Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, Doha

Overview

Mathaf, which means "museum" in Arabic, tells the story of modern Arab art from the mid-1800s to today. The collection runs to more than 9,000 works by artists from across the Arab world and its diaspora. The museum is run by Qatar Museums and sits in Education City, the university campus west of central Doha. Entry to the museum and its special exhibitions is free for everyone, but you should book a ticket first.

Most of what you see depends on the current exhibition, so check the calendar before you go. Mathaf closed for a short time in spring 2026, then reopened with a show looking back at its early years. As of late September 2026 the galleries are between seasons, with the next major exhibition due on 25 October 2026. It is a calm, compact museum that pairs well with the Education City Mosque and Qatar National Library nearby.

History and background

The collection began with Sheikh Hassan bin Mohamed bin Ali Al Thani, who started buying modern Arab art in the early 1990s. For years he kept it in two private villas in Madinat Khalifa. His aim was to protect and show work that had been overlooked by museums elsewhere.

The collection later moved to a former school building in Education City. French architect Jean-François Bodin turned it into a museum of about 5,500 square metres. Mathaf opened on 30 December 2010 with three exhibitions, including Sajjil, a survey of a century of modern Arab art.

Today Mathaf is part of Qatar Museums. It is known for work by artists such as Etel Adnan, Shirin Neshat, Wael Shawky and Saloua Raouda Choucair. It also runs a free online encyclopedia of modern Arab art, public talks and workshops. Zeina Arida has been director since late 2021.

What to see at Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art

1. Rotating exhibitions

   Most of the building is given to temporary shows drawn from the collection or brought in from abroad. From 25 October 2026, an exhibition on the Baghdad Modern Art Group is scheduled to open.

2. Modern Arab masterpieces

   Visit Qatar points to works such as Mahmoud Moukhtar's sculpture The Nile and Jewad Selim's Baghdadiat. Whether a specific piece is on display depends on the current hang, so ask at the desk.

3. The building itself

   The museum is a reworked school rather than a new landmark. Its plain, low exterior hides bright, high-ceilinged galleries and a central atrium that works well for large installations.

4. Mathaf in Motion

   The museum runs film screenings on selected days through to 8 December 2026. It is a good reason to visit while the galleries change over. Check the calendar on the Mathaf website for titles and times.

5. Library

   An on-site art library holds books on art history and Arab modernism. It is a quiet place to read more about the artists you have just seen.

6. Talks, tours and workshops

   Mathaf runs artist talks, adult and family workshops and school programmes throughout the season. Multilingual audio guides are available for the galleries if you prefer to explore at your own pace.

How to get to Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art

Tips for your visit

• Mathaf is closed on Mondays, not Tuesdays like some other Qatar Museums venues.
• Book your free ticket online before you go.
• Check the calendar first; galleries can be closed between exhibitions.
• Cover shoulders and knees, or you may be refused entry.
• No flash, tripods or selfie sticks; some loaned works may not be photographed.
• Combine your visit with the Education City Mosque and Qatar National Library on the same campus.

Facilities

Frequently asked questions