The Biggest International Museum Openings In 2026

From George Lucas's new museum in LA to the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, a host of institutions are preparing to open their doors this year.

The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art opens in September 2026 Image: The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art

Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, US

Founded by husband and wife, the legendary Star Wars filmmaker George Lucas and businesswoman Mellody Hobson, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is opening in Exhibition Park, LA, September 2026.

Set on an 11-acre campus, the museum will be dedicated to narrative storytelling and will feature works from Norman Rockwell, Beatrix Potter, Frida Kahlo and Windsor McCay. The museum will also include the Lucas Archives, which include models, props and costumes from George Lucas’ filming career.

Design Doha

Qatar Museums’ Design Doha biennial is set to open in April 2026. Led by artistic director Glenn Adamson, the second edition of Qatar Museums’ Design Doha will focus on ethical and sustainable practices and its headline exhibition, Arab Design Now, will celebrate local and regional talent.

Kanal, Belgium

Due to open in November 2026, Kanal will not only be Brussel’s first museum of modern and contemporary art and architecture but will also be Europe’s largest modern and contemporary art development. Located at a former Citroen car factory in the centre of Brussels, the space, designed by Atelier Kanal, will include facilities from live music and performance venues to a bookshop and library.

Memphis Art Museum, US

The Memphis Brooks Museum of Art is changing location and becoming the Memphis Art Museum in December 2026. Already the oldest and largest art museum in Tennessee, the new site, located in downtown Memphis, will expand gallery space by 50%. The new site has an emphasis on accessibility, with lots of free public spaces to be available.

Guggenheim Museum, Abu Dhabi

First announced in 2006 and originally planned to open in 2012, Abu Dhabi’s long-awaited Guggenheim Museum is expected to welcome the public this year. Located on Saadiyat Island, the museum will feature a global collection of post-1960s works, with a focus on indigenous art and underrepresented artists.

LACMA David Geffen Galleries, US

LACMA’s David Geffen Galleries, located on Wilshire Boulevard, LA, will open April 2026. The building, designed by Prizker-winning architect Peter Zumthor, has been part of a two-decade transformation.

The gallery is set to include art from all eras and cultures on a single exhibition level, signalling its commitment to inclusivity, as well as outdoor sculptures. The building’s architecture will allow for natural lighting and panoramic views of the city. The gallery is named in recognition of David Geffen’s $150 million gift.

Design Museum Gent, Belgium

The Design Museum Gent in Belgium will reopen in October 2026 after a renovation and a new wing. The renovation promises improved facilities including space for lectures, design courses and workshops, as well as garden areas.

Muzej Lah, Slovenia

Situated in the beautiful Julian Alps in Bled, Slovenia, Muzej Lah hopes to become a cultural hub for local community and international visitors. The museum will feature contemporary art from the Fundacija Lah art collection, made accessible to the public for the first time. The collection features artists from Joseph Beuys and Emilia Kabakov, to William Kentridge and Anselm Kiefer, and the architecture hopes to complement both the alpines and Bled Castle.

https://www.museumsassociation.org/museums-journal/author/grace-bannistercity-ac-uk/

Visit Qatar: The Official Tourism Partner Of The UEFA European Football Championship 2024 Makes Final Preparations Ahead Of The Tournament

Visit Qatar is announcing the launch of its activations in Berlin and Munich, Germany, this summer as part of its partnership with the UEFA European Football Championship 2024. By aligning with Europe's foremost international football tournament, Visit Qatar aims to introduce Qatar's cultural landmarks, and luxury amenities to a broader audience.

H.E. Saad Bin Ali Al Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism and the Board of Directors of Visit Qatar, said: "This partnership comes as a continuous to our ongoing efforts to promote cultural exchange and showcase Qatar's diverse offerings. Visit Qatar and UEFA share a commitment to transcend cultural barriers through the universal language of sports. Both organisations inspire and connect people from all over the world, celebrating cultural diversity."

He continued: "Qatar aims to solidify its position as a global sports destination. The significance of Qatar's sporting legacy lies in the country's successful track record of hosting and supporting major sporting events. On behalf of Visit Qatar, I would like to wish Germany a successful tournament and invite all UEFA EURO 2024 fans to visit and enjoy The Doha Club – Visit Qatar's Fan Zone activation in Berlin and Munich."

Commenting on the partnership, Eng. Abdulaziz Ali Al Mawlawi, CEO of Visit Qatar, said: "In partnering with UEFA, Visit Qatar isn't just joining a tournament; we're forging a bridge between cultures, welcoming the global community to explore what Qatar represents, a unique blend of tradition and modernity. Through sports, we celebrate diversity and foster connections. Qatar has garnered an incredible sporting legacy which lies in the country's track record of hosting and supporting major sporting events, this partnership comes as a natural addition to the country's intent on becoming a global sports hub. Join us in Berlin and Munich and immerse yourself in 'The Doha Club' experience, where every moment reflects Qatari hospitality and culture."

Fan Zone Activation

"The Doha Club" activations can be found at the UEFA EURO 2024 Fan Zones in Berlin and Munich throughout the duration of the tournament. The Munich Fan Zone located in Olympia Park is expected to receive around 37,000 fans a day, while the Berlin Fan Zone located in Platz der Republik will welcome approximately 10,000 fans daily. Styled as a modern beach club, Visit Qatar's activation offers fans a unique experience-led version of Qatar. It is a place for fans to escape and indulge in local delights like Qahwa (Arabian coffee), Karak (milk tea), and sweet treats. Visitors can partake in a game of footvolley, try on a Qatari Bisht, collect fun souvenirs, and immerse themselves in the renowned Qatari hospitality.

Fantasy Football

Visit Qatar is also the Presenting Partner of EURO 2024 Fantasy Football. Participants have a chance to win amazing prizes and tickets to UEFA EURO 2024 matches. The grand prize is a trip to Qatar for two, including flights, selected in-destination experiences, and hotel accommodation. To maximise visibility, Qatar content will be promoted across various channels and platforms, including the UEFA and EURO 2024 website homepages and apps, the UEFA match centre, and all UEFA social media channels (enter the competition for a chance to win tickets and more, https://visitqatar.com/intl-en/campaigns/uefa-euro-2024/competition ).

Qatar has built a reputation as a hub for international sports tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup 2022™, the FIFA Club World Cup, and the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ to name a few. Qatar is also preparing to host 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup and the 2030 Asian Games, all of which demonstrate the country's state-of-the-art infrastructure, organisational capabilities, and commitment to excellence.

Visit Qatar is the main arm of Qatar Tourism, the regulatory body of the tourism sector in Qatar. Visit Qatar's mission is to promote and expand tourism in Qatar by cultivating its rich culture, developing thrilling attractions, enhancing Qatar's calendar, becoming the leading MICE destination in the region, diversifying events and luxury experiences. Visit Qatar is rooted in Service Excellence, boosting the entire tourism value chain, and increasing local and international visitor demand in Qatar. Through Visit Qatar's network of international offices in priority markets, cutting-edge digital platforms, and marketing campaigns, Visit Qatar is expanding Qatar's presence globally and enhancing the tourism sector.

Web: www.visitqatar.qa

Travelore News: Xiamen Airlines Successfully Launches A Maiden Flight From Beijing To Doha, The First China-Qatar Direct Flight By A Chinese Carrier

On October 20, a Boeing-787 of Xiamen Airlines departed from Beijing Daxing International Airport for Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar. It declared Xiamen Airlines' successful maiden flight of regular flights between Beijing and Doha. Xiamen Airlines has become the first and only Chinese carrier to offer direct flights from China to Qatar. Xiamen Airlines has also become the very first and the only Chinese carrier to fly between China and Qatar. This year marks the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Qatar, and the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative. The opening of this air route will build a broader Air Silk Road to promote economic and trade cooperation and strengthen cultural exchanges between the two countries.

The Xiamen Airlines on Beijing Daxing- Doha route will operate daily. The flight MF845 departs from Daxing, Beijing at 18:30 and arrives in Doha at 22:45 local time, MF846 in return leaves Doha at 02:00 local time and arrives in Daxing, Beijing at 15:20.

"Welcome to take the our flight and embark on a journey of east-west civilization in the air." During the flight, amidst the fragrance of Fujian specialty tea, the flight attendants, dressed in Arabian clothing, dance with colorful accessories. The portable crystal lamps, like floral tubes, sprinkle light blazing with different colors on every happy smiling face.

In addition to the exquisitely prepared onboard activities, the unique cuisine of the new route also delights the taste buds of travelers. Global travelers are indulged in great pleasure by the international delicacies such as the rich-aroma and unique-flavored three-color steamed bass with radish, the refreshing and crispy water bamboo shoots mixed with rattan pepper oil, and the Southeast Asian-styled sambal shrimp paired with coconut milk rice.
As the capital and the largest city in Qatar and an international metropolis, Doha is an important international aviation hub in the Middle East region, has become the intersection of multiple intercontinental airline networks in the world, connecting numerous countries and regions in Africa and Europe.

This year, Xiamen Airlines and Qatar Airways were accredited with the 2023 APEX World Class Award. When Xiamen Airlines was preparing for the Beijing Daxing-Doha flight route, the two airlines had a close comprehensive strategic partnership. Relying on the high-quality resources of the two sides, Xiamen Airlines will create a service network covering over 160 destinations worldwide, including Dammam, Lagos, and Algiers, delivering extensive transit products to passengers. The two sides will also conduct wide cooperation in network intermodal transportation, intermodal check-in, and direct baggage handling to provide global passengers with convenient experience just with one ticket including one-time security check, passenger check-in, and baggage check-in.

A regular flight from Xiamen to Doha will be opened to service on October 31. This service will operate twice a week, building a bridge between China's Fujian Province and the world

All-New Four Seasons Resort And Residences At The Pearl-Qatar Now Accepting Reservations

A unique lifestyle experience awaits as the all-new Four Seasons Resort and Residences at The Pearl-Qatar begins accepting reservations in anticipation of its opening this spring.

"As our portfolio of Four Seasons hotels, resorts and residences in the Middle East continues to grow, our second location in Doha is purposely designed for those who live, do business and travel in the Gulf region today," says Simon Casson, President, Hotel Operations - Europe, Middle East and Africa. "Four Seasons combines the best of luxury living in a beachfront community with the flexibility to accommodate a range of needs and interests, whether as a base for doing business in Doha, or for vacationers seeking a resort experience with easy access to all that the destination offers."

With luxurious residential-style accommodations, a host of world-class amenities and personalized Four Seasons services, those combining business and pleasure in their travels will also find everything they need, and more.

"We invite our guests to settle in and spread out at Four Seasons at The Pearl-Qatar," says General Manager Mehdi Zaanoun who leads of team of 500 professionals ready to welcome guests with genuine care and customized experiences. "Along with our Private Residence owners, Four Seasons guests will become part of an international community within the Resort, mingling at our restaurants and bars, relaxing in the spa or on the beach, meeting new friends in our kids club, and exploring the many attractions just steps away in this new and vibrant waterfront destination."

Accommodations include 161 luxury, seaside one, two or three bedroom apartments ranging from 105 to 280 square metres (1,130 to more than 3,000 square feet). Each offers expansive living areas complete with fully equipped kitchens featuring Miele appliances and ensuite laundry, along with outdoor furnished terraces, all beautifully finished by Wimberly Interiors with bespoke details throughout.

Whether in the city for a few days, a few months or longer, Four Seasons guests can create their own experience, with a dedicated team of Four Seasons people ready to customize each stay even further.

Despite its urban location within walking distance of numerous restaurants, bars, shopping, cinemas and more in the immediate area, guests can look forward to a signature Four Seasons resort experience. Bathed in year-round sunshine, guests will enjoy a private beach and two outdoor pools surrounded by loungers where they can enjoy drinks and snacks, plus luxury cabanas amid lushly landscaped grounds. Loulou Spa includes luxurious spa treatment rooms, a state-of-the-art gym, a 25-metre (82 foot) indoor lap pool overlooking the sea, as well as salons for men and women to keep looking their sharpest or to prepare for a night on the town.

"For those bringing the kids along, our supervised indoor/outdoor Kids For All Seasons facility is a mini-resort unto itself, and we can even arrange a movie night or private screening of a sports event on our grounds, including homemade popcorn," promises Zaanoun.

Leading an on-site collection of seven outstanding restaurants and bars will be La Méditerranée by globally renowned Chef Joël Robuchon, who holds nearly 30 Michelin stars for his restaurants worldwide. Whereas La Méditerranée will offer Mediterranean fare with a strong French influence beginning in mid 2023, the Resort's Spuntino will focus on the beloved cuisine of southern Italy. Steak lovers will appreciate the vintage vibe of a Chicago-style steakhouse, while the afternoon tea service at Duchess is not to be missed. Add in a speakeasy-style bar and cigar lounge, Loulou Plage beach restaurant and a casual deli and bakery by Joël Robuchon, and guests will find a wide variety of dining experiences all in one location.

"We also encourage our guests to explore, because Doha continues to grow as a culinary destination, starting with our sister property Four Seasons Hotel Doha, home to the world's largest Nobu by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, and the just-opened Curiosa by renowned Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten," notes Zaanoun. "Coveted reservations are just a click or chat way on the Four Seasons App or at our concierge desk."

Four Seasons Resort and Residences at The Pearl-Qatar is located on a private beach at the end of Porto Arabia Drive, just steps from the community's Mediterranean-style town square and numerous restaurants, shops, art galleries and family entertainment. The Resort is a mere 10 minutes to exceptional shopping at Place Vendome and 21 High Street, the luxury fashion centre that's home to the iconic French department store Galeries Lafayette; a 20-minute drive to the West Bay business area; and under a half hour from Hamad International Airport (HIA). Four Seasons can arrange transportation throughout the city, including rental cars, as well as marine excursions.

Be among the first to experience luxury living at Four Seasons Resort and Residences at The Pearl-Qatar: In celebration of it opening this spring, Four Seasons at The Pearl-Qatar invites guests to take advantage of the Grand Opening Offer, featuring 15 percent savings on the room rate with a minimum two nights stay. Reservations for arrivals beginning June 1, 2023 are now being confirmed. Call +1 800 819 5053, or book online.

Those interested in Four Seasons Private Residences ownership opportunities can email info@jre.com.qa or call +9744491333.

In Last Minute Change, No Alcohol To Be Sold At Qatar World Cup Stadiums

Just two days before the World Cup kicks off in Qatar, soccer’s world governing body FIFA confirmed that no alcohol will be sold at the eight stadiums which will host the tournament’s 64 matches.

“Following discussions between host country authorities and FIFA, a decision has been made to focus the sale of alcoholic beverages on the FIFA Fan Festival, other fan destinations and licensed venues, removing sales points of beer from Qatar’s FIFA World Cup 2022 stadium perimeter,” said the FIFA statement.

In September, Qatar had said it would permit ticketed fans to buy alcoholic beer at World Cup soccer matches starting three hours before kickoff and for one hour after the final whistle, but not during the match.

“There is no impact to the sale of Bud Zero which will remain available at all Qatar’s World Cup stadiums,” added the FIFA statement.

“Host country authorities and FIFA will continue to ensure that the stadiums and surrounding areas provide an enjoyable, respectful and pleasant experience for all fans.”Budweiser was to sell beer within the ticketed perimeter surrounding each of the eight stadiums before and after each game.

Budweiser, which is one of FIFA’s partners, tweeted, “Well, this is awkward,” though the social media post was quickly deleted. The beer brand is owned by the world’s largest brewer Anheuser-Busch InBev.

“The tournament organisers appreciate AB InBev’s understanding and continuous support to our joint commitment to cater for everyone during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022,” continued the FIFA statement.

Qatar Hires 3rd Cruise Ship As Floating Hotel For World Cup

A third cruise ship was hired by World Cup organizers in Qatar on Monday to operate as a soccer fan hotel docked in Doha Port to add much-needed rooms for the tournament.

Geneva-based MSC Cruises, FIFA World Cup announced the agreement only six weeks before the World Cup is scheduled to start on Nov. 20. The 1,075-cabin MSC Opera will be available from Nov. 19 to Dec. 19.

Prices for the Opera were listed Monday on MSC’s website starting from 470 Swiss francs ($470) per person per night during the group stage, with a minimum two-night stay.

Qatar does not have the hotel capacity for all teams, workers, volunteers and fans at the World Cup and is creating camping and cabin sites, hiring cruise ships, and encouraging fans to stay in neighboring countries and fly in for games.

MSC previously signed a deal with the Qatari government in 2019 to provide two ships with about 4,000 cabins as floating hotels to help house the expected 1.2 million international visitors.

The high-end flagship MSC World Europa is starting work at the World Cup after being built in France.

Prices on the cruise ships fall during the tournament when half the teams go home. During the round of 16 and quarterfinals, the cheapest rooms on MSC Opera cost 320 Swiss francs ($320), then 220 Swiss francs ($220) during the final week.

Basic rates include breakfast on board with an option to pay a 90 euro ($87) daily supplement for all meals.

Alcohol is expected to be available on board with MSC offering wine and draft beer.

Qatar is a Muslim-majority country that typically limits the consumption of alcohol to luxury hotels but has eased its rules for FIFA’s commercial partners, including the corporate hospitality provider at stadiums and World Cup sponsor AB InBev, the brewer of Budweiser.

The MSC Opera had its maiden voyage in 2004 and had an eventful sailing season three years ago.

In March 2019, passengers suspected of smuggling 18 kilograms (40 pounds) of cocaine hidden in bowls and packets of snacks were arrested when the ship docked at the Portuguese island of Madeira after sailing from the Caribbean.

Three months later, the Opera collided with a tourist boat and its dock in Venice, Italy.

Cruise ships were discussed ahead of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil as a potential solution to a shortage of hotel rooms in Rio de Janeiro. They were ultimately not hired by organizers, with only seven of the 64 games held in the city.

However, the United States basketball teams did stay on a cruise ship docked in Rio at the 2016 Olympics. A second ship was used as a hotel for Olympic stakeholders.

By GRAHAM DUNBAR

Qatar World Cup Ticket Sales To Open, Lowest $70 Globally

Fans can start registering to buy Qatar World Cup tickets on Wednesday with prices for visitors starting at around $70, one-third cheaper than the tournament in Russia.

The category-three tickets on international sale will be 250 Qatari riyals ($69), two people with knowledge of the prices said Tuesday, compared to $105 for the equivalent in 2018. The people spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss the ticketing process.

The cheapest tickets — in category four only for Qatari residents — will cost 40 Qatari riyals ($11), the people said. The intended ticket prices will be the cheapest at a World Cup since $3 seats in Mexico — based on 1986 exchange rates — and half the price of those made available to locals at the equivalent of $22 in Russia in 2018.

The low entry point for tickets in Qatar could help to provide access to the low-paid migrant worker population for the Nov. 21-Dec. 18 tournament. The cheapest tickets at the 2019 world track and field championships were 60 Qatari riyals ($17) and entry was eventually made free for workers to fill empty seats.

FIFA tickets will be distributed through a regulated process rather than an open sale with the full range of prices still to be announced. Supporters requesting to attend matches at the Middle East’s first World Cup will only discover if they are successful based on a random draw at the conclusion of the first application phase which runs through Feb. 8.

The ticket process is beginning with only 13 of the 32 slots at the tournament filled and qualifying not concluding until the intercontinental playoffs in June.

FIFA aims to generate $500 million from hospitality rights and ticket sales from the World Cup, according to the governing body’s most recent financial report.

Unlike previous World Cups, little travel will be required once in Qatar with the eight newly built stadiums within a 30-mile radius of Doha.

Travel during the tournament figures to be the shortest since the 1954 tournament in Switzerland, but hotel availability could be tight.

Local organizers have reserved most hotels in Qatar so there was no availability showing on Tuesday to book for the duration of the tournament when searching online.

Rooms in hotels, apartments and cruise liners will be made available via a website later this year. Only around 90,000 rooms will be made available to the public with 40,000 set aside for teams, officials, sponsors and media.

While camping in the desert had previously been touted as a means of finding space for fans, that is now being downplayed as a significant option. There will be 4,000 cabins on cruise ships that will dock in Doha for the tournament.

Qatar Airways, a FIFA sponsor, is already selling packages including flights, hotels and tickets guaranteed to follow your country.

World Cup organizers have also said more than 1.2 million visitors will come. The group stage features 32 teams with games across 12 days when Qatar anticipates 559,000 flying in with a peak of 276,000 ticket holders around Nov. 27 and 28 requiring an estimated 128,000 rooms.

Some fans could still be deterred from flying to the World Cup after a decade of criticism of Qatar’s treatment of the migrant workers, who are largely from southwest Asia and have been relied on to build up the infrastructure since winning the FIFA hosting rights in 2010.