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2024/06/27
Part of Qatar Museums, the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum celebrates the universal language of sport and the power of international sport to bring people together across cultures.
The 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum is the first institution of its kind in the Middle East to join the 22 other Olympic museums worldwide that make up the international Olympic Museum Network.
“ We envision the museum as a testament to Qatar’s enormous appetite and enthusiasm for sport and its national ambition for the nation to become more physically active. ” - Abdulla Yousuf Al Mulla, Director, 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum
The 3-2-1 Qatar Olympics and Sports Museum was inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani in March 2022.
The pioneering sports museum in Doha opened ahead of The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ during a landmark year for sports in the country. The tournament saw visitors from around the world travel to Qatar. A month of events and celebrations marked the occasion throughout the country, including the inauguration of new public spaces and a month-long festival.
The distinctive museum was designed by Spanish architect Joan Sibina. The museum building is a spectacular visual representation of the five interlocking Olympic rings, lit up in bright, bold colours. The horizontal decorative screens used between the rings are a stylistic nod to Qatar’s history and culture.
The 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum location adjacent to the Khalifa International Stadium cements the museum’s relationship with Qatari sporting culture.
Named after the universal countdown to Olympic trials, 3-2-1 brings to mind the anticipation and excitement that have surrounded the Olympic games throughout history.
With over 19,000 square metres of galleries for permanent and temporary exhibitions, the museum collection is made up of pieces from some of the most iconic moments in global sporting history.
The 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum pays homage to some of the greatest sporting moments throughout history. The museum’s seven permanent galleries are filled with memorabilia from iconic competitions, significant victories and icons of international sport. Themes include “A Global History of Sport”, the “Hall of Athletes”, “Qatar Sports” and an “Activation Zone” that promotes a healthy and active lifestyle.
Each of the galleries has been curated to highlight the profound impact of sports on our world and each item on display tells an unforgettable story. The collection includes artefacts and objects from tennis legend Roger Federer, footballing hero Pelé, skateboarding royalty Tony Hawk, world famous martial artist Bruce Lee and more. Two Moroccan athletes are also included in the Hall of Athletes, with their achievements and profiles showcased as part of the Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture.
Visitors can take a self-guided audio tour of the collection highlights, available in English, Arabic and Spanish.
Alongside the museum’s impressive permanent displays, the sports museum in Doha also hosts exciting temporary exhibitions and installations.
Showing until August 2024, Zidane, a 21st Century Portrait (2006) is a film screening and art exhibition highlighting French footballer Zinédine Zidane’s exceptional talent and unparalleled achievements.
Other past exhibitions and events at 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports museum have included the landmark World of Football exhibition, which ran from October 2022 to April 2023. The museum also hosted the World Cup Like No Otherlecture series during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™.
Qatar Museums have practical visitor guidelines on their website, asking visitors not to eat or drink in the galleries, and avoid the use of flash photography and selfie sticks.
The guidelines also outline the dress code at the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympics and Sports Museum, which asks that visitors dress modestly out of respect for local culture. Young visitors under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
The museum also offers guided school visits, as well as educational and sports activity programmes for all Qatar-based government and international schools. Fun activity booklets for use in and out of the classroom can be downloaded from the museum website.
The museum also has the first public library in the region specifically dedicated to sports, with over 5,000 books in both Arabic and English.
Located on the third floor of the museum, 3-2-1 Café is the ideal place for visitors to refuel with fresh, healthy food and drink options. Fine dining restaurant Naua, on the eighth floor, is temporarily closed.
The 3-2-1 QOSM opening hours are from 9am to 7pm, Saturday to Thursday and 1.30pm to 7pm on Fridays.
Entry is free for all Qatar residents (as well as One Pass holders and non-residents under the age of 16). For non-residents aged 16+, museum entry costs QAR 50, or QAR 25 for students. All tickets include admission to the museum as well as any temporary exhibitions. Book your 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum tickets online now.
The easiest and most practical way to get to the sports museum Doha is by metro. The nearest station is Sport City, on the Gold Line, which is a short walk away.
Other unmissable cultural institutions in Qatar include the Museum of Islamic Art and the Qatar National Library.
See more upcoming events in Qatar as part of the Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture.
