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The building of Museum of Islamic Art is one of the iconic buildings on Doha Corniche. The museum building sits on its own island and is a very prominent structure of the capital city of Doha.
The Museum of Islamic Art is the perfect place for someone who enjoys history, art, or antiques in one form or another. It is also a must-visit for Muslims and even non-Muslims who are interested to explore and learn about the religion, Islam. Let’s have a rundown of why you should visit this museum:
- At the Museum you will come across Islamic arts from the past, present, East and West.
- The cream-coloured limestone building stands tall on an artificial island and the exterior captures the changes in light and shade during the day.
- Apart from the exterior, the interior of the museum will also stun you! The huge open atrium is immaculate and well-lit with sunlight during the daytime.
- The museum consists of 3 floors with around 5 – 6 big display rooms on every floor and each of them displays works collected from three continents, including countries across the Middle East, and reaching as far as Spain and China.
The architecture: I. M. Pei, the acclaimed Chinese-American architect, drew inspiration from Islamic culture for one of his final works – The Museum of Islamic Art. The Museum of Islamic Art’s design was inspired by a historic mosque in Cairo, but it is a wonderfully contemporary version of traditional architecture.
The interior is equally impressive. The first floor is accessed via a double curved staircase that is located in the atrium’s center. An elaborate metal chandelier in the shape of a circle hangs above it, mirroring the staircase’s curve.
The faceted dome’s pattern of light is captured and reflected by an oculus at the top of the atrium. A sheet of glass rises to a height of 45m (148ft) on the north side of the Museum offering views of the Gulf and West Bay area of Doha from all five floors of the atrium.
What it features: The museum features eighteen galleries that are organised according to broad historical and cultural themes, periods and geography, and explore the great traditions of Islamic craftsmanship across 3 floors of the atrium.
Your experience will begin on the ground floor with an introductory immersive gallery that details the fascinating story of I.M. Pei and his daring design for the now iconic museum.
The MIA holdings consist of more than 11,000 objects, spanning three continents and 13 centuries, comprising one of the best collections of Islamic art in the world. Representing the full scope of Islamic art from the 7th to the 20th centuries, the MIA collection includes manuscripts, ceramics, metal, glass, ivory, textiles, wood, and precious stones. These works have been collected from three continents, including countries across the Middle East, and reaching as far as Spain and China.
The collection is exhibited on two floors of galleries that encircle the atrium of the museum. Following the reinstallation, the galleries are organized according to broad historical and cultural themes, periods, and geographic areas. Many newly acquired and conserved works of art are on view with a large percentage displayed in the Museum’s permanent galleries for the first time, alongside the masterpieces for which the MIA is known internationally.
Museum of Islamic Art Library
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.
The library offers possibilities for research set within a pleasant and peaceful setting. The library also features secluded study booths for those requiring privacy and extra concentration. There is also a dedicated section for children at the library.
Other exciting things at MIA
IN-Q GIFT SHOP
Don’t forget to check the gift shop on ground floor of the museum. You will find products from high-quality replicas, handmade glassware, art books and jewellery to stationery and accessories, each object is an ambassador of the museum.
MIA PARK
Adjacent to the museum you will notice a huge park that stretches to a length that makes a C-shaped path. Let’s take the museum as one point of the C-shaped path and 7 sculptors by Richard Serra as the other point. MIA Park is a 25-hectare (62-acre) public space on the waterfront of Doha. Developed by Qatar Museums, the park includes approximately 2 kilometers (one mile) of lighted pedestrian stone pathways and a formal 800-meter (2,600-foot) palm-ringed cove promenade connecting the MIA to a 5-hectare (12-acre) man-made peninsula of geometrically shaped abstracted dunes with panoramic views of the West Bay.
Public art at MIA Park includes 7, a spectacular permanent installation by the American sculptor Richard Serra; Bench, a sculpture comprised of seventeen limestone pieces that form a semi-circular seat, by Lebanese artist Saloua Raouda Choucair; and a sculpture by Dia al-Azzawi titled Hanging Gardens of Babel.
The park provides opportunities for family recreation & relaxation as their are three major play areas for children, one of them is a small trampoline area. There are a lot of food trucks set in different areas of the park.
Dining experiences at MIA
MIA Café: Located in the Atrium of the Museum of Islamic Art, MIA Café is a treat! Their menu is regularly updated with a collection of homemade international favourites and signature creations, fresh juices, salads and hot drinks. Worthy of mention is the amazing view that you would enjoy while sipping your favorite beverage and munching on snacks.
IDAM by Alain Ducasse: Located on the museum’s top floor, Alain Ducasse’s restaurant IDAM recreates timeless classics from local and regional cuisines, while also sourcing local ingredients from Qatar. The restaurant serves contemporary French Mediterranean haute cuisine with an Arabic twist and features picture-perfect views of Doha’s Corniche and skyline.offers contemporary Mediterranean cuisine with a twist of eclectic Arabian flavours.
Key information about Museum of Islamic Art MIA
Timings: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Saturday: 9 AM – 7 PM
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 9 AM – 9 PM
Friday: 1:30 PM – 7 PM
Access: Free entry for all Qatar residents (Qatar 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
Location: Off Al Corniche St, Doha
Contact: 4422 4444
Website: https://mia.org.qa/en/
Instagram: @miaqatar
The museum has ample parking available