QATAR - Museum of Islamic Art, Doha

15:01 Travel Bunny 0 Comments

The Museum of Islamic Art basically exhibits Islamic artefacts dating from the 7th century to the 19th century. Because of its beautiful architecture, the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) is one of the landmarks of Doha.

While I was heading towards MIA, there was a bazaar at the park outside the museum.

There were clothing, carpets, handicraft and other stuff sold at the bazaar.

I bought a ball for my son.

Like every other bazaar, stalls selling food is a sight you will not miss.

Well, I did purchase a stick of grilled meat.

The bazaar occupying a spot at the park.

MIA was constructed on a stand alone island on the water.

Designed by I.M. Pei (the same architect who designed the glass Louvre of Paris), the Museum of Islamic Art was opened to the general public on December 2008. Entrance to the Museum is free.

Located approximately 59m off Doha Corniche, MIA is linked by a pedestrian bridge.

The bridge connects to MIA park.

Of course you can also drive all the way up to the MIA building.

Once inside the Museum, I was impressed.

The design of the Museum interior is simply stunning.

Well, I won’t say its the best architecture in the world, but it is the best I’ve seen in Qatar.

A cafe at the first floor with a view of Doha’s skyline.

A fountain at the first floor.

The beautifully designed ceiling.

With a big walkway the the museum, he kept running and I had to chase him all over the building.

He really was excited.

The MIA has 4 levels.

Each floor the exhibitions are divided into 7 sections.

On level 3 the exhibits are based on the Journey of Islamic Art. Egypt and Syria from 12th to 15th century, Iran and Central Asia 12th to 16th Century, Iran 16th to 19th Century, India 16th to 18th Century, Turkey 16th to 18th Century and Early Islamic Art 7th to 12th Century.

The exhibition area.

War Mask.

An old carpet.

17th to 18th century jewellery from India.

11th to 13th Century Jewellery from Syria.

A jewelled Falcon.

One of my favourite exhibits. A soldier on a horse.

My son pointing left and right.

On Level 2, the exhibits are based on the language of Islamic Art.

So, what’s the time now?

On level one there is are temporary exhibits being displayed. The theme when I was there was marvellous animals.

It basically is displays and describes some of the Animal Fables in Islamic Art.

Some of the mythical creatures.

Well, the marvellous creature exhibition is more suitable to children.

Also located at the first floor is a gift shop. Islamic books and other souvenir are sold here.

You can even purchase a replica of the war mask.

The architecture of the Museum of Islamic Art sure is beautiful. However, the exhibits are just very normal and not very historic. Most of the artefacts are just few hundred years old.

Outside of the museum, there are fountains and you can have a beautiful view of the sea.

From here you can also enjoy the view of Doha skyline.

West Bay sure looks nice from here.

A Dhow boat cruising the sea.

Ever so happy boy.

My little boy there trying his luck with the ladies.

Woohoo! More information on the Museum of Islamic Art can be found at their webpage at http://mia.org.qa/en/

After visiting the museum, I went over to the MIA Park.

Nice day for a walk.

The Richard Serra Sculpture or better known as the ‘7’ sculpture at the end of the MIA Park.

Unveiled in 2011, the sculpture is made from 7 steel plates each 78 feet high and 8 feet wide arranged in a heptagonal shape. To be frank, it does not look appealing to me.