Museum of Islamic Art

In Doha, it’s impossible not to notice the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) building…. This building stands out in the city’s Corniche, not only by its beauty but also by its amazing location…. in the water!!!

And when in Doha, it’s a mandatory visit!!!

The Museum of Islamic Arts was designed by the Pritzker Prize-winning architect the Chinese American Leoh Min Pei (that also created the Louvre Pyramid in Paris) and houses an impressive collection of international masterpieces stored along the 3 of the 5 stores atrium.

When you visit the museum the first thing you notice is this imposing white building with so many different geometric patterns, from cubic to triangular changing the way you see this structure, with a mix of modern and traditional Arabic architecture.

Because this building was built in the middle of the sea in an artificial island, Pei selected a special stone (Shamisen stone) able to resist not only the harsh sun but also the heat and salt of the seawater.

Inside you can also find a cafe with white and black decoration around a big window that gives an impressive view of the harbor and Doha’s city center view, a place where you can relax and enjoy the city view.

In the museum you will find artifacts from collections built up and given by the Qatari royal family (Al-Thani). It contains collections from science arts, calligraphy, also patterns and figures in Islamic Design, including many different Koran’s from huge sizes to miniatures, domestic items like carpets, jewelry, weapons and so on. Things from the 7^th to the 18^th century, covering all Islamic worlds, including Spain and central asia.

Also in the first floor you can find temporary exhibitions, and right now you can see one talking about the Arabick Roots.

Definitely a place to visit!!!

Opening Hours:

Sunday 10:30 – 17:30

Monday 10:30 – 17:30

Tuesday CLOSED

Wednesday 10:30 – 17:30

Thursday 12:00 – 20:00

Friday 14:00 – 20:00

Saturday 12:00 – 20:00