If you are heading to Doha and looking to gain insights into the rich local history and heritage, there’s no better place than the National Museum of Qatar; here is a handy guide to help you plan your visit.
Unique Design
The structure that houses the museum is an attraction in its own right with a futuristic design that one would usually associate with seeing in science fiction movies! It features a series of interlocking discs that have been based on the crystallised mineral formation known as the desert rose. Famed French architect, Jean Nouvel, is the brainchild behind this unique design which is mirrored in the equally fascinating interiors as well.
Visitor Information
The National Museum of Qatar can be found on Museum Park Street at the southern end of the Corniche, easy to reach for those based at a luxury hotel in Doha. This attraction is open from 9:00am to 7:00pm from Saturday to Thursday and 1.30pm to 7:00pm on Fridays. Check the official website (https://nmoq.org.qa/) to book one of the time slots in advance for your visit. The nearby Corniche is a great place to explore too and it’s from where one can catch a luxury catamaran ferry to Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara, an ideal place to stay.
What’s On Offer
Inside the museum, you will find 11 enthralling galleries which take on a storytelling approach; think of it as going through captivating chapters that tell the story of Qatar from its early beginnings to where it stands today! There are both staff-led and self-guided tours on offer to help you explore the site as well. You can expect innovative exhibits that engage the senses as well as diverse films projected on curving walls. Be it the formation of the nation, the natural environments, archaeological treasures, Qatari people, life on the coast and in the desert, the pearling industry or the discovery of oil, there is much to uncover.
Other Features
A key feature of the National Museum of Qatar is the preserved Old Palace which has been restored and is worth seeing. There are also exhibition rooms and an auditorium, and you should see if anything of interest is taking place at these venues at the time of your visit. Another highlight here is the site’s park which is open 24/7 and offers a wonderful place to unwind with family or friends; you can have a drink at the café and take in public artworks, while the kids are bound to love the Cave of Wonders and Nakilat Adventure Ship.
