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
One 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:
- Qajar Women: Images of Women in 19th century Iran (8 April 2015 – 11 June 2016)
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 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:
- Silks from the Silk Road – Chinese Art of Silk (24 March – 9 May 2016)
- Artisa Exhibition by Ernesto Milanes (12 – 30 April 2016)
Visit katara.net for more information or follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art
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
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
- ‘Domestic Affairs’ Expo (24 March – 15 May 2016)
Al Riwaq Gallery
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
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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