Museums In Qatar: Preserving The Cultural Heritage and History

A land that boasts of its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landmarks, Qatar is a country that has better than negative about it. From mesmerizing architectural marvels to some of the finest museums that preserve the rich history of this country, if you're on your travels in Qatar, you are sure to find yourself spoilt for choices.

Now here's a thing, while Qatar has many landmarks that tell a story about the country's past and present, the museums in Qatar are another attraction that travelers can't afford to miss. So if you're one of those longing to know about the finest museums, here's our take on the top museums located in Qatar.

Top 12 Museums In Qatar You Must Explore Fir Better Understanding The Art And Culture

The museums listed below are home to some of the finest collections that you can find on your trip to Qatar.

1. Museum Of Islamic Art

Widely renowned as one of the best examples of Qatari's growing love for culture, the MIA or the Museum of Islamic Art Doha is a place you've got to visit when headed for Doha sightseeing. It is located at the heart of Doha and is a structural marvel in itself, designed by the renowned architect I.M. Pei. Interestingly, the museum occupies its own Island on the Corniche and has been coated with limestones which only adds to its charm.

One of the major reasons why this is a must-visit museum on your travels in Qatar, the MIA has a collection that is a real delight to the eyes of the travelers. Visitors coming here can see numerous collections of textiles, pottery, glassworks, etc., that have been collected from countries like Spain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Turkey, India and Central Asia.

What else? Well, the museum even has a separate library which is home to over 15000 manuscripts and texts which are rare and have been collected from all around the world. The main highlight of this library is the Holy Quran from the seventeenth century. So why not head over to the Museum of Islamic Art on your travels in Qatar and see the history unfold in front of you?

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2. National Museum Of Qatar

Opened in March 2019, the National Museum of Qatar is one of those Doha attractions that became an instant hit amongst the travelers in no time. The museum is home to a collection that needs no introduction. It has been designed by Jean Nouvel and resembles a quartz desert rose.

Besides, the main centre of attraction that visitors find so charming here is the three-metre (10-foot) Pearl Carpet of Baroda, a stunning masterpiece which has been hand-embroidered with a staggering 1.5 million pearls, sapphires, and diamonds. It is no surprise why travelers headed for Doha sightseeing love to visit the museum on their travel to the Corniche as the museum is located in very close proximity to it.

So, in case you wish to know about the history of Qatar, how the country rose from the prehistoric time to become an urban metropolis, head over to the National Museum of Qatar and embrace what it has to offer.

3. Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum

Another of those museums in Qatar that will make you jump with joy, the Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum is a private collection of Sheikh Faisal, one of Qatar's most prominent businessmen. The museum has been designed with care and is an architectural marvel in itself. Besides, it is home to a whopping 15000 artifacts which have been collected by Sheikh Faisal himself over a span of 50 years.

What is notable is that this museum has just about everything you possibly expect from a museum. From fossils that date back to the Jurassic period to some of the finest vintage cars collection, visitors coming here on their travels in Qatar can expect so much more.

Likewise, for those who like to explore the prehistoric figurines, rare coins and manuscripts, the museum has a vast collection displayed for the visitors to see.

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4. Mathaf

Located at a refurbished school building in the education city, the Mathaf museum is another gem just on the outskirts of Doha. It is an art gallery that boasts of its modern Arab art collection from some of the prominent artists coming from countries like India, Iraq, Egypt, and Turkey.

It is one of those Qatar tourist attractions that is again well-renowned for a large collection. The Mathaf museum has over 9,000 pieces of art along with a separate floor for themed arts which visitors can see.

What is fascinating is that the museum runs free shuttle services for its visitors from the Museum of Islamic Art. So, in case you're an art lover just wants to explore the gorgeous works of the famous pioneer Yousef Ahmad, head over to the Mathaf museum and treat your eyes with some fascinating artworks.

5. Msheireb Museums

Are you wandering around Doha? Wondering about the growth of the city? Well, in case you truly wish to know how Doha developed from being a small fishing to one of the wealthiest cities in the world, Msheireb Museums Qatar should be on your list.

Another of those popular Doha attractions, the museums are housed in four Historic buildings and are adjacent to another iconic location of Doha, Souq Waqif. Visitors coming here get to see the different aspects of Doha in each building.

Besides, here are the names of all buildings that focus on different aspects like the traditions of Qatar, family roles in Qatari families, oil or gas, and so on.

• Bin Jelmood House
• Company House
• Mohammed bin Jassim House
• Radwani House

However, out of all the four buildings, the one that stands out is the Bin Jelmood House particularly because of the part of history that it explores. As compelling as it can get, the house touches on the roles that slavery and exploitation played in the development of Qatar including other Persian Gulf Countries.

As far as Qatar alone is concerned, the visitors can even get to know about the pearl diving and the oil industry's early days in the country. So, as a traveler, if you wish to know to know about the events that led to the rise of Qatar, this is the place for you.

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6. Katara Art Center

So, haven't you guessed by the name yet? Well, located in the Katara Cultural Village and home to a priceless collection of art in Qatar, the Katara Art Center is a place every art lover would long to go while on their travels in Qatar. This is a center that is dedicated to art by soul and displays it in every possible way. Whether you think of local techniques of art, the popular modern approaches or even the art made from recycled goods, there is everything an art lover expects to see.

What's more? The art center isn't only dedicated to art but also works like photography, video, and even music which goes hand in hand at the Katara Cultural Village. Why? The reason is simple, Katara Cultural Village, besides its many attractions, is also a hub for various types of performances and attracts thousands of travelers who arrive on a tour and enjoy the performances.

So, if you're an art lover, why not book your flight ticket to Qatar and come to explore this gem to treat the artist in you?

7. Arab Postal Stamps Museum

Fascinated about postal stamps? The Arab Postal Stamps Museum is the place for you. Also located in the Katara Cultural Village, this museum is particularly renowned for its vast collection of postal stamps from around 22 Arab countries in the world.

Visitors coming here get to see the amazing postal collections in frames which vary from complete collections to some of the notable ones being donated by the collectors and other museums from Arab countries around the world.

The museum features amongst the prominent Doha attractions particularly because of its collection that shows the history, culture and different interests of the countries where stamps have come from.

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8. Museum Of Illusions

Now here's a question for all the adventure lovers around, have you wondered and possibly associated adventure with a museum? What if we say that there is, in fact, a museum that can make your experience full of fun? Well, started as a unique project, the Museum of Illusions Qatar has gained immense popularity today.

In fact, it is so popular that many travelers believe it to be number one amongst all the Qatar tourist attractions today. It features more than 70 dilemma games that have been duly designed for all age groups. Whether you're a kid heading with your parents or a grandma wanting to try something new, the museum has everything for everyone. So, why not head over and have a memorable time while you also learn about the unique sides of science and illusions?

9. QM GALLERY AL RIWAQ

Now if headed to the Museum of Islamic Arts, take some time out to visit the well-renowned exhibition space QM Gallery Al Riwaq. Rooted right next to the Museum of Islamic Arts, this is a temporary exhibition space that usually sparks a lot of talks and controversies around its exhibitions.

Over the years, QM Gallery Al Riwaq has hosted a number of popular exhibitions including the well-recognized international artists like Takashi Murakami and Damien Hirst. One of the main reasons why travelers feature QM Gallery Al Riwaq amongst the prominent Doha attractions is its contribution to the vibrant cultural world of Qatar.

10. Albahie Auction House

Probably the first if its kind in Qatar and nearby regions, the Albahie Auction House hosts auctions for just about everything. Whether you think of Antiques, Paintings, Watches and Clocks, Motor Cars, or even Jewelry, the auction house has everything.

Widely renowned amongst visitors as one of the main Qatar tourist attractions, the auction house offers many sale categories like Modern and Contemporary Art, Arts of the Islamic Worlds, Rugs or Carpets, Orientalist Art, and even Banknotes or coins.

In fact, as per the travelers who have visited the auction house, the piece of antiques that are available are so rare that you would long to buy some. The Albahie Auction House even holds auctions for cars, from vintage to modern.

11. QM Gallery Katara

Another venue nestled in the Katara Cultural village and providing the best of public art projects in the city of Doha QM Gallery Katara is a fine place where visitors can enjoy during the weekends and have the best possible time while getting to embrace the scenic location. In the words of travelers and concerned authorities themselves, this is a place that provides a platform for emerging museums in Qatar to present their collections and projects for the world to see. In fact, Katara isn’t a place one can afford to miss at any cost. From the best of restaurants, theatres, concert halls, and much more, this is a place that ensures a fun-filled day with your loved ones.

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12. Garage Gallery Fire Station

One of the finest places to visit in Qatar giving a breakthrough platform to the young artists of the country, the Garage Gallery Fire Station is nestled in the heart of Doha’s flourishing art community. This is a place that takes the people’s passion to the next level and is widely renowned for its nine-month program for the artists that reside in Qatar. During this time, the artists get the opportunity to work with top artists from around the world, get access to exhibitions, and are even encouraged to attend exclusive lectures. In fact, mentoring is one of the main highlights of this program as budding artists can gain valuable insight from the mentors.

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Being a country that richly promotes art and culture around the world and has been doing so for some time now, Qatar has always surprised travelers with its unique yet pleasing historical landmarks. In fact, the museums in Qatar tell a story of the country's rise from its roots and how it has preserved its tradition and culture. Not only this, but the museums show glimpses from the history of all Arab countries around the world. So, if you're a true history lover wanting to explore the past of this beautiful country of Qatar, head over to some of the top museums mentioned above and see yourself.

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