Museum of Islamic Art, Doha

Overview

The Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) is Doha's best-known landmark. It sits on a man-made island just off the Corniche, a short walk from Souq Waqif. Inside, 18 galleries cover Islamic art from the 7th to the 20th century. You will see metalwork, ceramics, glass, jewellery, textiles, woodwork and rare manuscripts from Spain to Central Asia and India. Residents of Qatar get in free with a valid QID.

Go for the collection, but also for the building. Pei designed a pale stone structure that changes colour with the light. A tall atrium and a huge window frame the water and the West Bay skyline. The museum is calm, well laid out and air-conditioned, which makes it a good choice on a hot day. Add the waterfront MIA Park next door and you can easily fill half a day.

History and background

Qatar commissioned the museum as the flagship of its cultural programme. The architect was I. M. Pei, the designer of the Louvre pyramid, who came out of retirement for the job in his early 90s. He took his main cue from the 9th-century ablution fountain at the Ibn Tulun Mosque in Cairo. The result is a series of stacked geometric blocks rising to a central tower.

Pei asked for the museum to stand on its own island, about 60 metres off the Corniche, so that no future building could crowd it. The museum was inaugurated on 22 November 2008 and opened to the public in December that year. It is run by Qatar Museums.

After a major refurbishment, MIA reopened on 4 October 2022. The permanent galleries were redesigned, more than 1,000 newly shown objects were added, and the displays became easier for families and first-time visitors to follow.

What to see at Museum of Islamic Art

1. The permanent galleries

   Eighteen galleries tell the story of Islamic art across 1,400 years. They are arranged by region and theme, so you can follow how styles, trade and ideas moved between Spain, the Middle East, Iran, Central Asia and India.

2. The Blue Qur'an

   Look for a leaf from the famous Blue Qur'an, written in gold on indigo-dyed parchment more than 1,000 years ago. It is one of the most celebrated manuscripts of the early Islamic world.

3. Science and precious objects

   The collection includes a planispheric astrolabe, a carved emerald plaque and pages from the Persian Shahnameh (Book of Kings). These pieces show the craft, science and storytelling of the courts that made them.

4. The atrium and bay views

   The central atrium rises under a domed ceiling to a huge window facing the sea. It is one of the best places in Doha to photograph the West Bay skyline, especially late in the afternoon.

5. MIA Library

   The library holds more than 21,000 books on Islamic art in English and Arabic. It is a quiet spot for researchers, students and anyone who wants to read more about what they have just seen.

6. MIA Park

   Next to the museum, a large waterfront park has lawns, cafés, a children's play area and public art, including a tall steel sculpture by Richard Serra at the end of the promenade.

7. Dining with a view

   MIA Café offers coffee and light meals. On the top floor, IDAM by Alain Ducasse serves fine dining with views over the bay; booking ahead is sensible.

How to get to Museum of Islamic Art

Tips for your visit

• The museum is closed on Wednesdays. Friday opening is only from 1:30pm.
• Thursday is late opening until 9pm, a good choice in summer.
• Cover shoulders and knees, or you may be refused entry.
• Leave large bags in the cloakroom; only small bags are allowed in galleries.
• Photos are fine for personal use, but no flash, tripods or selfie sticks.
• Stay for sunset in MIA Park, then walk to Souq Waqif for dinner.
• Book IDAM in advance if you want to eat there.

Facilities

Frequently asked questions