“Hi, How R U ?” by artist collective Circus Family will also connect  museumgoers in real-time to a paired portal in Doha

Doha, Qatar, 4 June 2022: Msheireb Downtown Doha is taking another creative step toward bringing to Qatar one of the most immersive cultural experiences in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex.

The innovative experience titled “Hi, How R U ?”  is a holo-capsule portal that proposes a futuristic form of communication, enabling spontaneous connection across huge distances and languages to bridge cultural differences.

The new experience is part of Msheireb Downtown Doha’s continuous endeavours to present the latest unique cultural experiences to its visitors. It is available until July 2022 at Msheireb Galleria in Msheireb Downtown Doha and is part of the run of “FUTURES”.

Ms Rachel Goslins, Director of the Arts & Industries Building at Smithsonian, visited Msheireb Museums to enhance the collaboration and explore more opportunities for future partnerships, and exchange information on scientific research to be used in future studies.

The Smithsonian Institution and Msheireb Downtown Doha share common values and the mission of maintaining old architectural sites while integrating the latest technology innovations with futuristic visions, to enhance dialogue and cultural experiences.

While Smithsonian Institution is having the capsule at the oldest U.S. National Museum, Msheireb Downtown Doha is considered the world’s biggest regeneration project of a downtown, integrating the latest smart and tech features.

Dr. Hafez Ali Ali, Director of Marketing and Communications, Msheireb Properties said: “We are honoured to present such an innovative experience to our visitors in Doha, at our smart and sustainable city Msheireb Downtown Doha. This futuristic vision in collaboration with one of the most prominent intuitions, the Smithsonian Institution, reiterates our leading position as the first choice of partnerships with international entities. The holo capsule portal is unique, and immersive and offers an important opportunity for visitors to instantly interact with their peers in the US. It is an amazing experience that adds great value to human studies and gives us an idea about the future of communication.”

The project is part of the Qatar-U.S.A. Year of Culture activations, and supported by the Embassy of the State of Qatar, to create new avenues for artistic collaboration, cultural connection and understanding across the globe.

“As we celebrate 50 years of diplomatic ties between Qatar and the United States, a central goal has been mutual investment in the future — from sustainable development projects and advancements in technology to deepening arts and cultural exchanges and fortifying our bilateral partnership,” said H.E. Meshal Bin Hamad Al- Thani, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the United States. “The holo-capsule connects Americans and Qataris like never before, serving as a symbol of our commitment to continued dialogue between our nations. We are honoured to work with one of the United States’ most cherished cultural institutions, the Smithsonian, to bring this inspiring project to life and look forward to sharing it with the people of Washington, D.C and Doha.”

“Hi, How R U ?” is a portal that proposes a new futuristic form of communication, enabling spontaneous connection across huge distances and languages to bridge cultural differences.

Visitors to Msheireb Downtown Doha in Msheireb Galleria can share a message for the future— of hope, wisdom, love, remembrance, or even advice or warning— and leave a holo-recording behind as a form of time capsule. They can also interact in real-time with passers-by at a paired portal site at U.S. National Museum allowing guests at each portal a unique opportunity for cultural exchange, connecting and embracing collective humanity.

“Hi, How R U ?” Holo-capsule welcomes visitors at Msheireb Galleria, the First Floor, at Msheireb Downtown Doha.