Providing insights into society, culture and the Arab world, Mathaf: Arab Museum of Islamic Art is a fascinating attraction that’s worth visiting on your holiday to Doha.
Museum Location
This attraction is located at Education City in Ar-Rayyan and those staying at hotel apartments Doha has to offer in the West Bay area can easily plan a visit here. The museum is around a 20-minute drive from Somerset West Bay Doha and is open from 9:00am to 7:00pm from Saturday to Thursday and 1:30pm to 7:00pm on Friday.
Early Beginnings
Mathaf: Arab Museum of Islamic Art was launched in 2010 in a building that was once a school; it was however redesigned with futuristic style by Jean-François Bodin and provides a unique art space. Initially, the collection centred on works acquired by Sheikh Hassan bin Mohamed bin Ali Al Thani, a member of the ruling family.
Permanent Collection
The permanent collection of the museum has more than 9,000 works and is the largest in the region to showcase contemporary and modern Arab art. The collection which is rotated on display at the first-floor galleries spans from the mid-19th century to present times and features sculptures, paintings, video, installations and more.
Other Highlights
Amongst the key museums in Doha, the site offers visitors a chance to learn more about Arab culture too. This space is also used to hosts temporary exhibitions by artists and groups from the region, while at its Project Space, artists can create and experiment in new forms of art and expression.
