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A Guide to Qatar’s Unmissable Museums

2022/04/21

With a growing number of world-class museums, galleries and educational institutions, Qatar has become a visionary destination for culture and the arts in the Middle East. From Qatar’s rich history and traditions to contemporary art and design, there is something to offer every interest. These are some of the most exciting, not-to-be-missed museums and galleries in Doha.

Shallow water feature lined with palm trees leading to the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, designed by architect I.M. Pei.

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The National Museum of Qatar

The National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) unites the past, present and future, celebrating the nation’s identity, culture and heritage. Designed by Jean Nouvel, the museum architecture was inspired by the intricate forms of the desert rose and was built around the magnificent restored palace of Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani.

Museum of Islamic Art

Set within an iconic building on Doha’s waterfront, The Museum of Islamic Art is home to precious artefacts and artworks spanning over 1,400 years. The jewel in the crown of Qatar Museums, MIA is temporarily closed to undergo renovations and will soon reopen ahead of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

Qatar Museums Gallery Al Riwaq

Adjacent to the Museum of Islamic Art, in the rolling grounds of MIA park, Al Riwaq is a temporary exhibition space with a rotating programme featuring some of the world’s best-known contemporary artists.

The space has hosted numerous Years of Culture initiatives over the years, including temporary exhibitions by art-world icons such as Jeff Koons: Lost in America (2022), Relics by Damien Hirst (2013), Ego by Takashi Murakami (2012) and more.

Fire Station

Fire Station is a contemporary art centre, home to vibrant gallery spaces, artist studios and a successful Artist in Residence programme giving local artists access to world-class facilities, mentorship and the opportunity to showcase their work.

Recent public exhibitions include the show stopping Virgil Abloh: “Figures of Speech” at the Garage Gallery. Fire Station was also the chosen venue for the Qatar-MENASA 2022 Years of Culture Opening Ceremony.

Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art

Located in Education City, Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art is a leading museum dedicated to contemporary Arab art. With more than 9,000 artworks in the Mathaf Collection, it is the world’s largest specialised art collection of its kind. In addition to showcasing its impressive permanent collection, the museum hosts solo and group exhibitions featuring the work of leading contemporary artists from across the region.