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2024/06/27
NMoQ brings together the different elements that have shaped Qatar throughout history, telling the story of the Qatari people through an immersive and interactive museum experience in Doha.
“The National Museum of Qatar is the physical manifestation of Qatar’s proud identity, connecting the country’s history with its diverse and cosmopolitan present. It will reflect a part of every Qatari’s life, representing our roots and identity.” - Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums
The Qatar National Museum location was specially chosen with the palace of Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani at its centre. Completed in 2019, the sculptural museum building seems to grow outwards from the Old Palace, at the intersection of Qatar’s past and present.
The museum has been the stunning backdrop for several Years of Culture Events, including our spectacular 10th Anniversary Ceremony and The Desert Rose Premiere in 2022.
The breathtaking structure of the museum in Doha was designed by Prikzer-Prize winning French architect Jean Nouvel, world-famous for his works including Doha Tower, the Arab World Institute in Paris, the Agbar Tower in Barcelona and more.
The distinctive circular forms of the building were inspired by the mesmerising shapes of the desert rose, a natural phenomenon formed by crystallised sand, found in Qatar’s desert regions. The result is an architectural masterpiece that has altered the landscape of Doha. NMoQ was also the first museum in Qatar and the Middle East to be awarded the Green Key Certification for sustainability.
During the Qatar-MENASA 2022 Year of Culture, the museum of Qatar’s unique and iconic architecture was the inspiration behind the Desert Rose symphony by NMoQ composer-in-residence Malek Jandali. Performed by the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, the piece was premiered during the Years of Culture 10th Anniversary celebrations.
Built in the early 20th century, the former residence of Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani sits at the heart of NMoQ. The Old Palace was converted into the original Qatar National Museum in 1975, eventually going on to win the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 1980.
Today, this meticulously restored historic landmark is a national treasure and as the seat of the Qatar government for 25 years, forms an important part of the country’s history.
The museum follows a circular layout, giving visitors a fascinating overview of Qatari history and culture, divided into different themes.
There are 11 permanent galleries filled with thematic exhibits and interactive displays on key aspects of life in Qatar. The visitor journey begins with The Formation of Qatar and spaces dedicated to Qatar’s Natural Environments, The Archaeology of Qatar and The People of Qatar.
The next galleries delve into the ways that the different landscapes of Qatar have influenced local ways of life, particularly Life in Al Barr (Desert) and Life on the Coast. The Pearls and Celebrations gallery shines a light on the lives of pearl divers and Qatar’s significant connection with the pearl industry. The final galleries focus on The Modern History of Qatar and Qatar Today.
Engaging audio guides are available in different languages to walk visitors through the museum at their own pace. The Highlights of the NMOQ Audio Guide Tour and the Old Palace Audio Guide tour can also be enjoyed from home.
The NMoQ virtual museum visit has an interactive timeline of the history of Qatar, themed maps and an impressive digital archive.
The National Museum of Qatar is a wonderful place for children in Doha. There is a dedicated events programme for families, and the museum is proud to have signed the Kids in Museums Manifesto.
The museum’s Discovery Programme organises hands-on educational events and fun activities for students and NMoQ offers school tours for different ages.
Little ones will also enjoy the surrounding park at the National Museum of Qatar, which has adventure playgrounds, a lagoon and caves to explore.
Alongside the permanent displays, the museum is known for hosting excellent temporary exhibitions each year.
Popular exhibitions at the National Museum of Qatar have included Seagrass Tales, Dugong Trails during the Qatar-USA 2021 Year of Culture and Your Brain to Me, My Brain to You by artist Pipilotti Rist.
As part of the Qatar-Indonesia 2023 Year of Culture, NMoQ recently collaborated with the National Museum of Indonesia for an exceptional exhibition: Growing Kopi, Drinking Qahwa - The Story of Coffees in Qatar and Indonesia.
See the latest exhibitions and events on the NMoQ Website.
There are a variety of restaurants at NMoQ, including the relaxed Desert Rose Café, serving delicious Qatari fusion cuisine by Chef Noof Almarri.
Set on the fourth floor, Jiwan is an elegant, contemporary restaurant serving modern Qatari cuisine by acclaimed French chef Alain Ducasse. The fine-dining restaurant at the National Museum of Qatar takes guests on an exquisite sensory journey of Qatar’s landscapes and heritage, with an emphasis on local produce.
Overlooking the park and impressive museum architecture, Thalatheen is a vegan café at NMoQ specialising in beautifully presented, Qatari-inspired plant based cuisine. Cafe 875 is a laid-back cafe inside the National Museum of Qatar, located on the mezzanine.
The museum has helpful visitor guidelines on their website, which outline the National Museum of Qatar dress code, and other important things to know before visiting.
The NMoQ opening hours are from 9am to 7pm, Saturday to Thursday and 1.30pm to 7pm on Friday.
The Qatar National Museum is served by its own Metro Station on the Gold Line and is easily accessible by bus from across Doha. It is easy to walk or drive to NMoQ and onsite parking is available. A complimentary Qatar Museums shuttle bus connects the National Museum of Qatar with the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) and other local institutions.
All residents of Qatar (as well as One Pass members and non-residents under the age of 16) can visit NMoQ for free. For non-residents aged 16+, museum entry costs QAR 50, or QAR 25 for students.
Each ticket is for a one-hour time slot and includes admission to the museum of Qatar and all temporary exhibitions. Book your tickets now!
Explore other Qatar Museums to visit in Doha with Years of Culture.
