Qatar National Museum: The Story Of The Desert Rose

Qatar National Museum narrates a story of the country and its people from back in the day till today. It has brought back life to the peninsula’s natural history, given Qatar’s rich heritage and culture a voice, and a future to the community’s aspirations. Home to the royal family and the seat of government, the museum embraces the restored historic Palace of Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani, founder of modern Qatar. The new building implements the Palace while retaining the innovative artwork commissioned from Qatari and international artists, rare and precious objects, documentary materials, and interactive learning opportunities.

The Architecture of Qatar National Museum

Built in 8 years, the Qatar National Museum flaunts its striking architecture and its fine interiors. It is a stunning architectural marvel that attracts people from all over the world.  Did you know it was built by a well-known French architect Jean Nouvel?  The best part about the museum is that it takes travelers on a journey through the history of Qatar. The National Qatar Museum’s architecture depicts the treasure of the rich culture and heritage of the country. There is so much to see in the museum which includes the early days to the present developments of the country. The interiors are influenced by the rose of the sands, which portray a stunning cluster of crystal that resemble petals that are formed in the desert.

A political happening of the present times is seen at the museum and Koichi Takada, a Sydney architect designed the interiors. People from all over the world are stunned and in awe of the striking interior designs which represent what the museum stands for. Explore the astonishing architecture of the Qatar National Museum and get a glimpse of the past, present, and future of the country.  Get to know about the vibrant culture and diverse communities that have been a huge support in the development of the marvelous country.

The magnificent museum was completed in 2019 and has been built around the original palace of Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani. The unique architecture of the museum embraces a 220-seat auditorium, beautiful gallery spaces, and opulent restaurants to savor the Qatari flavors.

The National Museum of Qatar also adorns a new research center and laboratories with access to digital archives for the students. One can discover the rich flora and fauna of the country and learn about the role of ancient plants in the rich culture.

The Experience That Narrates The History Of The Museum

The vision and development of the museum is seen at its heart, which in turn has created a fascinating experience that offers knowledge about the history and people of the nation. The story is seen unfolding in 11 stunning galleries that is narrated in a creative storytelling approach. People are given a unique perspective of time that links with those lived between land and sea. One’s senses will be triggered with a blend of music and oral histories through film and archival images.

The spirit of discovering and connecting with the various places of importance and interest outside the museum is something it offers. This is one of the many things that define the country and its people. Tourists are given the chance to discover the landscapes, the archeological sites, historical and contemporary architecture.

The Art of Conservation

The doors to the museum were opened on the 28th of March. People were taken on a journey of the painstaking efforts taken to conserve and restore some of the objects and artefacts that narrate the unique heritage. The several archeological and heritage objects, manuscripts, documents, photographs, jewelry and costume that represent the past, present and future of the country.  It is a fascinating story people should know about as it is not something that is found in books.

The conservation of Artifacts

Over the years, a team of international and local experts dedicated their time and effort towards preserving the important objects on display at the museum, a blend of knowledge and understanding of the traditions with the conservation methods. People are given the chance to see how science and culture blend, which gives birth to some of the finest artifacts.

The dedicated team at the Qatar National Museum is working hard to keep the artifacts in their best condition. The magic of their dexterity in conserving the precious heritage of the country can be seen in every element of the museum.The team, including national and international experts, dedicated their intensive efforts to keeping significant objects in the best of their condition.They use a plethora of latest conservation techniques with an aim to maintain the ancient touch of the artifacts and history of Qatar.

Sustaining A Palace

The biggest artefact at the palace of Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim bin Mohamed Al Thani, has gone through several stages of restoration and protection. The historical landmark is nestled near the shoreline and is known to crack, which of course, since its birth in 1906 has seen a number of refurbishments.  To avoid any kind of damage, new concrete piles were created to support the structure and the water table was removed. A team of professionals dedicated their time and effort to peel back the old layers of restoration and apply a stronger solution using natural materials.  The fine interiors and architecture were brought back in time.

Mission and Vision of Qatar National Museum

The main vision of the Qatar National Museum is intergenerational learning for people of all age groups via the exhibition of multilayered themes and interactivity programming.  One can explore the digital archive of numerous images, videos, and documents from Qatar and abroad to learn about important facts and figures of the country.

The museum is a physical manifestation of Qatar’s history to the cosmopolitan present exhibiting the deep roots of Qatari culture and identity. The museum is dedicated to showcasing life in Qatar and its people through an innovative, holistic, and immersive approach.

The Galleries At National Museum of Qatar

The National Museum Doha is home to 11 galleries that play an important role in the overall experience at the museum. The striking designs, artifacts and monuments have a story to narrate about the country as tourists from around the world come to explore the country’s history- from the beginning, life in Qatat and modern history of the country.

The portrayal of the country’s history is appealing as narrates a story of how people lived in the early days of Qatar on land and sea. The story is told through various sound effects, music and oral histories, which is as good as it gets.

Art Installations

To enjoy the experience at the museum, one can easily discover the emotions and imaginations that even into making the place what is it. People from around the world come to visit the museum to discover the art put up by various artists from around the world. Some of the art that people should see include:

• Ali Hassan

Wisdom of a nation, is Ali Hassan’s pride and joy, as it attracts people from the world inside the museum building. The image of the Qatari flag is seen in the geometric design and in a poem penned down by Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, the founder of modern-day Qatar.

• Hassan Bin Mohammad Al Thani

Hassan Bin Mohammed Al Thani’s motherland is seen at the entrance to the permanent galleries. The sculpture tells a story of the connection between the desert, the sea and the women of Qatar.

• Aisha Nasser Al Sowaidi

Central Midkhan’s was created by Aisha Nasser Al Sowaidi that took an idea of a traditional and local ritual to give birth too, which gave rise to a global concepts of home systems.

• Bouthayna Al Muftah

One of the most well-known emerging artists, Bouthayna Al Muftah was invited to the Qatari jewelry heritage to give birth to Kan Ya Ma Kaan, one of her installations, nestled at Café 875, named after her artwork. Traditional Qatari jewelry and Thahab or 875 gold has influenced her work. The museum’s contemporary architecture is complemented by the installation.

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Shops, Cafes And Restaurants At The National Museum of Qatar

Apart from featuring its historical experiences, it is home to several restaurants' shops and cafes, making it the best national museum of Qatar.  Koichi Takada gave birth to some of the most stunning architecture seen in the museum’s shops, cafes and restaurants.

Shops

The shops flaunt a wooden wall ceiling influenced by sand dunes and a wavy look. Travelers are awestruck by the fluid structures heavily inspired by nature.  The architects were inspired by the architecture and designs by Dahl Al Misifir’s cave of light, and every room of the shop was decorated accordingly.

Hours of Operation

Saturday–Thursday: 9am–7pm

Fridays: 1.30–7pm

Ramadan hours

Saturday – Thursday: 9am–2 pm and 8pm–midnight,  Friday: 8pm–midnight

Children’s Gift Shop at National Museum of Qatar

Offering a diverse range of gift items, souvenirs, educational toys, games, books, puzzles, and more, the children’s gift shop is a huge attraction for young students and parents in the National Museum in Qatar. Parents can help kids to shop for the best souvenirs that can enhance their knowledge about Qatar’s rich heritage.  Designed by Koichi Takada, the retail space gives a blend of classical and contemporary touch which was inspired by Qatar's Dahl Al Misfir (Cave of Light).

Hours of Operation

Saturday–Thursday: 9am–7pm

Fridays: 1.30–7pm

Ramadan hours

Saturday – Thursday: 9 am–2 pm and 8pm-midnight, Friday: 8pm-midnight

Cafe

While the décor of the shops is seen through the national museum of Qatar architecture, has been a part of the conversation amongst travelers. Cafes are not far behind, as their conceptual designs and décor are stunning. It is one of those things people will never forget and will always come back to explore. There is so much more one needs to know about them.

Cafe875

Cafe875 is the perfect example of the structural marvel of the museum, as has been inspired by traditional gold jewelry of Qatar. When visiting the café, one can experience true hospitality and Qatari Bedouin nomadic lifestyle. Inspired by several medallion rings, tourists will get a glimpse of remains hidden from the mezzanine floor. The architects didn’t want to portray the sightline of the museum of Qatar overwhelm a visitor's experience. The café is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by people from the world.

Desert Rose Café

The Desert rose café is a place of comfort and peace centered around the tunning architecture of the museum. It is one of the places to visit in Qatar as it is an absolute heaven for those feel the need to take a break from their tour of the galleries and museums. The café situated on the ground floor, with access to the courtyard, flaunts its natural lighting, dusk lights, striking cave like architecture and much more. People can give themselves a treat to the best Qatari traditional cuisines served with in the best authentic flavors.

Restaurant At NMOQ

One of the finest dining experiences tourists should avail of is giving themselves a treat to the finest dishes served at the restaurants in Qatar.  Jiwan restaurant is one of the main features located on the 4th floor of the museum, that overlooks the Doha Bay and Baraha museum. The taste buds are given a treat to some of the best delicacies in the ideal setting. People are given a treat to some of the best Qatari cuisine with a touch of elegance, widely popular in Doha for its culinary experience.

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The Park At Qatar National Museum

The national Qatar Museum along with its shops, cafes and restaurants, boasts of its park that stretches over 112,000 square meters and a 900-meter-long artificial lagoon, walkway, lush green garden and much more. If visitors are looking for a place to relax and take a breather from their museum tour, then the park is the best place for them.  Michel Desvignes designed the park featuring large trees, green grass areas, landscapes, desert plant species and much more.

Known as the finest places to go in Doha, the park is known for its attractions that narrates the story of Qatar, giving them a sneak peek into how the people of Qatar survived in the old times in harsh conditions. There is a lot that one needs to know about the park.

• Playing area for Kids

There are 3 playing areas for the kids to enjoy at the park, which include The Cave of Wonders, Adventure Ship Playground, and Oil Refinery Playground.

• Parking Area

The parking area has been integrated into the park, which includes a roadway and parking facilities for people, which can accommodate at 430 cars.

• Artworks

One of the major highlights of museum is its artwork that has been attracting tourists from around the world for years. Aisha Nasser Al-Sowaidi, Jean Michel Othoniel, and other’s artwork have been chosen by Sheikha Al Mayassa Bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, her excellency and the museum’s chairperson. There are a few notable art work people should know about.

• Ahmed Al Bahrani, a renowned Iraqi Artist's ‘The Flag of Glory.’
• French artist Roch Vandromme’s sculpture evoking the vast history of nomadic lifestyle.
• Simone Fattal’s Gates to the Sea sculpture that presents an overlap of time between the past and the present.
• Iconic installation by Jean-Michel Othoniel, a world-renowned French artist, that features a total of 114 individual fountains

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Important Highlights from the Museum’s Manifesto

The manifesto of the National Museum of Qatar is a set of simple guidelines made with the support of people of all ages and families including kids. It explains what makes the museum a great place for them. Let's have a look at the guidelines:

• Be Welcoming: The main aim is to create an excellent environment for the families where they can explore, enjoy, and learn holistically about the past of Qatar for the overall development of the visitor. Use the best audio-visual aids to explain every element of the museum, so that the visitors can learn without touching any artifact.
• Make it easy and comfortable: Always think from the family’s perspective and design the facilities accordingly. Proper seating, cafes, restaurants, shops, baby-care rooms, washrooms etc., will boost the enthusiasm of people and attract them to visit here. Use of the best technology will help to provide the best hospitality for the visitors.
• Remember families come in all shapes and sizes: Always include the diversity of the families in the activities, display and ticketing. Consider the needs of every family member according to their age and make it easy for everyone.

• Be accessible to all: Many factors like language barriers, age, cost of visit, and taking care of the differently-abled people, etc. should be taken care of.
• Communicate well: The visitors should be informed properly about any information that they require through the posters, leaflets, and through the social media captions online.
• Work together: Always collaborate with children, young people and families as equal partners on events, displays and exhibitions.

Places To Visit Near The National Museum Of Qatar

Situated close to several attractions, visitors can always explore them along with their visit to the museum.

The Museum Of Islamic Art

The museum of Islamic art, known to the world as the crown jewel of all the museums in Qatar, flaunts in amazing architecture and the best collection of Islamic artifacts and other things. Designed by I.M Pie, the world-renowned architect, the museum is nestled on a private island that appears to be floating on the waters from certain angles. People can see the city’s skyline and other stunning views from the terrace. Home to several Islamic artifacts dating back to the 14th century, have been collected from three different continents over a period of time.

Souq Waqif

When on vacation, one of the best things to do in Doha is go shopping at Souq Waqif, a traditional marketplace set on the ancient trading site where animals and other things are traded. The market is one of the very traditional places left in the country as it continues to flaunt its old-world charms. People will enjoy a number of things in this place right from the best culinary experience to the best shopping delights.

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Msheireb Museums

The Msheireb museums celebrates the history of Qatar as it features four early 20th century courtyard houses where people will get a glimpse of the traditions of Doha, family roles in the Qatari families and much more. The museum has 4 houses which include:

• Company House
• Radwani House
• Bin Jelmood House
• Mohammed bin Jassim House

The Mohan Bin Jassim House stands out from the rest as showcases how slavery and exploitation played a huge role in the development of the country. It is one of the many things to do in Qatar while on vacation.

State Grand Mosque

Have you visited the state grand mosque and studied the traditional Arabic and modern architecture? If you haven’t yet, then you have no idea what you are missing out on. Overlooking the Qatar sport club, the state grand mosque was constructed in the 20th century, boasting of several domes built with a combination of both traditional Arabic and modern architecture which include sparling half-moons, minaret and large open outdoor spaces.

Over the years, the mosque has preserved the architecture of Islam, which is seen in the doomed roof. Sheikh Jassim Bin Mohammed Al Than, the founder of the mosque built the mosque in memory of his father, in 1978. The mosque tells the story of the mosque through its sandstone facades, lowly building height and domes that represent the years of the country.

The mosque is a must visit just to see the men and women pray. It is a stunning sight to see. What more can you ask for? It is a stunning vision to see and explore when on vacation.

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Inside The Mosque

The basement of the mosque includes a wudhu place and rooms to rest and a place for the machines. The ground floor includes a main prayer room for men and a special enclosure for ablutions for women and a special room for special need people as well. There is a lot to see and explore inside the mosque. So, when you plan to visit, find out the timings from the authorities.

Qatar National Museum Timing & Entry Fee

Are you planning to visit the National Museum? So, if you plan to visit then, you should know the Qatar national museum timings and entry fees.

• The museum is open all week.
• The opening timings from Saturday to Thursday are 9 AM to 7 PM.
• The opening timings on Fridays are 1:30 to 7 PM.
• The Desert Rose Café at the National Museum remains open from Saturday to Thursday 8 AM – 10 PM and on Fridays from 1 PM – 10 PM.
• The Jiwan Restaurant at the museum is open from Saturday and Monday to Thursday from 12.30 PM – 9 PM, and on Fridays the restaurant is open from 1.30 PM – 9 PM.

When it comes to the fees, then travelers are advised to check with the concerned authorities.

How To Reach Qatar National Museum

Located south of the Corniche, on the Al Mohansidseen street, one can hire a taxi or metro to reach the museum easily. Tourists will not have a problem communicating with the locals as they all speak English along with Arabic and Urdu. People will not have a problem moving around the country.

The Qatar national museum is one place tourists should not miss out on while on vacation in the capital. The museum is one of the finest structures in the country that boasts of its architecture and range of offerings that make people from around the world to book their cultural tour package to Qatar instantly. People can also grab a bite to eat at some of the best cafes, shops and fine restaurants with their loved ones.

With spending time at the park, people can always take a tour of the museum to explore its artwork and lush gardens which offers a sense of calm. If you are history buff wanting to explore the roots of Qatar and how the country rose to fame over the years, visiting the museum is a must. People will never want to leave the country filled with so riches and much more.

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