Many know Qatar for its conservative customs, but that hasn’t stopped it from exploring even the most controversial artworks. Qatar simply loves art. In fact, it’s the world’s biggest contemporary art buyer. From Arabic calligraphy and spot and spin paintings to massive bronze sculptures, Qatari art is influenced by both tradition and exposure to foreign cultures.
Ultimately, the goal is to make Qatar the artistic centre and cultural capital of the Middle East. The emir’s sister herself is determined to achieve that by challenging the country’s traditional notions through modern art. In recent years, Qatar’s art industry has flourished through the increased number of art spaces in Doha. Here are some of the top galleries that currently embody the culture and history of Qatar.
Msheireb Museums
Explore Doha’s fishing roots from 4 historical houses
The Msheireb Museums trace Doha’s history from its humble beginnings as a small fishing village. The museums pay homage to 4 historic heritage buildings in the oldest part of the capital: the Bin Jelmood House, Company House, Mohammed Bin Jassim House, and Radwani House.
Each building focuses on different aspects of Qatar’s history, including ancient slavery, the discovery of oil and gas, traditions, and the development of Arabian Gulf countries. After your tour, you can extend your stay at the museums’ gift stores and restaurants. You can go to the Al-Fai Restaurant or Empire Café to sample modern Qatari cuisine.
National Museum of Qatar
Experience Qatar’s history in a heartbeat
The National Museum of Qatar offers an immersive and informative experience of Qatar’s history. Just off the waters of Doha Corniche, this architectural marvel offers a vibrant space with an incredible view across the bay.
The museum tells Qatar’s unique story in 3 parts: Beginnings, Life in Qatar, and The Modern History of Qatar. Most notably, it displays the Pearl Carpet of Baroda, which features 1.5 million hand-embroidered pearls, sapphires, and diamonds. A fully landscaped park allows you to learn about Qatar’s indigenous plants. After your tour, head over to the museum’s café to experience a traditional food forum.
Museum of Islamic Art
Journey through 1,400 years of Islamic culture
Tradition meets modernity at Qatar’s Museum of Islamic Art (MIA). An iconic building in the Doha waterfront, this limestone structure emphasises art’s connection to Islam without necessarily focusing on religious items.
The MIA’s collection accommodates Islamic craftsmanship across 3 continents over 1,400 years. Possessing traditional styles and techniques from across the Middle East and Asia, each piece’s origin story completes a visual narrative of Qatar throughout the centuries. The museum also holds a library that houses more than 15,000 rare manuscripts and texts from around the world, including a Quran from the 7th century.
Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art
Explore a world-class collection of modern and contemporary Arabian art
Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art is a converted school building in Doha’s Education City. Housing the largest collection of Arab art in the region, Mathaf exhibits 9,000 pieces that were collected over the past 25 years and trace the changes in Qatari society.The museum includes a notable exhibit on Horoufiyah (the use of Arabic letters and calligraphy in art). It comes with a free guided tour that tells the story behind every piece in its collection. For easier travel and access to the museum, ride their Mathaf Bus, which is a free shuttle bus service.
