Art Dubai played host to The Palestinian Museum last week at the art fair where the team unveiled their plans for its upcoming launch in fall 2014, in Birzeit, Palestine. Dedicated to the exploration and understanding of the culture, history and society of Palestine and its people, the museum is a space that brings together an innovative mix of exhibitions, research, and education programs, acting as an agent of empowerment and integration and a place for inspiration, dialogue, and reflection.

Nestled among Birzeit’s rolling hills and cascading terraces, the Palestinian Museum is a physical and virtual space for those living in Palestine and those living abroad— enabling them to explore their shared past, present and future. The museum will be an innovative, world-class research and cultural institution that mobilizes Palestinians and encourages them and others to ask questions about important topical issues, while simultaneously engaging a global audience of scholars, researchers, and anyone interested in learning more about Palestinian culture and heritage.

The Palestinian Museum

Commenting on the museum’s participation at Art Dubai and its upcoming launch, Omar Al-Qattan, Chairman of the Museum Task Force stated:

The building will house a collection of objects and historical documents that date from the  modern age to the present, held by the Palestinian Museum in public trust for the benefit of current and future generations. A digital archive will hold information about the museum’s collection in addition to the existing collections of other Palestinian cultural institutions. The museum is also building a cutting edge digital platform that will form a major part of its ongoing program.

The museum’s idea was first discussed in 1997 when members of the Welfare Association’s Board of Trustees recognized the need to establish a modern historical museum in Palestine dedicated to preserving and commemorating the recent Palestinian past; in particular the Nakba (Catastrophe) of 1948 —the watershed event of 20th century Palestinian history which led to the displacement and dispossession of 750,000 Palestinians.

Designed by the Dublin-based architectural firm, Heneghan Peng, the building is a modern structure with stone and glass facades that will fit seamlessly within its natural setting.

In 2013, construction work will begin in Birzeit, Palestine, 14 km north of Ramallah. The museum’s campus will cover 40 dunums (40,000 m2) of land adjacent to Birzeit University. A series of thematic gardens will flank the museum building to one side and cover the cascading terraces. These gardens will showcase trees, plants, flowers, and herbs that are native to Palestine and the region.

Construction of the building will be done in two phases. Phase 1 will consist of a built area of 3000 m2, and will include a climate-controlled gallery space, an amphitheater, cafeteria with outdoor seating, classrooms, storage, gift shop and staff offices. During Phase 2, which will be completed within ten years, the museum will expand to 9000m2 and will include more gallery space for temporary and permanent exhibitions, an auditorium, additional classrooms, and a library.