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Planning to visit Doha for the first time? Then you must include the Museum of Islamic Art in your list – you won’t regret it. Read this article to find out why it’s a must-visit for art lovers.
The Museum of Islamic Art
Sitting at one end of the Corniche, the Museum of Islamic Art, or MIA, is a marvel both inside and out. It was designed by the award-winning I.M. Pei, so you can expect it to be an architectural wonder. Located on a purpose-built island connected to the mainland by a bridge, the museum is among the city’s top attractions. A park surrounds the building, with the west and north sides facing the harbour.
In 2022, MIA became the first museum in Qatar to earn carbon-neutral certification – a milestone as the country moves towards a more sustainable, eco-friendly future. The museum was part of Expo 2023 Doha and hosted various workshops and events on diversity and sustainability.
Architecture
The collection is impressive, but what is just as breathtaking is the architecture of the building itself. This remarkable feat of creativity can be seen almost anywhere in the city. Did you know that I.M. Pei had retired when the proposal for the museum came through? Although he had designed many buildings before, he wanted to take on this project at the age of 86 because he felt it could be a fascinating learning experience about Islam.
Before creating the design, he visited Tunisia and Egypt to study Islamic architecture and art. He then began translating his imagination onto paper, but Doha was going through a massive building spree, which worried him. He feared that his design would be hidden behind all the other buildings, which prompted him to convince the Emir to build an island solely for the museum.
The area is easy to access and offers plenty of accommodation options. Souq Al Wakra by Tivoli, one of the best hotels in Qatar, is less than 20 minutes from MIA Park.
A Piece of Mastery
The building is a true work of art, the likes of which you won’t see anywhere else. The manmade island is spacious enough to feel like a park that houses a museum. There is plenty of parking, and the walk up to the museum follows a pathway lined with palm trees overlooking the Corniche. At the entrance, a fountain greets visitors with jets of water. The design is both remarkable and simple at the same time. It resembles a series of cubes stacked on top of each other, with the top appearing like a winking eye.
Pei chose limestone for the building, a brilliant decision, as it allows the sun’s rays to play across the exterior – at times it appears yellow and pink, and in the evening, takes on a greenish hue.
If you’re impressed by the exterior alone, you can imagine how stunning the interior is. The first things to catch your eye are the indoor fountain, the circular staircase, the chandelier, and the remarkable dome. A massive window offers views of the other side of the city and its skyline, making it another unmissable feature. With natural light streaming through, the window is absolutely beautiful, and in the evening, when the setting sun casts its soft, golden rays into the building, it seems as if heaven itself has descended – a breathtaking sight that will stay with you forever.
Exhibits
The building is a work of art in itself – is it any wonder that the exhibits match that level of artistry? Two floors are dedicated to permanent exhibitions. Make your way down to the fourth floor from the top to be amazed by the beautiful hand-woven carpets, one of which covers an entire room. The third floor houses a vast collection of Islamic artworks from different eras of history, with some pieces dating back 1,300 years.
The collection on the second floor includes pieces of calligraphy as well as items related to science and geometry. The first floor is also home to fascinating objects that celebrate Islamic history and art.
So, Why Should an Art Lover Visit?
Well, who wouldn’t want to visit this beautiful masterpiece of art and the collections it holds? The entire building, every inch of it, is dedicated to art, history, and culture. If you are drawn to art wherever you go, the Museum of Islamic Art will only expand your imagination.
The museum is open throughout the week from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., except on Fridays, when it opens at 1.30 p.m.