Masterpiece in Qatar: The Museum of Islamic Art Reigns Supreme

The Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, situated in the Persian Gulf, stands as the largest institution of its kind, dedicated to becoming a leading global hub for Islamic art. Spanning an impressive 484,000 square feet, this museum is a symbol of architectural vision and grandeur. Its mission revolves around showcasing the richness, intricacy, and diversity of Islamic art and culture, serving as a beacon of human expression within the Islamic world.

Aligned with the visionary aspirations of Sheik Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, His Highness the Emir of Qatar, the museum plays a pivotal role in Qatar’s cultural transformation, aiming to position the country as a cultural capital. Through the curation, preservation, and exhibition of a collection embodying the essence of Islamic art, the Museum of Islamic Art is poised to fulfill this ambition.

The Museum of Islamic Art in Doha is a striking edifice, constructed expeditiously with ample resources under the Emir’s directive. Its pyramid-like structure, set amidst turquoise waters, epitomizes the fusion of Islamic traditions with contemporary design. This architectural marvel is just one among several in Doha that harmoniously blend Islamic heritage with modern aesthetics, reflecting the city’s rapid growth and emergence as a prominent hub in the Middle East.

Modern Architecture
Inside the Museum
The main building of the Museum of Islamic Art
Museum Collection
Area
Guest Facilities and Information
MIA Park Bazaar
Dress Code
Mathaf Shuttle Bus
FAQs about the Museum of Islamic Art in Qatar:

Modern Architecture

The Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, Qatar, designed by the esteemed architect I.M. Pei, stands as a remarkable testament to modern architecture. This iconic structure showcases a sleek, cuboid design with a pyramid-shaped roof that draws inspiration from traditional Islamic architectural motifs.

Clad in cream-colored limestone, the exterior exudes a timeless elegance, adorned with geometric patterns and recessed windows that invite natural light to illuminate the interior spaces. The overall aesthetic is one of simplicity, purity, and harmony, reflecting a blend of modernity and Islamic architectural heritage.

Within the museum’s five floors, visitors encounter a treasure trove of Islamic art spanning various mediums such as ceramics, textiles, metalwork, and manuscripts. The light-filled galleries with high ceilings and spacious corridors encourage leisurely exploration.

A standout feature is the central atrium, soaring through the building’s height and bathed in natural light filtered through skylights, creating a serene atmosphere accentuated by a reflective pool at its base. The interior design emphasizes minimalism and natural light, enhancing the visitor experience.

Surrounded by gardens and sand dunes, the museum offers a picturesque setting for relaxation and contemplation. Since its inauguration in 2008, the Museum of Islamic Art has garnered global acclaim for its architectural excellence and diverse collection spanning over a millennium of Islamic art from across the Islamic world. The museum’s educational programs and events further establish it as a vibrant cultural hub in the region, fostering a deeper appreciation for Islamic art and heritage.

Inside the Museum

The structure of the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, Qatar, harmoniously blends various traditional Islamic architectural styles, showcasing two buildings crafted from cream-colored limestone. The main highlight comprises a five-story main building and a two-story Education Wing, interconnected by a central courtyard that enhances the overall architectural composition.

A striking feature of the museum’s design is the circular lighting system suspended from above, drawing the gaze upwards towards the geometric apex of the building. Upon entering the museum, visitors are greeted by a central foyer situated beneath a meticulously crafted dome skylight. At the zenith of the structure, two lighting vents reminiscent of eyes on a canopy evoke a resemblance to the sacred ambiance of a mosque, infusing the space with a spiritual aura.

The generously proportioned windows offer panoramic vistas of Doha’s post-modern skyline, allowing natural light to flood the interior and providing a visual connection to the dynamic urban landscape outside. This architectural masterpiece not only serves as a repository of Islamic art and culture but also stands as a testament to the seamless integration of traditional Islamic design elements with contemporary architectural ingenuity.

The main building of the Museum of Islamic Art

The main building of the Museum of Islamic Art is meticulously designed to evoke a sense of depth and grandeur, centered around a towering 5-story domed atrium. Shielded by the walls of a central tower, this atrium remains concealed from external view, creating a sense of anticipation and mystery for visitors approaching the space.

At the apex of the atrium, an Oculus serves as a focal point, capturing and reflecting the intricate play of light within the faceted dome, enhancing the overall ambiance of the atrium with its mesmerizing effects.

Surrounding the atrium on two levels are galleries that house treasures from the museum’s permanent collection. These exhibition spaces are carefully curated to provide a serene and comfortable environment, offering a respite from the bustling activity outside. Specially designed cases and lighting fixtures are employed to showcase the delicate antiquities on display, ensuring their preservation and enhancing the viewing experience for visitors.

The design of the Museum of Islamic Art not only emphasizes the presentation of its valuable collection but also creates an immersive and contemplative environment that invites visitors to engage with the rich heritage of Islamic art and culture in a tranquil setting.

Museum Collection

The Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) in Doha boasts a diverse collection encompassing manuscripts, metalwork, ceramics, jewelry, woodwork, textiles, coins, fabrics, and glass, gathered since the late 1980s. Noteworthy are the museum’s rare gold and silver coin collection, offering a captivating glimpse into the lives of Muslim communities dating back to the seventh century.

Ground Floor:
Dedicated to showcasing Islamic art from various regions and time periods, the ground floor of MIA features exhibitions of ceramics, metalwork, textiles, and manuscripts. Additionally, visitors can explore a library, a café, a gift shop, and a lecture hall on this level.

First Floor:
The first floor hosts galleries exhibiting the museum’s carpet collection, woodwork, glass artifacts, and rock crystal objects. It also houses a temporary exhibition space, an auditorium, and a conservation lab for the preservation of delicate artifacts.

Second Floor:
The focal point of the museum, the second floor’s main gallery displays a collection of rare and exquisite objects crafted from gold, silver, and other precious metals. This level also accommodates a study room, a multimedia room, and a children’s library to engage visitors of all ages.

MIA is renowned for its exceptional glasswork, featuring a range from intricately enameled glass pieces to simpler yet elegant cut and shaped glass items, unparalleled in the Islamic world. The museum’s collection includes over 800 Qur’ans spanning from the seventh century to Ottoman works from the nineteenth century. Moreover, the metalwork collection at MIA showcases masterpieces from the Islamic world, spanning from the seventh century to contemporary times, reflecting the evolution and craftsmanship of Islamic metalwork through the ages.

Area

The Museum of Islamic Art in Doha is situated on a man-made island off the southern side of Doha’s Corniche, approximately 60 meters from the shore. Access to the museum is facilitated by a vehicular bridge and two pedestrian bridges that link it to the mainland. Its strategic location makes it easily reachable, being just a 15-minute drive from Doha International Airport and within walking distance from the vibrant Souq Waqif.

Visitors have multiple transportation options to reach the museum. They can opt for a convenient car ride or hire a private taxi for a direct journey. Additionally, for those using public transportation, the highway 76 bus stations are conveniently located just outside the museum gates, offering a hassle-free way to access this architectural gem and cultural hub in the heart of Doha.

Guest Facilities and Information

The Museum of Islamic Art in Doha provides a range of guest facilities and services to enrich visitors’ experiences, including:

Guided Tours: Free guided tours in English and Arabic are offered, and visitors can also arrange private tours.
Audio Guides: Audio guides in multiple languages (English, Arabic, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Chinese, and Japanese) are available for rent at the entrance.
Gift Shop: A gift shop offering souvenirs, books, and artwork inspired by Islamic art.
Cafe: A cafe serving hot and cold beverages, light meals, and snacks.
Prayer Room: A dedicated prayer room for visitors seeking a space for prayer.
Wheelchair Accessible: The museum is accessible for wheelchair users, with facilities like accessible restrooms and elevators.
Information Desk: Located at the entrance, the information desk provides details about the museum, exhibitions, and events.
Parking: A designated parking lot is available for visitors, with complimentary parking services.
Photography: Visitors can take personal photographs; however, flash photography, tripods, and selfie sticks are prohibited.
Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi access is provided for visitors to enjoy connectivity during their visit.

These amenities aim to ensure that visitors have a comfortable and enriching experience while exploring the museum’s exceptional collection of Islamic art and culture.

ATM

ATM center is available in the main Atrium

Museum Gift Shop

The Gift Shop at the Museum of Islamic Art, located on the ground floor, provides visitors with a distinctive cultural and shopping experience. Offering a wide array of exclusively designed products inspired by the magnificent collection of the museum, visitors can explore and select from a diverse range of items.

From art books to exhibition catalogues, jewelry to home décor, and various gifts and accessories, guests have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage encapsulated within the museum’s collection. The gift shop serves as a treasure trove of carefully curated items that reflect the essence of Islamic art and culture, allowing visitors to select meaningful mementos and souvenirs that resonate with their museum experience.

Whether seeking a unique piece of jewelry, a beautiful art book, stylish home decorations, or distinctive gifts and accessories, guests can find a special keepsake to remember their visit to the Museum of Islamic Art and carry a piece of its cultural legacy with them.

Museum of Islamic Art Library

The library at the Museum of Islamic Art is situated on Level 1 within the Education wing and houses an extensive collection of books covering diverse subjects such as Archaeology, Islamic Architecture, Calligraphy, Carpets and Kilims, Carvings, Ceramics, Coins, Engravings, Paintings, Metalwork, Silverwork, History, Gardens, Monuments, Religion, Waterworks, Tools, and more. It serves as a valuable resource for visitors interested in delving deeper into various aspects of Islamic art and culture.

Visitors should note the following guidelines for accessing the library:

Age Restriction: Teenagers under 18 are allowed entry only when accompanied by a responsible adult.
Studying Rare Books and Manuscripts: Advanced application to study rare books and manuscripts must be submitted and approved at least 24 hours in advance.
Material Handling: Visitors are typically not permitted to copy or scan certified materials. However, photography might be allowed for a limited number of pages, and requests for staff-provided photos can be made.

These guidelines are in place to ensure the preservation and security of the valuable materials within the library while facilitating a conducive environment for visitors to engage with and explore the rich literary resources available at the Museum of Islamic Art.

Open hours

Sunday 10am to 5pm
Monday 10am to 5pm
Wednesday 10am to 5pm
Thursday 12am to 5pm

At other times by appointment only.

Exploration

Exploration help and private examination rooms are available for visiting researchers inspired by expressions of the human experience of the Islamic world.

MIA Park

Adjacent to the Museum of Islamic Art, MIA Park offers visitors a tranquil oasis where they can leisurely stroll along the promenades, engage in fun activities, dine alfresco with a stunning view of West Bay, or simply admire the Doha skyline from one of the best vantage points in the city.

Guests can relax in the high-backed wicker chairs while indulging in freshly made sandwiches, cakes, and salads at the outdoor cafe. The sheltered pavilions provide a perfect spot to enjoy harbor breezes and savor delicious refreshments amidst the serene surroundings of the park.

Whether seeking a peaceful escape, a scenic spot for outdoor dining, or a place to appreciate the beauty of Doha’s skyline, MIA Park offers a delightful setting for visitors to unwind, connect with nature, and enjoy a moment of tranquility in the bustling city.

Teenagers Playground

For teenagers aged 2 to 14, there is a play zone which has a playhouse, sandpit, swings, slides and a bungee trampoline which is safe and all around supervised.

Bungee trampolines Timings:

Sunday, Monday, Wednesday 10.30am – 8.30pm
Thursday, Friday, Saturday 12pm – 10pm, Closed Tuesday.
Cost: 25QR

Bike Hire

Bicycles for adults and teenagers can be hired from the little Gift Shop near to the cafe.

Accessible 10.30am to 5pm.
Cost: 25QR every hour

Paddle Boats

Guests can appreciate the paddle boats investigating the calm waters surrounding the museum. Life coats are given and the prepared staff are close by to guarantee the undertakings are as protected as they are enjoyable.