Doha, June 25 (QNA) - Qatar Museums (QM) has announced permanent changes to the opening hours of its key cultural institutions starting from Jul.1, 2024.

The changes include the extension of its working hours every Thursday, and a one-day closure per week. The changes aim to enhance public access, promote evening programming, and ensure the optimal care and maintenance of the collections.

The museums new changes to the working hours include the National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ), 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum (QOSM), which will be closed every Tuesday of the week, while the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) will remain closed every Wednesday and Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, it will remain closed every Monday of the week.

The working hours in those museums will be during the business days from 9am until 7pm, except Thursday, during which the working hours will be until 9am only. The museums will operate every Friday from 1:30pm until 7pm.

The novel changes to the opening hours will allow more opportunities for citizens, residents, and visitors to explore Qatar Museums diverse arts and cultural offering, including permanent collections, temporary exhibitions, and public programming.

In addition to the extended hours, a one-day closure per week will be implemented to conduct essential maintenance work, staff training, and the installation of new exhibits, ensuring that the highest standards are maintained without disrupting the visitor experience. These rest days are crucial for preserving the quality and integrity of our collections and for preparing new, engaging experiences for the public.

Moreover, QMs usual holiday closures will remain unchanged, and all relevant institutions will be closed to the public on two days each year the first day of Eid Al Fitr and the first day of Eid Al Adha allowing staff to celebrate these important holidays with their families.

Following the first day of Eid Al Fitr and the first day of Eid Al Adha, the museums will remain open for the duration of the holiday period, as announced by the Amiri Diwan.

If a museums regular closure day coincides with an Eid holiday, the museum will stay open to align with the public holiday period. (QNA)