Beautiful Museums In Qatar

I’ve been living in Qatar now for seven years and the country has more than its share of museums, telling the story of the country and the region at large, object by object. Everything tells a story, from a priceless pearl to a car’s number plate. Below are some of the museums that a person should go to during their visit to Qatar

Museum of Islamic Art

One of the city’s most spectacular spots, MIA houses one of the finest collections of Islamic art in the world including ceramics, carpets and manuscripts spanning more than a thousand years.

Plan to spend the day here — beyond the four floors of the museum, there’s an idyllic palm-lined park on the waterfront of Doha filled with public art, including 7, a spectacular permanent installation by the American sculptor Richard Serra.

You can take a kayak out on the water over looking the Corniche, and take a break in numerous cafes and spots to eat, including IDAM, a Qatari/French fusion fine-dining experience from renowned chef Alain Ducasse.

The last time I tried entering the Museum was in June this year and they were closed due to renovation. I was told they they will reopen by mid October this year.

(Museum Website: https://mia.org.qa/en/)

National Museum of Qatar

Built around the Old Amiri Palace, the former residence of Sheikh Abdullah Bin Jassim Al Thani, this architectural marvel houses approximately 8,000 objects telling the story of Qatar, past, present and future, from archaeological artefacts to household items, from pearl diving and desert life to oil and ambition.

(Museum Website: https://nmoq.org.qa/en/)

Msheireb Museums

These museums in Msheireb Downtown Doha are spread across four houses, each reconstructed to reflect a different facet of Qatar’s history.

The first is a carefully restored early 20th century Qatari family home, the second was the site of the humble former headquarters of an oil company, which shows the country’s 20th century transformation into an energy powerhouse.

The third brings visitors up to speed with the country’s recent past, present and future, Finally, the fourth is a house packed full of artefacts telling the story of the impact of slavery on the region. Go for an intimate look at Qatar from a local perspective.

(Museum Website: https://msheirebmuseums.com/en/)