From the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum to the National Museum of Qatar
It can quickly become uncomfortable when friends come to visit when they seem to know more about the city than you do.
Oh, I see, you haven’t visited Qatar’s National Museum. Furthermore, you were unaware that the Khalifa International Stadium is home to a brand-new museum. You don’t reside here.
At these outstanding museums in Doha, brush up on your knowledge of Qatar.
3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum
The 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum, which just just debuted in late March, is the biggest museum of its kind in the entire globe and unquestionably among Doha’s top attractions. There are seven galleries inside, with topics ranging from the Olympics and history to topics much closer to home, such sporting events hosted by Qatar (so far) and the growth of sports in the nation.
Currently airing: At 3-2-1, the World of Football began. Start of October saw the opening of the Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum. A two-part book, The Road to Doha will take you on a journey from the first FIFA World Cup matches in 1930 through the final at the Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022. Football for All, All for Football will investigate the universal attraction of football. Throughout the competition, artifacts like tickets or souvenirs will be added to a final area called FIFA Making Memories.
Free, adult-only QR100 (kids under 16, One Pass holders). Fri. 1.30pm–7pm; Sat. 9am–7pm. Aspire Zone, Khalifa International Stadium, 321QOSM.org.qa (4452 5200).
Al Thuraya Planetarium
All astronomers should visit the museum inside the Al Thuraya Planetarium, which is named for the Seven Sisters star cluster. There are historical artifacts like hand lenses and telescopes that demonstrate the development of scientific tools on exhibit, as well as interactive screens where you can learn about notable Arab astronomers like Al-Battani.
The movie screenings in the dome are without a doubt the primary reason to visit this museum in Doha. You may see the complete schedule by visiting althuraya.katara.net. There are a variety of shows, including ones that are dedicated to the stars, the universe, and the milky way. The shows are first-come, first-served, and registration is required in advance.
Free. Open every day from 8 am to 8 pm. katara.net/althuraya, Katara Cultural Village (4408 2067).
Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art
More than 9,000 pieces of art make up the collection at Mathaf, and the permanent exhibitions rotate frequently to give each work its turn in the spotlight (and every visit is different). The permanent collection is spread out over five different galleries in the upper floors, each one devoted to a different theme. These themes include women in society, portraits of changing societies, witnessing and reading histories, new vocabularies in post-independence contexts, mathematics, mosaics, and universal systems of perception, and the re-invention of materials. You can visit the magnificent Education City Mosque or the Qatar National Library while you’re there, both of which are in Education City.
There has never been a better time to visit this museum in Doha with four brand-new exhibitions currently on view. One Tiger or Another examines history as the result of both fact and fiction with a contemporary video installation from Singaporean artist Ho Tzu Nyen and 18th century paintings and artifacts related to the legend of Tipu Sultan. Majaz: Contemporary Art Qatar features the work of former Fire Station artists-in-residence. VIRTUOUS LABORS In the Middle East, daydream therapy is Sophia Al-first Maria’s significant, multi-part museum exhibition, while Taysir Batniji: No Condition is Permanent includes Palestinian-focused pieces.
Free, adult-only QR50 (kids under 16, One Pass holders). Sun.–Thu., 9 am–7 pm; Fri., 1 p.m.–7 pm. Mathaf.org.qa, Education City (4402 8855).
Msheireb Museums
Visit Msheireb Museums, which are really four museums in one, to make the most of your time. You can learn about slavery at Bin Jelmood House, the history of oil in Qatar at Company House, the metamorphosis of Msheireb at Mohammed Bin Jassim House, and traditional Qatari living at Radwani House. These lessons are spread among a number of heritage homes, each with a particular topic.
The intriguing exhibition DNA: Journey to the Heart of Life is also located at Bin Jelmood House. You can discover more about Qatar’s diverse ancestry through the exhibits by looking at its genetic heritage, prehistoric human migration, and the evolution of individualized treatment.
Free. Mon–Thu, 9–5 pm; Sat 3–9 pm; Fri 3–9 pm. Downtown Doha Msheireb, msheirebmuseums.com (4006 5555).
Museum of Islamic Art
The Museum of Islamic Art last year closed for repairs, but on October 5 it reopened. The stunning museum in Doha stands alone on reclaimed ground and is equally iconic as the National Museum of Qatar (more on that in a bit). With the MIA appearing in the upcoming Jason Statham film Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre, the building will certainly wow you, but the newly redesigned galleries will also enhance the tourist experience.
The ground floor of the museum in Doha now features a new exhibit that takes the place of the Majlis, where you can learn more about I.M. Pei and his design for the building.
Free, adult-only QR100 (kids under 16, One Pass holders). Fri. 1.30pm–7pm; Sat. 9am–7pm. Corniche de Doha, mia.org.qa (4422 4444).
National Museum of Qatar
The National Museum of Qatar must be your sole stop this winter if you only have time for one museum in Doha. Seeing the building, which was built by Jean Nouvel and resembles a desert rose, while traveling along the Corniche should be sufficient justification for you to want to stop inside. If not, the National Museum of Qatar provides you with a thorough overview of the history of the nation, including its geology, animals, and life in the desert and at sea. The original palace of Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani, which has been renovated, is also located in the center of the museum.
Here are two amazing current temporary exhibitions for you to see. Motorheads should check out Three historic automobiles are on show in A Sneak Peek at Qatar Auto Museum, which is pretty much what it says on the tin and will get a new home when the aforementioned museum opens. And Your Brain to Me, My Brain to You by Pipilotti Rist is an immersive light installation with 12,000 LED lights that will be housed in the Children’s Museum of Qatar when it opens.
Free, adult-only QR100 (kids under 16, One Pass holders). Fri. 1.30pm–7pm; Sat. 9am–7pm. Nmoq.org.qa, Al Salata (4452 5555).
Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum
The Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum, which houses the Sheikh Faisal own collection, is a true museum of wonders. There are more than 30,000 pieces on show at this Doha museum, so you could spend all day exploring it and yet not have enough time. From the Jurassic period to the present, there are 11 rooms dedicated to various subjects, including weapons, fossils, and carpets. In addition, there is a full Syrian home that was transported from Damascus in 2014 brick by brick.
Keep an eye on @fbqmuseum for the upcoming event. The museum frequently hosts special events like kid-friendly treasure hunts. For QR25 per person, you can also reserve tours to make the most of your trip.
Free, QR30 for students, and QR50 for adults (kids under 12). Mon–Thu, 9 am–5 pm; Fri, 2 pm–7 pm; and Sat, 10 am–6 pm. Alsamriyaestate.com, Al Samriya Estate, Al Shahaniya (4486 1444).
