لقراءة هذا المقال باللغة العربية اضغط هنا
If you wish to learn about a country in interactive or engaging ways, visiting the museums in a new country should be on your list. Not only do museums serve as a learning portal for new visitors to the country but also provide entertaining time pass to people already living there.
Museums in Qatar have been doing it all pretty successfully and we present you a comprehensive guide on all museums in Qatar. To fully benefit from the offerings of different museums in Qatar, please read below:
QATAR MUSEUMS
‘’Qatar Museums’’ is a Qatari government entity and preeminent institution for art and culture dedicated to providing authentic cultural experiences through an expanding network of museums, heritage sites, festivals, public art, and programming. The museums that are under the network of Qatar Museums are as follows:
- National Museum of Qatar
- Museum of Islamic Art
- Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art
- 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum
All the museums are at the center of Doha’s thriving cultural landscape. From traditional Islamic craft and historical objects to modern and contemporary art, the diverse network has a vast amount to offer. Any announcements or changes by ‘Qatar Museums regarding exciting activities, entry ticket policies, and others will apply to all the 4 museums mentioned above.
Read below for a comprehensive guide to all 4 museums:
National Museum of Qatar NMoQ
Highlights of the National Museum of Qatar
- Desert Rose Architecture: Inspired by the Desert Rose crystal found in Qatari deserts.
- Sheikh Abdullah Bin Jassim Al Thani’s Palace: The original palace of Qatar’s former ruler is preserved within the museum.
- Immersive Galleries: Eleven galleries offering a chronological and thematic exploration of Qatar’s history and culture.
- The Park: Features a heritage garden, a realistic cave of wonders, and the Nakilat Adventure Ship playground.
- Dining and Shopping: Multiple dining options, including cafes and ice cream shops, plus unique gift shops with exclusive merchandise.
To know all the details about National Museum of Qatar, click here.
Key Information
Timings:
Saturday–Wednesday: 9 AM –7 PM
Closed on Tuesday
Thursdays: 9 AM – 9 PM
Fridays: 1:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Last entry 45 minutes before closing
Access: Free entry for all Qatar residents and GCC residents. (Qatar ID or GCC ID holders)
When you buy a ticket to the museum it will cover admission to all the special exhibitions of the museum.
Ticket holders must present an accepted and valid ID for entry.
Ticket prices:
Student Non-resident of Qatar – QAR 25
Child (Age 16 and under) – Free
Adult Non-resident of Qatar – QAR 50
Click here to book or buy your tickets
The museum has ample parking available.
Nearest Doha metro station: National Museum station (Gold Line)
Location: Museum Park Street, Doha
Contact: 4452 5555
Website: nmoq.org.qa
The National Museum of Qatar offers an enriching day out for all ages, housed in a unique Desert Rose-inspired building. Explore interactive galleries that vividly depict Qatar’s history. With amenities like a children’s park, dining options, a gift shop, libraries, and restored historic buildings, plan to allocate at least 3 hours to experience its offerings fully.
What’s inside: The National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) unfolds across 1.5 kilometers through 11 galleries, immersing visitors in Qatar’s history from ancient Bedouin culture to modern times. Engaging all senses with sights, sounds, and aromas, it showcases films by international filmmakers and culminates in a captivating portrayal of Qatar Today.
Explore a realistic underground cave, offering climbing, crawling, and hiding spots for children. Encounter glowing rocks, ancient artifacts, bats, and even a giant gecko on the walls.
The NMoQ Gift Shop, a wooden wonder within the museum, complements its spectacular sections. Offering unique gifts inspired by Qatar’s history and culture, it features attractive merchandise set in beautiful interiors, ensuring a memorable visit and a desire to return.
Dining experiences
A variety of dining experiences await you at the museum.
DESERT ROSE CAFÉ
Timings: Saturday to Thursday 8 AM – 8 PM, Friday from 1:30 PM – 8 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
THALATHEEN CAFÉ
Timings: Saturday to Thursday 8 AM – 7 PM, Friday from 1:30 PM – 7 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
Café 875
Timings: Saturday to Thursday 9 AM – 7 PM, Friday from 1:30 PM – 7 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
Gharissa Ice Cream
Timings: Saturday to Thursday 9 AM – 9 PM, Friday from 1:30 PM – 9 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
Museum of Islamic Art (MIA)
Highlights of the Museum of Islamic Art
- Architectural Marvel: Designed by I. M. Pei, inspired by Islamic culture, and prominently located on the Doha Corniche.
- Extensive Collections: Over 11,000 artifacts from three continents and 13 centuries, showcasing manuscripts, ceramics, metal, glass, textiles, and more.
- Stunning Interior: Features an atrium with a domed structure, a curved staircase, and panoramic views of the Gulf.
- MIA Park: A large public space with sculptures, play areas, food trucks, and views of the Doha skyline.
- Dining and Shopping: Includes the IDAM restaurant by Alain Ducasse, MIA Café, and the IN-Q Gift Shop.
To know all the details about Museum of Islamic Art, click here.
Key Information
Timings:
Saturday to Tuesday: 9 AM – 7 PM
Closed on Wednesday
Thursday: 9 AM – 9 PM
Friday: 1:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Access: Free entry for all Qatar residents and GCC residents. (Qatar ID or GCC ID holders)
When you buy a ticket to the museum it will cover admission to the museum and all the special exhibitions of the museum.
Ticket holders must present an accepted and valid ID for entry.
Ticket prices:
Student Non-resident of Qatar – QAR 25
Child (Age 16 and under) – Free
Adult Non-resident of Qatar – QAR 50
Click here to book or buy your tickets
The museum has ample parking available
Location: Off Al Corniche St, Doha
Contact: 4422 4444
Instagram: @miaqatar
The Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, situated on its island along the Corniche, is a significant hub for Islamic arts, symbolizing cultural exchange between East and West. Its striking limestone architecture, highlighted by a spacious, sunlit atrium, houses three floors of galleries displaying diverse artifacts spanning thirteen centuries and originating from the Middle East, Spain, and China.
What it features: The museum features eighteen galleries spread across three floors, each meticulously organized around historical, cultural, and geographic themes. Begin your journey on the ground floor with an immersive gallery detailing I.M. Pei’s iconic design.
The museum houses over 11,000 artifacts, including manuscripts, ceramics, metalwork, and textiles spanning from the 7th to the 20th centuries. These treasures are sourced globally, from the Middle East to Spain and China. The collection is displayed across two floors, showcasing newly acquired and conserved pieces alongside internationally renowned masterpieces.
Other facilities include:
- Prayer halls for men and women
- A library and closed rare-books study section
- Classrooms and offices
Did you know? The Museum of Islamic Art’s library includes more than 22,000 books, making the museum’s collections of books on Islamic art one of the largest in the region.
Other exciting things at MIA
IN-Q GIFT SHOP: Located on the museum’s ground floor for a selection of high-quality replicas, handmade glassware, art books, jewelry, stationery, and accessories, each representing the museum’s collection.
MIA PARK: Adjacent to the museum, spans a 25-hectare waterfront space with lighted pathways and a palm-ringed cove promenade. It features public art installations like Richard Serra’s “7” and Dia al-Azzawi’s “Hanging Gardens of Babel.” The park offers family recreation with play areas and food trucks, complemented by cafes overlooking the Arabian Sea and Doha Skyline, ideal for serene outings.
Dining experiences
IDAM by Alain Ducasse: Situated on the museum’s top floor, blends local ingredients with French Mediterranean haute cuisine, offering picturesque views of Doha’s Corniche and skyline.
MIA Café: Located in the Atrium, serves a rotating menu of homemade international favorites, fresh juices, salads, and hot drinks, all enjoyed with stunning museum views.
Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art
Highlights of Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art
- Unique Collection: Houses the world’s largest collection of modern and contemporary Arab art with over 9,000 artworks.
- Diverse Artworks: Features pieces from the Middle East, North Africa, and regions historically connected to the Arab Peninsula, like Iran, Turkey, and India.
- Educational Library: The Maktaba specializes in modern and contemporary Arab art, with a comprehensive collection of books and publications.
- Historic Venue: Located in a renovated former school building within Education City.
- Visitor Amenities: Includes a café and free entry for Qatar and GCC residents.
Key Information
Timings:
Saturday to Wednesday: 9 AM – 7 PM
Closed on Monday
Thursday: 9 AM – 9 PM
Fridays: 1:30 PM – 7 PM
Access: Free entry for all Qatar residents and GCC residents. (Qatar ID or GCC ID holders)
When you buy a ticket to the museum it will cover admission to the museum and all the special exhibitions of the museum.
Ticket holders must present an accepted and valid ID for entry.
Ticket prices:
Student Non-resident of Qatar – QAR 25
Child (Age 16 and under) – Free
Adult Non-resident of Qatar – QAR 50
Click here to book or buy your tickets
The museum has ample parking available
Nearest Doha Metro station: Education City station (Green line) (15-minute walk from the station to Mathaf.
Education City has a free tram service that runs across campus.
Location: Education City, Ar-Rayyan
Contact: 4402 8830
Website: mathaf.org.qa/en/
If you’re exploring Education City in Qatar, a visit to Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art is a must. Located within Education City, Mathaf showcases the largest collection of modern and contemporary Arab art in the world, focusing on works from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. It’s a must-see for art enthusiasts interested in exploring diverse galleries and exhibitions.
Mathaf, meaning “museum” in Arabic, is housed in a renovated former school building and features a permanent collection that provides a comprehensive overview of modern and contemporary art from the Arab World.
What it features: Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art showcases a comprehensive collection of 20th- and 21st-century modern and contemporary art from the Arab World, as well as regions connected to Qatar and the Arab Peninsula across Africa, Asia, and Europe.
Founded with an initial donation by H.E. Sheikh Hassan bin Mohammed bin Ali Al Thani, Mathaf houses over 9,000 artworks collected over 25 years, making it the world’s only museum and collection of its kind. It continues to expand with contributions from Iran, Turkey, India, and beyond.
Additional Features
- The Maktaba (Library) specializes in modern and contemporary Arab art research.
- Refreshments at the museum’s cafe.
3-2-1 Qatar Olympic & Sports Museum
Highlights of 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic & Sports Museum
- Iconic Architecture: Designed with a cylindrical glass structure adorned by Olympic-colored rings, symbolizing the spirit of the Olympic Games.
- Activity Zone: Engage in sports, exercises, and interactive activities suitable for all ages.
- Interactive Galleries: Seven floors of immersive galleries, including:
- 3-2-1 Shop & Café: Browse exclusive merchandise inspired by sports and the Olympic Games, and enjoy nutritious refreshments at the café.
To know all the details about 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic & Sports Museum, click here.
Key Information
Timings: Saturday to Wednesday: 9 AM – 7 PM
Closed on Tuesday
Thursday: 9 AM – 9 PM
Fridays: 1:30 PM – 7 PM
Access: Free entry for all Qatar residents and GCC residents. (Qatar ID or GCC ID holders)
When you buy a ticket to the museum it will cover admission to the museum and all the special exhibitions of the museum.
Ticket holders must present an accepted and valid ID for entry.
Ticket prices:
Student Non-resident of Qatar – QAR 25
Child (Age 16 and under) – Free
Adult Non-resident of Qatar – QAR 50
Click here to book or buy your tickets
The museum has ample parking available
Nearest Doha Metro station: Sport City station (Gold line)
Location: Khalifa International Stadium, Aspire Zone
Contact: 4452 5200
Website: 321qosm.org.qa/
Timings: Saturday to Thursday: 9 am–7 pm
Fridays: 1:30 pm – 7 pm
Situated near the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 stadium, the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic & Sports Museum provides an insightful exploration of Qatar’s sports culture. Football enthusiasts will appreciate its significance, while the ‘Activity Zone’ offers interactive sports experiences. The museum delves into the historical and modern impact of the Olympic Games, celebrates global sports figures, and illuminates Qatar’s sports evolution. Classic racing car enthusiasts will also find intriguing displays of vintage models.
What it features: Upon entering, a cushioned running track greets you, akin to Olympic stadiums. Spanning seven floors, the museum offers an immersive journey through global sports history, the Olympic Games, Qatar’s football legacy, and the Qatar World Cup. Galleries include the World of Emotion, Global History of Sport, Olympics-themed exhibits, the Hall of Athletes, Qatar: Hosting Nation, and the Activation Zone promoting active lifestyles.
The museum features a gift shop on the fifth floor with exclusive sports-inspired merchandise, including local football kits and vintage Olympic prints. Adjacent is the 3-2-1 Café on the third floor, offering nutritious dining options amidst vibrant indoor and outdoor seating, perfect for concluding your museum visit.
OTHER MUSEUMS IN QATAR
OliOli® Doha
Located in Katara Cultural Village, the children’s play museum by OliOli is housed inside a giant gift box building, intriguing many long-time Qatar residents. It offers a unique indoor play experience for kids, promoting learning and entertainment in a safe environment. Designed to foster creativity, curiosity, and imagination, it’s a must-visit for families passionate about positive play and imaginative exploration.
To know all the details about OliOli Doha, click here.
Key Information
Timings: Sunday to Thursday: 12 PM – 9 PM
Friday & Saturday: 10 AM – 9 PM
Access: Standard Ticket Child (2 – 16 years): QAR 135 (Includes 1 child & 1 adult admission for 2 hours)
Standard Ticket Toddler (12 – 23 months): QAR 67 (Includes 1 toddler & 1 adult admission for 2 hours)
Standard Visit Extra Adult (16+ years): QAR 45 for 2 hours visit
You can book your tickets online and payment is only available at the location.
Nearest Doha metro station: Katara metro station (Red line)
Ample underground parking available.
Location: Children’s Mall (Gift building), Katara Cultural Village
Contact: 44081266
Website: olioli.qa
What it features: The museum has interactive galleries with over 40 hands-on exhibits that create a world of exploration and wonder!
- Kinetic Gallery
- Creative Lab
- Fitness Gallery
- teamLab Future Park
- Water Gallery
Msheireb Museums
Msheireb Museums in Qatar offers a deep dive into the country’s history and culture. It covers Qatari traditional life, the nation’s development, the history of slavery, and Qatar’s journey towards modernity. As the second museum after the National Museum of Qatar to provide such comprehensive insights, Msheireb Museums vividly portrays the struggles and sacrifices of past generations that have shaped Qatar today.
To know all the details about Msheireb Museums, click here.
Key Information
Timings: Sunday: Closed
Monday to Thursday: 9 am – 5 pm
Friday: 3 pm – 9 pm
Saturday: 9 am – 5 pm
Last admission 30 minutes before closing.
Access: Free for all
Nearest metro station: Msheireb (Gold line, Red line, Green line)
Underground parking is available in Msheireb.
Location: Msheireb Downtown Doha
Contact: 40065555
Instagram: @msheirebmuseums
What it features: Prepare for a journey through four houses revealing Qatar’s socio-economic history. It offers an immersive audio-visual experience, showcasing captivating films and music projected on house walls. Msheireb Museums are meticulously restored historic houses in the heart of Msheireb Downtown Doha.
Radwani House: Experience a restored Qatari family house showcasing traditional Qatari life through audio-visual aids, capturing the evolution of family life in Qatar over the years.
Bin Jelmood House: Explore the history of enslavement globally and in Qatar, highlighting Islam’s role in guiding humane treatment, integration, and eventual abolition of slavery.
Company House: Hear firsthand accounts of Qatar’s petroleum industry workers who contributed to the nation’s growth, housed in Qatar’s first oil company building.
Mohammed Bin Jassim House: Built by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Jassim Al-Thani, this heritage site reflects on Qatar’s past and present, integrating sustainable elements foundational to Msheireb Downtown Doha, featuring the Echo Memory Art Project showcasing artifacts unearthed during excavation.
Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum
A trip to Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum offers a serene escape from Doha’s bustling city life, providing a unique museum experience unlike any other in Qatar. It’s a modern take on the Cabinet of Curiosities, housing Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani’s extensive private collection. The museum, located a 40 to 50-minute drive from Doha, feels like a rewarding road trip. Highlights include an astonishing array of collections accumulated over a lifetime, including vintage cars and both large and miniature artifacts, offering plenty of photo opportunities.
To know all the details about Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum, click here.
Key Information
Timings: Sunday: Closed
Monday to Thursday: 9 AM – 5 PM
Friday: 2 PM – 7 PM
Saturday: 10 AM – 6 PM
Access: Ticket prices for all: QAR 50 per adult
QAR 30 for 13 – 22 years old
FREE for kids under 12 years old
To pre-book tickets, click here. Tickets can also be bought at the counter in the museum counter.
Location: Dukhan Road, Al Shahaniya
Contact: 4490 2340, 6687 4177
Website: alsamriyaestate.com/museum
What it features: Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum presents an extensive collection curated by Sheikh Faisal himself, highlighting his role in preserving Qatari heritage and promoting cultural understanding. Spanning from the Jurassic era to modern times, the museum’s themed displays cover Islamic Art, Qatar Heritage, Vehicles, Jewelry, and more, showcasing cultural connections across Southern Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. Key attractions include the Car Museum, featuring over 500 vehicles spanning 120 years of automotive history, and the Carpet Museum, exhibiting a diverse array of carpets from around the world.
Museum Café
Take a break and unwind in a cozy ambiance to taste snacks, refreshing drinks and traditional coffee at the Museum cafe. The cafe offers indoor and outdoor seating with a lake and a display of Dhows.
Gift Shop
The gift shop celebrates artisans throughout the Silk Route as well as customized products for all ages. Beyond a book selection of Arab authors, silver jewelry and chinaware, designed kids’ toys and artful stationery represent a keepsake of your journey at FBQ Museum.
Arab Postal Stamps Museum
Image: Fitria Ramli/Shutterstock.com
This museum is rather a display room with a wide collection of multi-theme stamps. The stamp collection covers 22 Arab countries. You will also find worldwide celebratory stamps (including sporting events). The highlight of the museum is the display of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 stamps series along with stamps related to other World Cups.
This museum is a small room of postal stamps display and could be great place to stop by while you are exploring Katara Cultural Village.
Key Information
Timings: Open till 11 pm
Access: Free entry. No booking is required.
Location: near Katara Blue Mosque in Katara Cultural Village
Maritime Museum in Hamad Port Visitors Center
The Maritime Museum is housed in Hamad Port Visitors Center which is a purpose-built place to showcase the maritime history and achievements of Qatar. The main attraction of the center is the oceanic aquarium and the museum is a great add on!
The Maritime Museum tells fascinating stories; the story of the shipping containers and containerships, the story of Hamad Port and its impact, how the port operates, and how Qatari maritime heritage and trade evolved over the years.
Beside the museum is the beautiful Aquarium featuring 80 species of fishes and aquatic creatures. It is a must-visit experience.
Timings: Sunday to Thursday: 8 AM – 7 PM
Friday: 1 PM – 7 PM
Access: Adults above 12 years old: 50 QAR
Children between 5 and 12 years old: 30 QAR
Child below 5 years old: Free
Booking tickets via their website is mandatory. No ticket counter is available on site. Click here to book tickets.
The ticket will also cover aquarium viewing and a 4D cinema.
Location: Umm El Houl