Years of Culture
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2024/02/21
Designed by world-famous architect. I.M. Pei, the iconic Qatar Museum of Islamic Art building was inspired by islamic architecture and embodies the perfect balance of tradition and modernity.
Museum of Islamic Art in Doha Qatar (MIA) is home to one of the greatest collections of Islamic Art in the world, spanning 1400 years of Islamic History over 3 continents. Some of the fascinating and precious works on display at Qatar’s Islamic Museum include paintings, Islamic calligraphy, ceramic pieces, jewellery, textiles, wood carvings, coins and more.
The carefully selected artefacts come from both religious and secular contexts and represent a myriad of stories and Muslim cultures, with many pieces on display to the public for the first time. The extensive permanent collection is brought to life by a highly specialised team of curators, conservators and historical experts. Each year, impressive temporary exhibitions at the Islamic Art Museum bring artworks and objects from around the world to the heart of Doha.
The Islamic Art Museum was fully reimagined in 2022 ahead of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, reopening after considerable renovations designed to enhance the visitor experience for new audiences.
Under the leadership of Qatar Museums Chairperson, Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, MIA was actually the first Qatar Museums institution to open, in 2008.
Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect I.M. Pei, the museum is set on a spectacular peninsula at the tip of the Corniche, overlooking Doha’s glittering skyline and surrounded by the beautifully landscaped MIA Park.
The renowned Chinese American architect is perhaps best known for his glass pyramid design at the Louvre in Paris, and is renowned for his ambitious architectural marvels. In this case, Pei was particularly inspired by the Sabil, or ablution fountain, in the Ahmad Ibn Tulun Mosque in Cairo, Egypt. Combining contemporary lines with traditional Islamic forms like archways, geometric patterns and domes, the Museum of Islamic Art is truly a cultural monument in Qatar.
Visitors to MIA can explore eighteen unique galleries, organised by historical periods, geography and various themes. An informative Highlights Tour audio guide is available in several languages, providing an interesting overview of the MIA galleries.
Highlights from the Museum of Islamic Art’s permanent collection include priceless artefacts such as the 10th century Mia Vase from Basra, the exquisite Varanasi-style necklace from the Mughal Dynasty and the bejewelled Falcon Finial, which originated in 14th Century India.
Additionally, the museum has one of the best conservation laboratories, specialised in caring for rare and delicate objects to ensure the collection is maintained and preserved to the highest standards.
Not only does MIA have an incredible collection of Islamic masterpieces, but the museum also hosts world-class temporary exhibitions, showcasing Islamic cultures and civilisations in new and unexpected ways.
Some recent past exhibitions at the museum include A Falcon's Eye: Tribute to Sheikh Saoud Al Thani in 2022/21 and Baghdad Eye’s Delight in 2022. New for 2023, Fashioning an Empire: Textiles from Safavid Iran highlights the story of silk during Iran’s Safavid period. This stunning exhibition in Doha was originally curated during the Qatar-USA 2021 Year of Culture, in collaboration with and presented at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art.
As part of the Qatar-Indonesia 2023 Year of Culture, MIA featured some of the hidden treasures from Indonesia, highlighting the shared history and cultural connection between Qatar and Indonesia. See ongoing and upcoming exhibitions and events on the MIA website.
No matter where someone is in the world, they can now view and learn about The Museum of Islamic Art in Qatar’s most cherished pieces virtually, through Google arts and culture.
Last year the museum also opened up their extensive coin collection to virtual visitors for the first time, collaborating with an expert creator of digital art experiences to bring the vast coin collection to life in impressive detail.
As one of the leading museums in Qatar, MIA is dedicated to educational outreach and community engagement, organising workshops, guided visits, lectures and activities for all ages.
Academics, researchers and students have access to a substantial collection of publications about Islamic history and Islamic art in Doha. The museum also houses a heritage library with study rooms and many rare books in Arabic and English.
Set on the fifth floor of the museum, IDAM by Alain Ducasse is a fine dining restaurant by the acclaimed French chef. IDAM celebrates the culinary heritage of Islamic cuisine, serving contemporary Mediterranean dishes, infused with unexpected Arabian flavours.
Guests enjoy panoramic views of the city skyline and Arabian Gulf in the sophisticated space designed by Phillipe Starck. Advance reservations are recommended.
MIA opening hours are from 9am to 7pm Saturday to Thursday and from 1.30pm to 7pm on Fridays. The Museum’s visitor guidelines include helpful information about the dress code, and other tips to help make the most of your visit.
The museum is free to enter for all residents of Qatar (and non residents under the age of 16). For adult non residents, admission costs QAR 50 and just QAR 25 for students.
Entry to the Museum of Islamic Art is free for Qatar Creates One Pass holders, the official membership programme of Qatar Museums.
The museum is located on an island surrounded by the beautifully landscaped MIA park, overlooking the Arabian Gulf with views of Doha. MIA Park is one of the most popular parks in Qatar for families. It is also the location of many events, festivals and a weekend Bazaar during the cooler months.
MIA Park is also home to the recently inaugurated Flag Plaza, a community space dedicated to cultural exchange and deepening understanding between nations.
Located 15 minutes from Hamad International airport, The Museum of Islamic Art is easily accessible by car, although parking is limited. A free daily shuttle bus connects the National Museum of Qatar, the Museum of Islamic Art / Al Riwaq and the Qatar Flour Mills Warehouse. The closest Metro station to MIA is Qatar National Museum, on the Gold Line.
Read more about The Best Museums to Visit in Qatar on the Years of Culture website.
