The Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) is one of Qatar’s most iconic buildings and is world-famous for its exotic collection of Islamic masterpieces from different countries spanning centuries.
Thousands of visitors pass through its doors every year to witness the marvel and splendour of the art pieces collected over the years and carefully conserved so visitors can understand the Islamic traditions, culture, and heritage through the centuries.
In this guide, the ILoveQatar.net (ILQ) team talks about what makes this museum a remarkable place to visit.
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Sitting beautifully by the Corniche, the Museum of Islamic Art has many Instagram-worthy spots. The museum's exterior and interior offer gorgeous views for visitors to see.
Inside the MIA are two separate courtyards located at the West and East wing, engulfed in water fountains and the mesmerizing view of the Doha Skyline.
On the outside, apart from MIA's grandeur entrance and incredible facade, the museum also has a "Grand Photo Spot" where visitors can stand to take the ultimate photo with the museum as a background.
Designed by world-renowned architect and Pritzker Prize winner IM Pei, the MIA has an incredible architectural design. He is known for designing the innovative glass pyramid that adorns the forecourt of the Paris Louvre.
MIA comprises five floors and is connected by a two-floor Education Wing through a central courtyard. The interior has geometric patterns that make the Islamic architecture subtly visible.
Metal chandeliers hang from the atrium, and the glass wall on the museum’s north face gives visitors a view of Doha’s breathtaking Corniche and skyline.
MIA is home to a vast range of Islamic art collected from all over the world, reaching as far as China, India, and Spain. The collection comprises precious stones, jewellery, ceramics, glass, wood, metal, textiles, and manuscripts from hundreds of years ago, dating from the 7th to the 20th century.
The art pieces are from different eras. Each piece tells its own story, takes you beyond the museum walls, and transports you to the world of yesterday.
The Museum of Islamic Art also holds a substantial collection of relics that shows the history of Islam and its influences. During some months, the MIA holds several temporary exhibitions with artefacts and art pieces brought specifically to Qatar.
For the upcoming weeks, the following exhibitions will be taking place in the museum:
Note: Please check the exhibitions' end dates mentioned before making your plan.
For more upcoming events in Qatar, you may click here!
The newly renovated Museum of Islamic Art has built an Immersive Gallery that tells the story of how it was constructed. The gallery displays the intricate story of the Museum of Islamic Art, from its conceptualization to its architectural design, as narrated in colourful visuals.
Touring around the galleries takes quite a bit of energy. Luckily, the museum has a café within its walls where you can sit with family or friends. Tucked in the MIA’s atrium area is a modern cafe with ample seating that offers guests a good selection of nutritious, healthy, and fresh food, including plant-based, organic, and gluten-free selections.
The seats by the cafe are also a great spot to take an Instagram-worthy photo, as it gives you a marvellous backdrop of the Doha skyline!
The MIA has revamped its new gift shop, which offers a variety of exclusively designed products inspired by the museum's art collection and exhibits. The gift shop includes souvenirs you can bring home, including gifts, art books, home décor, accessories, and even jewellery.
And in celebration of the World Cup, the gift shop is also licensed to sell official FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™️!
Adjacent to the museum is MIA Park which is a delight for people of all ages. The park has playgrounds, play equipment for children, and even a group exercise device!
The park also has several art installations placed throughout the park that are fun and interactive. There is also a café and gift shop, which adds to the park’s appeal.
Note: During the World Cup, MIA Park and Flag Plaza will remain open and accessible to the public 24 hours a day. However, they will not be accessible by car. Visitors are advised to use public buses or the metro.
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Have you been to MIA? Which is your favourite exhibit? Do you take friends and family visiting Qatar to MIA? Do let us know in the comments section. Like and share this article – it keeps us going.
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