ALGIERS - The Algiers International Mapping Festival opened on Saturday evening at the Bardo National Museum, offering an innovative digital art experience that highlighted the aesthetics of Algeria’s architectural heritage.

The inaugural edition of the festival, spanning February 21st – 28th, was officially launched at the Bardo National Public Museum in the presence of the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Culture and Arts, a representative of the Ministry of Knowledge Economy, Start-ups and Micro-enterprises, both sponsors of this digital event, as well as Canada’s Ambassador to Algeria, Robin Lynn Wettlaufer, whose country was selected as this edition’s guest of honor.

Bardo Museum Director Zouhir Harichane described the festival as an "initiative" aligned with the Ministry of Culture and Arts’ vision to "modernize the museum experience in Algeria and integrate digital media into the presentation and promotion of cultural heritage." He highlighted in this regard recent initiatives and exhibitions undertaken by museums in recent years, which, he added, reflect "a strategic shift toward a contemporary, open, and interactive museum."

He further stressed that "hosting this festival at the Bardo Museum is not merely a celebration of contemporary art, but a profound expression of a new cultural vision, one that views heritage not as static material preserved behind walls, but as a living memory open to dialogue, renewal, and reinterpretation through the languages and creative tools of our time."