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A Visit to the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha

During our layover in Doha, we knew that we had to do the best of the best. Only taking a day or two to see a whole country really makes you evaluate your priorities. I think we did this pretty well on other short trips like our layover in Frankfurt or our jaunt over to Brunei.

So one of the things we wanted to find the very best of all the museums in the city, and we’d read over and over that the Museum of Islamic Art was it. It was up there on our list along with Al-Zubarah. From our research, we knew that it was open until 8:00 pm, which was great. We wanted to get some photos after dark.

Museum Islamic Art sign in Doha.

The Architecture of the Museum of Islamic Art

The building is impressive, and we could see it from almost anywhere in Doha.  I.M. Pei was enticed to come out of retirement to take on the project at the age of 86. He felt it was a learning experience as he didn’t know much about Islam prior to the offer.

He took the chance to wander through Egypt and Tunisia studying Islamic art and architecture.  As he began to develop his vision, he was worried that with the amount of construction that Doha was undergoing, his project would be covered up.  He convinced the Emir in charge to build an island so the work would have its own pedestal.

Museum Islamic Art Doha with fountains at night.

The building is a work of art, the island is large enough to have a park-like quality on its grounds.  There is ample free parking, and the walk up to the museum entrance is bordered by palms and overlooks the cornice and the water.  The fountain greets you with bursts of coolness, and the entryway beckons.

The building itself is a stack of cubes, twisted on top of each other, with what looks like winking eyes near on the top.  Pei wanted to use the cream-colored limestone so that the sun would contribute to the color of the building depending on the time of day, and while we were there, the outside mirrored hues of yellow, rose, and later into the evening even green.

Interior staircase of the Museum Islamic Art Doha.

The inside is just as impressive with another fountain, a circular staircase, an elaborate chandelier, and an intricate dome.  It was sleek and modern, yet richly elaborate in its details, and a comfortable respite from the desert heat and winds.

The most impressive feature was the huge window wall facing the other side of Doha and its cityscape.  Eye-catching during the day, but by the time the sun set it was nothing short of breath-taking.

Museum Islamic Art Doha - view from entryway lets you look through the restaurant at the fantastic view.

The Exhibits of the Museum of Islamic Art

Housed in an art piece, it was obvious that the exhibits were going to be just as well thought out and fascinating.  Two floors are dedicated to the permanent exhibits.  Starting at the top and working our way down, the fourth floor had an exhibit of carpets from the Islamic world, the largest covered almost one full room, and all were hand-knotted masterpieces.  The third floor’s exhibits highlighted pieces from many of the various Islamic periods, a progression from the old to the new.  The pieces on this floor had a range of 1,300 years.

Gold mask exhibited in the Museum Islamic Art Doha.

On the second floor, were many pieces highlighting geometry, science,   calligraphy, and artistic writing.  The first floor houses the special exhibits, while we were there this was on the Haj, the pilgrimage to Mecca.  The history of it, famous people, and how it is done.  As a non-Muslim, barred from this experience,  I found this extremely fascinating.

Exhibit in the Museum Islamic Art Doha.

FAQs

Where is the Museum of Islamic Art located?

At one of the ends of the Corniche. It’s a great way to end up after walking, because you can go into the cafe for a drink or snack and enjoy the view.

How much does it cost?

QR 50 for adults, but children are free

What days is it open?

The museum is open everyday. All days except Friday it opens at 9:00 am and stays open until 7:00 pm. On Fridays it doesn’t open until 1:30 pm.

Is there a dress code?

Just like in most Muslim countries, everyone dresses quite conservatively. It’s recommended that you wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.

Conclusion

The Museum of Islamic Art is probably one of the best museums I’ve visited in Asia, it really exceeded my expectations.  It was beautifully laid out and informative with everything labeled in both Arabic and English, and there were plenty of opportunities to learn even more.

If your time allows, I would not try to do the whole museum at once.  Each floor could be done on a separate day.  I thought going in the evening was magical because of the night views of the city. The restaurant is renown as some of the best food in the city, and it certainly has a spectacular view.

Have you been to Doha?  Have you visited the Museum of Islamic Arts?

Author Bio: Corinne Vail is a travel photographer, food lover, and a perpetual traveler who has been travel writing for over 14 years. For many years she lived overseas in Germany, Japan, Turkey, South Korea, and the Netherlands teaching the children of the US. military. She’s visited over 90 countries, and she’s not stopping anytime soon.

Catherine

Friday 9th of May 2014

This place sounds amazing, before you even step in the door! Quite a different art gallery experience :)

Corinne Vail

Saturday 10th of May 2014

Catherine, Really, it blew my mind. The architecture by itself was enough to get me there, and it just got better.

Aisha

Wednesday 7th of May 2014

Wow, Corrine, what a great post! How impressive the I. M. Pei did this building at 86! I guess that's an inspiration all in itself! And what a sensitive touch to the design, it is gorgeous with so many islamic art references in both the architecture and the interior design, what an amazing peice of achitectural design, I'm really glad you highlighted that as well as the museums exhibitions. Thanks very much! (Hi to you, too, Jim! ♥ ;^) )

Corinne Vail

Wednesday 7th of May 2014

Aisha, It was the number one thing we wanted to see in Qatar, because I had read so much about the architecture and exhibits...and it didn't disappoint. We loved it! Hi to you and Mo, too!

rhonda albom

Wednesday 7th of May 2014

I haven't been to Qatar, although like so many places it's on my bucket list. Fantastic photos, especially that night shot.

Corinne Vail

Wednesday 7th of May 2014

Rhonda, Thanks. I know that darn list just gets longer every time I turn around. It never seems to shorten. Enjoy!

Anwar

Tuesday 6th of May 2014

I'm jealous! I wanted to go here when I was in Doha but it was closed! Thanks and jokingly "no thanks" for showing me what I missed :-)

Corinne Vail

Tuesday 6th of May 2014

Anwar, Definitely try to get there when you go back through sometime. It was really a good museum! Sorry you missed it the first time.

Ann

Tuesday 6th of May 2014

What a building! The displays seem interesting, too, and I imagine it would be so interesting to read some of the stories since I'm probably unfamiliar with a lot of them.

Corinne Vail

Tuesday 6th of May 2014

Ann, It was very interesting. The great thing for parents of young children is that there's no cost. So, you could go do one exhibit and leave, and come back to do another the next night. That way you wouldn't wear out the kids.