Qatar is a small peninsula filled with well-diversed surroundings. Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani on her recent interview on CNN International revealed that Qatar is going to be a “world-class destination for culture”. Through the initiatives of the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage, and Qatar Museums, Qatar has been a hub for different cultural activities and exhibitions.

Museum of Islamic Art

Museum of Islamic Art BuenafotosOne of the most iconic landmarks in Qatar is the Museum of Islamic Art. Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect I M Pei, the Museum houses ancient artefacts from different parts of the world, all connected by Islam, but many are non-religious in nature. The Museum hosts different exhibitions, enrichment programmes and cultural exchange activities.

Current exhibition:

Opening times:

Sunday, Monday , Wednesday 10:30 am to 5:30 pm
Tuesday Closed
Thursday, Saturday noon to 8 pm
Friday 2 pm to 8 pm

Visit MIA Qatar website for more information. Follow MIA Qatar on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for social media updates.


 Katara Cultural Village

katara-2-adrian-haddad

Katara Cultural Village was built in 2010 in order to reflect the country’s cultural and architectural heritage. Also known as the valley of cultures, the Cultural Village is a venue for exhibitions and cultural events. It is home to the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, and houses galleries, arts societies, an opera house, an amphitheatre, a public beach and a wide selection of restaurants and cafés.

Current exhibitions:

Visit katara.net for more information or follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.


Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art

Mathaf Adam Henein

Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art houses a unique world-class collection of modern and contemporary art from the Arab world an its cultural and historical connections.

Current exhibitions:

  • Ektashif: Art through the Senses (14–26 April 2016)
  • Focus 2 (10 March – 4 September 2016)

For more information, visit Mathaf’s website

Opening times:
Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday Thursday, Saturday 11 am – 6 pm
Friday 3 pm – 8 pm
Monday Closed


Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani Museum

Sheikh-Faisal-Museum-2-550x400
The Sheikh Faisal Museum was established in 1998, in a Qatari fort at Al Samriya Farm with its distinctive exterior. Designed to preserve and display the fabulous artefacts collected by Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim bin Faisal Al Thani, the building’s return to historic Qatari architecture resonates against modern day Doha. Sheikh Faisal is dedicated to preserving and promoting particularly Islamic heritage for the people of Qatar and its international visitors. The museum has expanded since its opening, with new facilities for research and education purposes as well as state-of-the art facilities. In 2010, the museum was selected by the Ministry of Art, Culture and Heritage as one of Qatar’s cultural landmarks as part of the ‘Qatar Capital of Culture’ activities.
A visit to Sheikh Faisal’s museum will provide entertainment for the entire family – the display of artefacts gives one a feel of simply walking through a treasure filled fort, with hidden nooks and crannies where fascinating pieces of the past can be found. From antique cars to weapons and dinosaur eggs, a walk through the museum offers a sense of wonder to old and young alike.
Current exhibition:

Opening times:
Sunday to Thursday 9 am – 4:30 pm
Saturday 9 am – 6 pm
Friday 2 pm – 9 pm

Note: Visiting the museum requires advance booking through their website 


Doha Fire Station: Artist in Residence

Marhaba Qatar Doha Fire Station Artist in ResidenceThe Fire Station Artist in Residence sits at the heart of Doha’s flourishing art community. It provides the perfect springboard for creativity, helping people take their passion to the next level. The Fire Station – Artist in Residence hosts up to 20 artists for every residency period, which culminates in a group exhibition at The Garage Gallery.
Current exhibition:
For more information, visit the Doha Fire Station website.

Al Riwaq Gallery

Al Riwaq Art Space Qatar China What About Art

This venue in front of MIA Park hosts exhibitions that get people talking.

With a diverse schedule of exhibitions and a vast space, Al Riwaq will always surprise you. The space also hosts temporary exhibitions by museums in our network that are yet to open.

Current exhibition:

Opening times:

Sunday to Wednesday 10:30 am to 5:30 pm
Thursday and Saturday noon to 8 pm
Friday 2 pm to 8 pm

Visit Qatar Museums website for more information.


Souq Waqif

Souq Waqif Wish You Were Here

Located in the heart of Doha on Grand Hamad Street, Souq Waqif or the ‘Standing Market’ is one of the most important souqs in Qatar. Renowned as a showpiece of traditional architecture, handicrafts and folk art, the souq is also a shopping destination, selling traditional garments, spices, handicrafts and souvenirs. Art pieces such as paintings and sculptures made by local artists are displayed at the Souq Waqif Art Center. Al Markhiya Gallery is another art house in Souq Waqif that promotes emerging and established Arab artists.

Opening times:

Daily from 9 am to noon and 4 pm – midnight

 


Other art galleries in Qatar:

  • Anima Gallery and Lounge, The Pearl-Qatar | 4402 7437 | animagallerylounge.com
  • Gallery One, The Pearl-Qatar | 4495 3876 | g-1.com
  • VCUQatar Gallery, Virginia Commonwealth University Qatar | 4402 0555 | qatar.vcu.edu

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