Discover the Museum of Islamic Art: Exhibitions, Timings, Location & More
Step into the world of artistic mastery and cultural heritage intertwine at the Museum of Islamic Art. Nestled on an idyllic island off the bustling Doha Corniche, MIA showcases timeless beauty and profound significance of Islamic art. From intricate calligraphy and gleaming ceramics to resplendent textiles and awe-inspiring metalwork, every step within these hallowed halls reveals a tapestry of creativity and devotion spanning over a thousand years.
The architectural wonder designed by Pritzker Prize has four floors of permanent and temporary exhibitions, a gift shop, a café, and an haute cuisine restaurant IDAM by renowned chef Alain Ducasse on the fifth floor.
The Museum of Islamic Art will leave you awestruck with its artistic brilliance and breathtaking views of the city's skyline. Visitors to the museum have an opportunity to look at Shahnameh's Manuscript, see the world's first navigational tools, and get dazzled by a large emerald from the 16th century.
Galleries in the Museum of Islamic Art
The eighteen galleries explore the major traditions of Islamic workmanship, history, cultural themes, time periods, and geographic regions. The experience begins on the ground floor itself with an introduction to the fascinating story of I.M. Pie and his design of the iconic museum.
Gallery 1: In Gallery 1 showcases the inception of Islam. It display's all the important masterpieces introducing you to fascinating tales of Islamic art.
Gallery 2: In Gallery 2, the visitor is to experience the word and art of the holy scripture Qur'an. Over a span of 23 years, Archangel Gabriel delivered it to Prophet Mohammed (MHSRIP). Later Prophet (MHSRIP) devoted his life to recitation as well as written and oral transmission. While going around, you will observe a wide range of motifs and materials used to ornament the Qur'an manuscripts shows Muslim societies' global artistic diversities.
Gallery 3: Visitors will learn about the religious life in the Islamic world and five akran al-Islam (pillars), beginning with Shahada (profession of faith), followed by Salat (prayer), zakat (almsgiving), sawm Ramadan (fasting) and hajj (pilgrimage).
Gallery 4: Under Muslim rule, great intellectual hubs grew in places like Baghdad, Cairo, Cordoba, and Fez. In Gallery 4, visitors will view central interactive tables and displays recreating the Madarsa setting. One will also see scientific instruments that were used to determine time.
Gallery 5: With the spread of Islam, Arabic became the new language of science. As the visitors enter Gallery 5, they will see significant advances in medicine, engineering, mathematics, astronomy, and geography.
Gallery 6: Gallery 6 is all about embracing the establishment of the caliphate. The possessions on display in this gallery represent three of Islamic history's most important caliphates' artistic production.
Gallery 7: Encounter ancient histories and well-established artistic traditions of the Eastern world.
Gallery 8: Al-Andalus is the Arabic name for the region of Spain and Portugal that formed the western border of the Islamic world. With the arrival of Islam in the late 1st century A.H. (early 8th century C.E.), Muslim dynasties flourished there, forming alliances with neighboring powers. The period of Muslim rule in al-Andalus was one of brilliant political, economic, and cultural development, with new techniques developed in industries such as textiles and ceramics. Its cultural, intellectual, and artistic legacies are still celebrated today.
Gallery 9: Discover the Islamic legacy in Al-Andalus. Also, in this gallery, visitors will see pottery, carpets, carved wood, embroidered linens, and manuscript bindings utilized in preceding periods' techniques and themes.
Gallery 10: This gallery is going to be all about the Mediterranean – Sea of Exchange. Travelers will be enlightened to see trade goods, ideas, and languages that traveled with people from these routes.
Gallery 11: Visitors can observe the mamluk metal works and a large metal tray made for Sultan al-Nasir Muhammad bin Qala'un.
Gallery 12: This is going to be interesting for visitors interested in the Ottoman Dynasty and the arts of Turkey. You will see Damascus's room, textiles, and carpet from the Ottoman Empire in the display.
Gallery 13: The art of warfare has always played a special role in Islam. So, how could the Museum of Islamic Art not have a dedicated gallery for it? In Gallery 18, visitors will get to see utilitarian weapons and horse armor.
Gallery 14: You will see high-quality carpets, textiles, and manuscripts in Gallery 14.
Gallery 15: The manuscripts and calligraphy have always played a primary role in shaping the art and culture of Islam, so it's time to observe them in Gallery 15.
Gallery 16: When Afghan troops overcame Delhi in the late 6th century A.H. (12th century C.E.), and various provincial sultanates appeared across the subcontinent, Islam's influence spread more widely. The Mughal dynasty, which possessed vast lands and wealth, had risen to prominence as the leading Muslim power by the late 10th century A.H. (16th century C.E.). The Mughals, who had ancestral ties to Central Asia, ruled over South Asia for nearly three centuries, establishing a new culture incorporating regional customs into their support of the arts.
In gallery 16, you will witness textiles and garments from the British Raj, paintings depicting the battles, Mughal jewelry and carpets, Mughal chests with mother-of-pearl decoration, the Delhi sultanate art, and a lot more from the era.
Museum of Islamic Art Location
Museum of Islamic Art is located within walking distance of numerous tourist hotspots, including the Doha Corniche, where one can experience the Dhow Boat. One can also walk down to Souq Waqif, which is also a few minutes away, with restaurants, shops, and plenty of entertainment. Also, the gold souq is located nearby.
Address: MIA Park, Doha Corniche
How to reach the Museum of Islamic Art?
One can easily reach the Museum of Islamic Art via car or taxi. Uber is widely used, alternatively, Karwa or Careem. This can also be the first place a traveler goes as it's only 15 minutes from Hamad International Airport.
The nearest metro station is on the Gold line, Qatar National Museum
Highlights of the Museum of Islamic Art:
- MIA Park
- MIA Café
- Shahnameh Manuscript
- Planispheric Astrolabe
- Carved Emerald Plaque
Museum of Islamic Art Timings:
Saturday–Thursday: 9:00–19:00
Fridays: 13:30–19:00
Museum of Islamic Art Tickets:
- One Pass Holder- Free
- Adult QAR 100
- Adult – Qatar Residents and GCC Residents - Free
- Child (age 16 and under) Free
With centuries-old works of art, crafts, manuscripts, and other cultural components, the museum of Islamic Art in Doha is a sight to behold. Tourists are invited to exhibitions and workshops to closely examine and awe Qatar's undiscovered beauty. From discovering Qatar's colorful past to awe-inspiring the collection and artefacts. This is undoubtedly the spot you can explore with your family because it offers everything for total knowledge and entertainment. Therefore, reserve your Qatari flights immediately and be set for an unforgettable journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What can you see in Museum of Islamic Art?
Different galleries in the museum contain different collections, from paintings, sculptures, and other important works of art to pottery, carpets, carved wood, embroidered linens, and utilitarian weapons.
Q2. In what country is the Museum of Islamic Art?
The Museum of Islamic Art is located within walking distance of numerous tourist hotspots, including the Doha Corniche.
Q3. Who created the Museum of Islamic Art?
The Museum of Islamic Art has a fascinating history of I.M. Pie and his design of the iconic museum.
Q5. How much does it cost to go to the Islamic Museum?
Tickets to the Museum of Islamic Art are available in one-hour time slots. Please arrive on time to ensure entry.
- Tickets for One Pass Holder- Free
- Adult QAR 100
- Adult – Qatar Residents and GCC Residents - Free
- Child (age 16 and under) Free
Deepti Shangari