The brainchild of I. M. Pei, a world-renowned architect, the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha is the perfect manifestation of Qatar’s wealth and dedication to preserving Islamic art; a visit to the museum is a must.
Location
The ideally chosen location of the museum is a tribute to Qatar’s seafaring history; the traditional dhow harbour and the Corniche are sure to add colour to a tourist’s visit. What’s more, the museum which is only a five-minute drive from Al Najada Doha Hotel by Tivoli, is easy to reach for those staying in the city.
Facilities
Inside the museum is a restaurant, on par with dining venues at the best hotels in Doha. Run by a skilled chef, the restaurant offers cooking lessons in addition to the promise of delightful French Mediterranean haute cuisine with a fusion of Arabic culinary traditions. Tourists can also visit the library for an interesting read or partake in a workshop.
Architecture
The interior makeup of the museum borrows from traditional Islamic architecture, but it is also uniquely modern – it is said that I. M. Pei traversed the Islamic world for six months before he began designing this architectural masterpiece.
Collection
The carefully thought-out collection contains pieces sourced from three continents and most of the items are at least a thousand years old; some of the textiles, ceramics and manuscripts go back to the 7th century and offer much to take in and marvel at.