Great Mosque of Rome featured in immersive Doha exhibition

The Great Mosque of Rome, also known as the Italian Islamic Cultural Center, is the subject of a new immersive exhibition in Doha, Qatar. Organized by the Italian Embassy in Doha in collaboration with the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) as part of the ‘Qatar Creates’ program, the exhibition is titled ‘The Great Mosque of Rome – Immersive Experience’.

Running from September 22 to November 21, the free exhibition utilizes digital technology, including virtual reality and interactive content, to explore the architectural, cultural, and spiritual history of the mosque. Visitors can digitally explore the building's courtyards, arches, and prayer spaces. The mosque was originally designed by architects Paolo Portoghesi, Vittorio Gigliotti, and Sami Mousawi, and was inaugurated in 1995.

A central feature of the project is a 24-minute documentary titled ‘Light upon Light – The Great Mosque of Rome by Paolo Portoghesi’. The film examines the architect's inspirations and the relationship between materials, craftsmanship, nature, and light, featuring contributions from scholars and officials from Sapienza University of Rome and the Italian Islamic Cultural Center.