on display, the exhibition offers an opportunity to relive the dramas of some of the most memorable races in history. Visitors will journey through a timeline of motorsport in Qatar, connecting moments from the earliest rally races in the 1970s to today’s high-octane Formula 1 events. Interactive experiences, including e-sports racing simulators, will allow visitors to experience the thrill of being behind the wheel of a racing car.
The exhibition is presented in collaboration with key partners, including the UK’s Silverstone Museum. It is also supported by Qatar Auto Museum, Store 974, Al Hazm, and Seashore Group. The exhibition is curated by Susan Hayward, Deputy Director of Curatorial Affairs at 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic & Sports Museum, and led by the Museum’s Director, Abdulla Al Mulla, and the 3-2-1 team.
Phil Lawrie, Chief Executive Officer at Silverstone Museum said: "Located at the home of British motor racing and the birthplace of the Formula 1 World Championship, Silverstone Museum is proud to partner with 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum for this exciting motorsport exhibition. The Race is On perfectly aligns with our mission to preserve and celebrate the legacy of motorsport, and we are thrilled to contribute our expertise and unique artefacts to showcase the remarkable journey of Qatar's motorsport evolution. This partnership highlights the global reach of motorsport, and through the exhibition we’re able to share stories of sporting drama and technical innovation with new audiences in Qatar."
As a museum dedicated to celebrating sports, culture, and history, 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum reaffirms its commitment to preserving and showcasing objects that reflect Qatar’s local heritage and its place on the world stage of sporting excellence.
For more information, please visit https://321qosm.org.qa/en/calendar/race-is-on/
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Qatar Museums (QM), the nation’s preeminent institution for art and culture, provides authentic and inspiring cultural experiences through a growing network of museums, heritage sites, festivals, public art installations, and programmes. QM preserves and expands the nation’s cultural offerings, sharing art and culture from Qatar, the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia (MENASA) with the world and enriching the lives of citizens, residents, and visitors.
Under the patronage of His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and led by its Chairperson, Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, QM has made Qatar a vibrant centre for the arts, culture, and education in the Middle East and beyond. QM is integral to the goal of developing an innovative, diverse, and progressive nation, bringing people together to ignite new thinking, spark critical cultural conversations, and amplify the voices of Qatar’s people. Since its founding in 2005, QM has overseen the development of museums and festivals including the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) and MIA Park, Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, the National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ), 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum, QM Gallery Al Riwaq, QM Gallery Katara, the Tasweer Qatar Photo Festival, and Design Doha. Future projects include Dadu: Children’s Museum of Qatar, Art Mill Museum, Qatar Auto Museum and the Lusail Museum.
Through its newly created Creative Hub, QM also initiates and supports projects—such as the Fire Station Artist in Residence, the Tasweer Qatar Photo Festival, M7, the creative hub for innovation, fashion and design, and Liwan Design Studios and Labs—that nurture artistic talent and create opportunities to build a strong and sustainable cultural infrastructure.
Animating everything that Qatar Museums does is an authentic connection to Qatar and its heritage, a steadfast commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, and a belief in creating value through invention.
About 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum
The 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum is Qatar's Museum of sports history, offering an unforgettable and inspiring interactive journey through the history and legacy of sports and the Olympic Games. The Museum delivers a multi-layered educational narrative that combines a comprehensive collection with state-of-the-art technology and documents the significance of sports in Qatar. One of the largest Olympic Museums in the world, 3-2-1, comprises 19,000 square metres of gallery space housing hundreds of objects from around the globe, from the origins of sports to the modern day. Through its participatory spaces and planned programming, the Museum aims to inspire and engage its community and encourage the public to participate in sports and physical activity. The Museum is located at Khalifa International Stadium, part of Qatar's Aspire Zone Foundation. The Stadium, originally built in 1976, hosted the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™.
About Qatar Auto Museum
Conceived at the end of the oil age, the Qatar Auto Museum will be an engine that drives design, research, inspiration, and innovation in new forms of mobility. The Museum aims to bring together enthusiasts, collectors, designers, policymakers, students, and engineers with permanent and temporary exhibitions and global events to learn about the history of the car and shape the ways we will move in the future. Through its partnerships with educational and tourism sectors, car manufacturers, and community organizations, the Qatar Auto Museum will instigate collaborative investment in the creative economy. Dr. Alkindi Aljawabra serves as director.
About Silverstone Museum
Silverstone Museum has numerous exhibits where visitors can try out a wide variety of activities – from operating a wind tunnel, piloting a Wellington bomber, taking part in a pit stop and climbing into a replica Grand Prix car. Visitors can even see whether they have got what it takes to commentate on a Formula 1 Grand Prix.
Silverstone Museum is located trackside at the iconic Silverstone circuit allowing visitors access to see the legendary racetrack during their visit.
In addition to the hands-on fun, the museum features some of the most iconic cars and bikes that have played a part in the 75-year history of Silverstone circuit including Mansell’s iconic “Red 5”, an E.R.A from the first ever Grand Prix held at the venue in 1948 and Barry Sheene’s 1979 Suzuki motorbike.
Rounding off a visit is a thrilling immersive film show – the ultimate lap of Silverstone – bringing together some of the circuit’s most famous racing moments with commentary from Murray Walker, Martin Brundle and David Croft.
About Store 974:
Store974 has been a leading name in the gaming community since its inception. As the go-to destination for PC gaming enthusiasts in Qatar, the store has continuously raised the bar by offering top-quality gaming components and unparalleled customer service. With three megastores across Qatar and a strong online presence, Store974 aims to elevate the gaming experience in the country and in the region, providing gamers with an exceptional and immersive environment they deserve.
About Al Hazm:
Al Hazm is a haven of luxury and sophistication in Qatar, redefining the retail and dining experience. Nestled in the heart of Doha, this stunning destination offers a unique blend of European architectural elegance and authentic Qatari charm. Showcasing a world of grandeur through Al Hazm's mesmerizing corridors and interior walls, crafted from exquisite Tuscan marble. The meticulous attention to detail and unparalleled beauty makes Al Hazm a living monument in the heart of the city. As well as offering unforgettable experiences from world-class retail offerings to exquisite dining options, with every aspect designed to exceed expectations.
About Seashore Group:
The Seashore Group, with its diverse activities and aspirations for leadership and excellence, is dedicated to building an advanced and sustainable society in line with Qatar's National Vision 2030. It places a strong emphasis on social responsibility and has invested in purposeful initiatives that have contributed to community development.
The Seashore Group takes pride in promoting social responsibility through various programs and initiatives, supporting the younger generations through workshops and competitions, and sponsoring numerous local and international sports tournaments. Additionally, it has participated in and sponsored many regional summits and conferences. The group has also activated internal partnerships with state institutions to ensure the achievement of its societal goals.
Recognizing the importance of preserving heritage as a national memory and a fundamental pillar of Qatari identity, collaboration with Qatar's museums is pursued in various aspects. All of these efforts are part of the work towards realizing Qatar Vision 2030 and turning it into tangible reality.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Hanan Saif
hsaif@qm.org.qa
+974 4402 8543
Malak Latrous
mlaroussi@qm.org.qa
+974 3011 2559