Museum of Islamic Art, Doha: Discover The Elegance Of Arabic Culture and Heritage

Witness Qatar with its best art, tradition, and culture that is preserved here for ages. The Museum of Islamic Art, Doha, is a masterpiece, exhibiting the marvel of Qatari Culture and the heritage of every Arabian nation. Be it the architecture, or the impressive collection, every aspect of this museum is representing the enriching beauty of Qatar. Overlooking the scenic beauty of the Doha waterfront, this is one of the most popular and significant landmarks of the country. We have curated a list of every feature you can explore on this iconic cultural site.

The Architectural Wonder of Qatar- MIA Doha

The splendor of architectural beauty, MIA is designed by the world-known architect I.M Pei. With the touch of ancient Islamic architecture, the museum is one of the most iconic landmarks of the country, adding to its popularity. There is a slight resemblance to Ibn Tulun Mosque in Cairo in its look and design, yet the museum stands as one of the best architectural marvels in the world.

Defining its interior and exteriors, the Doha Museum of Islamic art is made from limestone as almost every historical Islamic building. The main building of the museum changes colors with the light and different shades, which lures visitors, irrespective of their nation. The vast entrance adorning the green palm fringes not only looks compelling but enhances the beauty of this museum. The perfect use of geometric patterns, the use of quality stones, and the aesthetic touch is all that has made it an attraction to admire.

Similarly, the interiors of the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha are too intriguing. The atrium (a large open-air space) in the center is designed with curved staircases that are leading towards the first floor of the museum. The chandelier above in the center is a masterpiece that is adding much glamor to the classic interiors. Moving ahead, there is an oculus (a circular window at the apex of a dome) that is reflecting the lights with different hues and patterns to make it more illuminated and appealing. The use of space, windows, and elevators have made it one of the most impressive attractions for tourists in Qatar.

A Take on The Best Collection of Museum of Islamic Art in Qatar

The collection of MIA is not just unique and influential, but it is the main highlight that makes it an attraction for all. Presenting the rich art and heritage of Qatar, with other Middle Eastern nations, and neighboring countries, the museum boasts of an impressive collection of art and artifacts. There is a perfect fusion of regional, cultural and historical elements influencing the crowds from every religion and caste to witness the excellence of the past.

There are three floors, each dedicated to a specific collection- the first two are for glasswork, ceramics, and other permanent collections. Let us briefly understand every aspect of the MIA collection for a better experience.

• The Ceramics at MIA are the beautified objects that are preserved to represent the art prevailing for ages. From kitchen wear to décor and more, these ceramics have been a part of Islamic culture for a very long time, or as you can say, since the 12th century.
• The glass collection from the medieval period includes brightly colored lamps and every other glass accessory that was used back in the time. These glasses were used as decorative items or utensils, revealing a lot about the historical period.
• There is a huge collection of metalwork used by the emperors or sultans back in the day. You will find vessels and war masks, the keys, and other elements that were used by the people of the 16th century in their daily life.
• The Museum of Islamic art has a lot about culture in Qatar and other places in the form of manuscripts and other books. There are writings from the 7th and 19th centuries- the ottoman period.
• There is a fine textile collection, which includes carpets, costumes, and a lot more elements representing the handicraft and local art of the Middle East.

Facilities Offered To The Guests At The Museum of Islamic Art, Doha

MIA, being a famous Doha attraction for tourists, has a myriad of facilities to make your exploration easy and comforting. The museum is vast enough to engage you for a day, therefore you will find every item of necessity, offering utmost ease. Let us discover the hidden features and facilities of the famous Museum of Islamic arts.

• There is a Reception and Information area towards the left of the main entrance where you can ask for complete guidance.
• The museum has a Gift Shop for buying a range of gifts and souvenirs.
• You can ask for Free Guided Tours but only on Thursdays and Saturdays. The timings for the tours are from 2 pm with a duration of 40 minutes.
• The famous MIA café and restaurants are there to relax and enjoy delicious meals.
• Being a cultural center, the museum offers separate Prayer Rooms for males and females.
• There is a Cloakroom to keep your bags that are not allowed inside the museum.
• Visitors can get Free Wi-Fi inside the Islamic art museum.
• Talking about accessibility, the museum has multi-media guides and fill accessibility that is available only on request.
• You can even find an ATM in Atrium.
• The Museum shop is best for, but the quality handicrafts and antiques like art books and jewelry to home décor, gifts, and accessories.
• The parking area is open for taxis and personal vehicles.
• MIA Doha has a big and fully equipped auditorium with seating for more than 200 people. The latest audiovisual equipment makes the experience unique.
• For Kids, the museum has a separate playground and library where they can learn and enjoy.

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The MIA Attractions You Can Explore

The MIA, or museum of Islamic arts is more than just being a cultural site, where there is a vast collection of art, murals, and more. There are some attractions and features that add more for complete entertainment and fun. Read on to know the best attractions in the Museum of Islamic arts.

1. The MIA Café

The MIA Café is one of the best cafes in Doha, located in the Museum of Islamic Arts, offering you a delightful gastronomic experience. Overlooking the serene views of the West Bay and the Doha corniche, MIA Café is one of the best attractions and features of this museum. The café offers a treat to your sight while adding a delicious punch to your day. The café is designed by a French designer, Phillipe Starck, who has given a classic and chic touch to the spectacular interiors and impressive architecture of the Café.

After a long tour, the café comes as the best spot to relax and sip your favorite coffee. The warmth of Qatari hospitality and the sophisticated ambiance brings the ultimate leisure you need for your family day trip. This is a great place where you can even hang out with your friends after exploring the glorious past of Qatar and its neighboring places. The menu here includes the best food options, and quality served by the chefs of the Grand Hyatt Doha Hotel & Villas. There are sandwiches and fresh salads, desserts, and every relishing beverage option- tea, coffee, juice, cold drinks, and mocktails. Try croissants, salads, muffins, pasta, eggs, biryani, cut fruits, and a lot more.

Café Timings: Saturday to Thursday from 9:00 AM until 7:00 PM

Friday from 1:30 PM until 7:00 PM

2. MIA Park

The MIA Park, lying near the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha is one of the popular family attractions that is portrayed by its peacefulness and great highlights. Lodging intriguing features and some famous attractions close by, the recreation center is visited by countless individuals from all walks of life. One can even peruse for MIA Park Qatar Events to be a part of the social fest that is infrequently coordinated here. Be it a vacationer or the nearby individuals of Qatar, MIA park offers the definitive recreation and fun you are searching for at the end of the week.

Discussing how one can invest energy at this Qatar MIA Park, there are several activities and ventures offered for the children and grown-ups. According to the MIA park timing, it is open 24 hours, however, there are distinctive functional hours for attractions that are situated in and around the district. From planning a family picnic to shopping at the Park Bazar, there are many activities lined up there for your entertainment and leisure.

The Picnic baskets are easily available at the Park starting at QAR 50. These baskets are loaded up with a variety of snacks. There are bistros, and Kiosks with a menu that incorporates healthy food and light meals like sandwiches, or new plates of mixed greens, and cakes.

Timings: Monday to Sunday 08:00 am to 10:00 pm

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3. The MIA Library

Another fascination lying close to the Museum of Islamic Arts in Qatar is the MIA Library. This can be an ideal space where you can investigate and learn a lot about the history, culture, and other religious beliefs of the region. Calling it a paradise for the bibliophiles won't be wrong as there are more than 21,000 books dedicated to Islamic, culture, art, and craftsmanship. Located on the 1st floor of the Education Center, the library has nine rooms offering complete privacy and comfort to indulge in the literary work of some great scholars of the time. Free Wi-Fi is likewise accessible in the library to assist people working on their work. Adding more to the features, the library additionally houses more than 2000 assortment of books that are written in Arabic and English and are just preserved here, not anywhere else in the world.

The MIA Library also has a smaller and separate kids' library where there is an assortment of book collections including history books, science, and storybooks. There are school trips organized for the students so they can explore and learn a lot. The timings of the library are the same as the Museum of Islamic art opening hours, therefore you can easily schedule a visit, especially when you are with your kids.

Timings:

Saturday – Thursday: 9 am – 7 pm

Friday: 1:30pm – 7pm

How To Reach The Museum of Islamic Arts, Qatar?

The Museum of Islamic Art in Qatar is a major landmark that is accessible from almost every corner of the city. There are taxis, cabs, and even bus and metro connectivity that makes it easier to reach in no time. You can easily hire an Uber taxi or the Careem or Karwa taxi for hassle-free commuting.

There is direct connectivity from the Hamad International Airport to the Museum of Islamic art. With a short distance of 13 km from the Museum, it will only take around 20 minutes to drive and reach via Ras Abu Abboud Expy route.

Doha metro can be an ideal transport on which you can rely for hassle-free and quick transfers. Board the metro at the gold line of the Doha Metro that has quick connectivity to the Qatar National Museum station. The distance between the station and the museum is just 15 minutes of walking.

A Quick Guide on Other Relevant Information About the MIA Qatar

The Museum of Islamic art is one of the biggest and the most significant attractions to explore. Here is a brief guide on other relevant information you need to know about the place.

Highlights of the museum

• Planispheric Astrolabe
• Carved Emerald Plaque
• Shahnameh Manuscript

Opening Hours:

• Monday to Thursday: 09:00 am to 07:00 pm
• Friday: 01:30 to 07:00 pm
• Saturday & Sunday: 09:00 am to 07:00 pm

Entry Fee:

• Adult: QAR 50
• Children under 16 years: Free
• Student: QAR 25
• Residents of Qatar: Free

Distance from the Hamad International Airport: Approx. 13 km

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From exploring the vibrant past of Qatar to admiring the collection and the artifacts. The museum of Islamic Art, Doha has an enriching beauty with art, craft, manuscripts, and other cultural elements that are dating back to centuries. There are exhibitions and workshops hosted for the tourists where they can closely observe and admire the hidden beauty of Qatar. Bringing you everything for complete knowledge and entertainment, this is surely the place you can explore with your family. So, book your Qatar flights today and get ready for an enthralling experience.

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