During my visit to the Middle East I had a great time exploring Qatar. If you missed it go check out my post about the sand dunes and then come back here to read more about my long weekend in Doha! Normally when I visit cities for only a short period of time museums do not make the top of my list but after reading the great reviews about The Museum of Islamic Art and the gorgeous Instagram shots from the archways I knew a visit was in order. Opened just over 10 years ago it is located on the end of the five mile long Corniche and thus provides phenomenal views.
Once you buy your ticket, even before you get to the art it is pretty and the cafe has one of the best views I have ever seen, with thirty foot high windows overlooking the Doha Bay and the skyrises on the other side. Once I enjoyed a coffee here I headed up stairs to see the art:
I only found out after I left that it was designed by one of the world’s best-known architects, I M Pei, who actually designed the glass pyramid at the Louvre Museum. Throughout the different floors and different rooms in The Museum of Islamic Art here are some of my favorite pieces – spanning continents and centuries. I really appreciated the different in the amount of artifacts that they had collected – instead of just paintings the vast collection includes glass, metal work, ceramics, jewelry, wood pieces, textiles and. It was also a great history lesson to see that the Islamic empire at one point has been so large that it spanned three continents! Take a look at some the pieces that caught my eye!
Outside is the best part is the massive archways which frame the harbor and the city of Doha. It was a bit of an overcast day when I visited but I think you will still be able to get the sense from the photos below how gorgeous the view is and why this is one of the most photographed spots in Doha. (And once you know the same man who designed the Lourve pyramid designed this, it makes more sense).
Does the the Museum of Islamic Art look like a place you would visit?
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Shelly says
I M Pei is one of the most talented architects in the world. I admire everything that is designed by him and am on a quest to see them all. The use of light is spectacular and the final look is not over done. It is inviting and makes me want to spend more time that I would have normally allotted just to take in all of my surroundings.
Never mind the terrific art work that you saw. For sure I would want to visit one day soon hopefully.
Abigail says
That helmet is gorgeous. I never really thought of army protective wear as being art but they sure made this one look stunning.
Also I really liked the little glass bottle with the multi colored glass pieces on it. Very delicate and beautiful. Always interesting to see what different cultures consider significant art.
Janine says
I would for sure. That staircase is insane. I can’t even imagine how they built it and got it to hold the weight of all the visitors.
I also really like all the arches overlooking the city, quite a picturesque spot.