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See & do · Museums

Museum of Islamic Art (MIA)

The Corniche
Closedvia Google
Opening hours
  • Monday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Wednesday: Closed
  • Thursday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Friday: 1:30 – 7:00 PM
  • Saturday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Sunday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Landmark Pei-designed museum opened in 2008, with displays tracing 1400 years of Islamic art.via Google

Designed by I.M. Pei on a purpose-built island, the building itself is a masterpiece of geometric light. Inside, it houses one of the world's most comprehensive collections of Islamic artifacts spanning three continents.

Good to know
Expect to spend 2-3 hours. A modest dress code is strictly enforced.

Reviews from Google

GuillaumeZahira week ago
An absolute must-visit in Doha 🇶🇦 The Museum of Islamic Art is much more than just a museum. It is a true immersion into the history, art, and culture of the Islamic world. The architecture of the building is stunning, especially with the beautiful views over the Doha skyline and the Corniche. Every gallery is thoughtfully curated, showcasing pieces from different eras and regions across the Muslim world. You can discover ancient manuscripts, Islamic calligraphy, ceramics, textiles, jewelry, and historical artifacts that are incredibly well preserved. Even for visitors who are not deeply familiar with Islamic art, the experience remains fascinating and accessible. The atmosphere is peaceful, elegant, and inspiring. The staff is welcoming, the museum is very well organized, and the entire space is impeccably maintained. It is also a perfect place to take beautiful photos and enjoy a relaxing moment by the waterfront. Whether you are passionate about history, architecture, culture, or simply exploring Doha, the Museum of Islamic Art is definitely one of the best cultural experiences in Qatar. A memorable and enriching visit.
sierr yap2 weeks ago
We visited the museum to see I.M Pei’s work but were thoroughly impressed by the entire exhibition and the arts. I could easily spend hours admiring the magnificent architecture. For stopover travellers, free luggage storage is available and lockers are also in the lounge area to the right of the entrance. Just be prepared for the freezing cold inside the museum, bring a jacket. If you’re short on time and want to visit the National Museum or the Islamic Art Museum, the Islamic Art Museum is a better choice.
Rafeeqa Rashid5 months ago
The Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) is architecturally stunning. The building itself is a masterpiece. When we visited, there was a special exhibition on I. M. Pei, the architect behind the museum, which made the experience even more meaningful. The exhibition beautifully explained his journey, the challenges of designing his first Islamic architecture, and his intentional decision to place the museum on the water so it would remain uncluttered by surrounding buildings — knowing that Qatar would one day be highly developed. From the outside, the museum already feels like a piece of art. Inside, the geometry unfolds thoughtfully — octagons transforming into circles — all deliberately inspired by Islamic architectural principles. The galleries are arranged room by room, making it easy to follow the journey of Islamic civilisation and history. That said, the interior does feel quite dark, and in my opinion, it’s not very kid-friendly. This museum is more suited for adults who want to take their time appreciating artifacts, history, and design rather than interactive exploration for children. A tip for visitors: if you’re coming to Qatar, it’s worth purchasing the QAR 70 museum pass, which gives access to multiple museums, including MIA, the National Museum of Qatar, and the Olympic Museum. I initially visited the National Museum without realising this, then later returned using the pass — and honestly, many museums need two or three visits to truly absorb all the information. Overall, a must-visit for architecture lovers and anyone interested in Islamic history. Take your time and enjoy the journey.
Wael Youssfia month ago
I visited the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha and it was a truly impressive experience. The museum showcases a rich collection of Islamic art from different centuries and regions, offering a deep look into history and culture. The building itself is beautiful and uniquely designed, surrounded by a peaceful park with amazing views of the sea and the Doha skyline. The atmosphere inside is calm and well organized, making it easy to enjoy the exhibits at your own pace. It’s a perfect place for anyone interested in art, history, or simply looking for a quiet and inspiring place to visit. Definitely one of the must-see spots in Qatar.
Iwan Banens4 months ago
Beautifull place in terms of architecture. Design by Japanese architect Mr Pei. Make sure you see the short film on Floor 4 about setting up the museum and his role in it. Also many beautifull artefacts from different time periods and from across the Middle East. You can easily spend half a day here. Toilets are very clean. Café is has nice views over the baby but is a bit expensive
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