“MetaWhat?,” an interactive exhibition exploring the concept of the metaverse by The Media Majlis at Northwestern University in Qatar, reopens to the public for spring 2024 after welcoming thousands of visitors and multiple class visits since it first opened its doors in August 2023.
The exhibition explores the pitfalls and opportunities of the metaverse in an ever-changing digital media landscape. It unpacks, from the perspectives of the Global South, what this new technology might mean for the world as we know it and how users can craft their own virtual worlds, reimagining new ideals outside the rigid structures imposed by the West.
“The success of MetaWhat? reflects the sheer amount of hard work that has gone into pulling this extraordinary exhibition together,” said Jack Thomas Taylor, associate curator and manager of exhibition planning at The Media Majlis at Northwestern Qatar. “The team has managed to create a thriving hub of engagement and discussion surrounding the intersection of communication and technology. We believe that extending MetaWhat? will provide an opportunity for a wider audience to immerse themselves in this thought-provoking exhibition.”
As the exhibition continues to welcome audiences throughout the spring semester, visitors will be able to enjoy The Media Majlis-produced virtual reality film “Remember this place: 31°20′46″N 34°46′46″E” which premiered at the 80th Venice International Film Festival and screened at the Geneva International Film Festival. Meanwhile, Gaia, the famed inflatable planet Earth replica by the celebrated British installation artist Luke Jerram, will continue its global tour after marking its Qatar debut while on display on campus as part of the exhibition.
Visitors will also continue to examine the concept of the metaverse as they explore the five thematic installations of the multi-faceted exhibition, including MetaWorld, which explores the seven distinct layers that make up the metaverse, representing different phases that work together to create a holistic experience for users. Similarly, they will be able to explore more than 100 nostalgic physical collectibles and a series of rare and valuable artifacts.
The exhibition is accompanied by a special edition of the museum’s edited publication, Voices and Conversations, exploring key terms related to the metaverse. It is on sale in English and Arabic for QAR 100, available online and at Northwestern Qatar’s bookstore.
The Media Majlis is open from Sunday to Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The
exhibition will run until Thursday, May 9, 2024. To learn more about the museum and its programs, visit mediamajlis.northwestern.edu
