Date
13 October 2015
Client
Qatar Museums
Attendees
VVIP Guests
Location
1001 Direk Cistern, Istanbul, Türkiye
- about the project
The Challenge
Qatar Museums, one of Qatar’s most prestigious cultural institutions, aimed to host an exclusive gala dinner in Istanbul to celebrate the opening of the Pearls: Jewels of the Sea exhibition. The evening was attended by VVIP guests including H.E. Sheikh Hassan Bin Mohammed Al Thani. The challenge was to design and deliver an event at the highest protocol standards, blending the elegance of pearls with Qatari heritage and Turkish culture, and transforming the historic 1001 Direk Cistern into a refined gala setting.
Our Approach
We worked in close collaboration with Qatar Museums Authority to design, plan and execute the gala from concept to delivery, ensuring every detail reflected both the exhibition theme and Istanbul’s cultural identity:
- Jointly developed the creative concept with Qatar Museums, inspired by the symbolism of pearls and Ottoman heritage.
- Venue transformation with elegant décor, pearl-inspired table settings, Ottoman touches and dramatic lighting.
- Exclusive entrance tunnel design with floral arrangements, VIP carpet and lighting to set the tone for the evening.
- Cocktail area reflecting Ottoman hospitality, with live trio music and traditional sherbet service.
- Gala dinner setup with round tables, floral centerpieces and custom lighting integrated into the cistern’s architecture.
- Stage and backdrop designed with Qatar Museums branding for speeches and protocol requirements.
- Entertainment curation: Ottoman-style dance performance and live Fasıl band.
- Menu design based on Ottoman Palace cuisine.
- VVIP hospitality with trained hosts and hostesses in concept-appropriate attire.
- Coordination with local authorities for protocol, logistics and security management.
- Outcome
The Impact
The gala delivered a seamless fusion of Qatari prestige, Istanbul’s cultural depth and meticulous protocol management. Guests experienced a refined evening where every element—from décor to entertainment—was aligned with the Pearls: Jewels of the Sea narrative. The collaboration with Qatar Museums was praised for its creativity, authenticity and flawless execution, setting a new benchmark for international cultural galas in Istanbul.
Services Provided
- Concept development in collaboration with Qatar Museums
- Venue transformation, décor & pearl-inspired table design
- Stage & branding integration
- Custom lighting & ambience design
- Entertainment programming (Ottoman dance, Fasıl music)
- Catering management with Ottoman Palace menu
- VIP guest hospitality & protocol management
- Hostess team in themed costumes
- Guest logistics & coordination with local authorities