Fire Station: Artist in Residence, Doha

Overview

The Fire Station is a Qatar Museums art space in central Doha, on Mohammed Bin Thani Street beside Al Bidda Park. It was built in 1982 for the Civil Defence and reopened as an arts centre in 2015. Today it runs a nine-month residency for artists based in Qatar and shows contemporary exhibitions in its large Garage Gallery and smaller galleries. Parking is free for visitors.

Go for the exhibitions, but check what is on first. As of late September 2026 the official calendar lists no current shows, and the galleries open only when an exhibition is on view. The building, Café #999 and the Cass Art shop stay open between shows. The honeycomb facade and the old fire pole make it an interesting stop even on a quiet day.

History and background

The building opened in 1982 as a base for Qatar's Civil Defence and stayed in use until 2012. Qatar Museums then chose to reuse it rather than knock it down. Qatari architect Ibrahim Al Jaidah of Arab Engineering Bureau led the redesign in 2014. He kept the honeycomb exterior and the firefighters' pole while turning the interior into studios and galleries.

The Fire Station opened in March 2015 with an exhibition called 555. The same year it launched its Artist in Residence programme, a nine-month scheme that gives artists studio space, mentoring and a final show. Later residencies linked artists with studios in Paris and New York.

The centre has hosted major exhibitions with work by Picasso, Ai Weiwei, Virgil Abloh and Kazimir Malevich. In November 2024 Egyptian artist Wael Shawky became its first artistic director.

What to see at Fire Station (Artist in Residence)

1. Garage Gallery

   The former engine garage is now the flagship exhibition hall. Its height and open floor suit large installations, and it has hosted some of Doha's biggest contemporary art shows.

2. Smaller galleries

   Additional galleries, including Galleries 3 and 4 and the Al Markhiya gallery for Arab artists, show shorter exhibitions and work by artists taking part in the residency programme.

3. Artist in Residence programme

   Each year a group of artists based in Qatar works in studios on site. Their final exhibition is a good way to see what local artists are making now.

4. The original building

   Look for the honeycomb facade and the preserved fire pole, reminders of the building's first life as a working fire station for the Civil Defence.

5. Café #999

   The café, named after Qatar's emergency number, serves coffee and healthy dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. It stays open until 9pm, later than the galleries, so it works for an evening stop.

6. Cass Art shop

   An art supply shop on site sells paints, brushes, sketchbooks and other materials. It is useful for artists and students, and for anyone looking for a creative gift to take home.

How to get to Fire Station (Artist in Residence)

Tips for your visit

• Check the Fire Station calendar before you go; galleries close between exhibitions.
• Café #999 is open until 9pm, later than the galleries.
• Parking is free for visitors, which is rare this close to the Corniche.
• Commercial photos and filming need approval through the website's request form.
• Pair a visit with a walk in Al Bidda Park or along the Corniche.
• Watch for the annual residency exhibition to see new work by artists in Qatar.

Facilities

Frequently asked questions