Imagine you are living in Doha. It can be pretty embarrassing when everyone around seems to know more about the city than you.
“Oh, so you haven’t been to this city museum or that shopping mall in the city? Why?” All these questions come rushing towards you!
Talking about museums, let’s brush up your knowledge about Qatar. Let’s learn about the must-visit museums in the country’s capital, Doha.
Seven Must-Visit Museums in Doha
Qatar is an incredible country boasting stunning landmarks and a rich cultural heritage. The country features beautiful architectural marvels and the finest museums, preserving its rich history.
Whether you’re a resident or a tourist, you will find so many things to enjoy and experience in the city. One of them is Doha’s must-visit museums, which you cannot miss.
Here is a list of the seven finest museums in Doha that are worth a visit. They are worth visiting because of the rich history and culture they possess. Plus, the stunning architecture screams for attention.
Museum of Islamic Art
Famous as the finest example of Doha’s love for preserving its culture, you must visit the Museum of Islamic Art. Designed by renowned architect I.M. Pei, the museum is an architectural marvel in the heart of Doha.
The museum occupies its own island on the corniche and is covered with high-quality limestone. It features beautiful artefacts, including pottery, textiles, metalwork and glasswork from Egypt, Iraq, India, Spain, Turkey, Iran and Central Asia.
Moreover, the museum has many activities for visitors, with a separate library featuring more than 15,000 manuscripts and rare texts from all over the world. The primary feature of this library is the Holy Quran from the 17th century in its original form.
The main eatery located in the museum is the MIA cafe, where you can enjoy delicious culinary delights. Prepared by the best chefs from Grand Hyatt Doha Hotel & Villas, the menu offers many food choices, such as salads, desserts, hot and cold beverages, fruit juice, etc.
Other museum highlights include the MIA gift shop, IDAM Restaurant, which serves authentic French Mediterranean cuisine, and a dedicated playground for kids.
- Address: Doha, Qatar
- Phone: +974 4422 4444
- Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday: 09:00 am to 07:00 pm – Friday: 01:30 to 07:00 pm – Saturday & Sunday: 09:00 am to 07:00 pm
- Entry Fee: Adult: QAR 50 – Children under 16 years and Qatar residents: Free
Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum
This museum was built in 1998 and founded by Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al Thani, an influential Qatari leader. The Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Museum is a stunning architectural piece that keeps Islamic art alive in the city.
Here, you will find everything you expect from a museum, including handlooms, fossils, art, and technology. The museum is divided into the Museum of Carpets, the Museum of Cars, and the FBQ Museum. The best part? These artefacts total over 15,000, collected by Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim himself over the span of 50 years!
You can also find artefacts from the Jurassic period, a collection of vintage cars, rare coins, and many original manuscripts.
- Address: Al Shahaniyah, Doha, Qatar
- Phone: +974 4490 2340
- Opening Hours: Sunday: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm – Monday to Thursday: 9:00 am to 4:30 pm – Friday: 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm – Saturday: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Entry Fee: Adult: QAR 50 – Children under 12 years: Free
3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum
The 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum is an international centre for preserving the history of sports and its heritage. Opened to the public in March 2022, this museum offers an ocean of knowledge that promotes academic research.
The museum is a member of the Olympic Museum, New York, uniting 22 Olympic museums worldwide.
Inside the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum, there are seven diverse galleries that cover various sports sections. Each gallery offers a global perspective with sections on the Olympics and their history. There are also localised exhibits on Qatar’s sporting events and the country’s development in sports.
The highlight of the Museum is The World of Football. It is divided into two sections: “Football for All, All for Football,” which explores football’s universal appeal. The next is “The Road to Doha”. This one takes visitors on a journey from the first FIFA World Cup matches to the latest one.
The final section, “FIFA Making Memories,” shows football evolution throughout the tournament and displays artefacts such as tickets and memorabilia.
Other museum highlights include a library featuring sports journals and books, a cafe and a gift shop.
- Address: Khalifa International Stadium, Doha, Qatar
- Phone: +974 4452 5200
- Opening Hours: Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Saturday: 9:00 am–7:00 pm – Tuesday: Closed – Thursday: 9:00 am–9:00 pm – Friday: 1:30 pm–7:00 pm
- Entry Fee: Adult: QAR 50 – Children under 16 years and Qatar residents: Free
Msheireb Museums
Living in Doha without knowing about its growing development is impossible. Visit the Msheireb Museum to learn how Qatar turned from a fishing town to one of the wealthiest countries globally.
The Msheireb Museums provide a unique and rich historical experience through their four heritage houses. These houses showcase Qatar’s wealth, lifestyle, and the challenging times the country faced during its struggles.
The Radwani House
It was built in 1920 and once owned by the wealthy Radwani family. It is now a preserved museum showcasing the wealthy lifestyle in Qatar. Abandoned in 1971 and restored in 2007, it offers visitors a glimpse into the country’s rich heritage.
The Bin Jelmood House
Owned by Mohammad Jelmood, this museum narrates the dark period when slave culture and human trafficking once prevailed in Qatar. The story displays society’s fights and how they ended this, ensuring freedom for all.
The Company House
This museum displays the stories and works of the oil labourers who led to Qatar’s development.
Mohammed Bin Jassim House
It is a key historical site at Msheireb Museums in Doha. It highlights the evolution of architecture while preserving Qatar’s ancient art and heritage.
- Address: Msheireb Downtown Doha, Zone #3, Street #830, Building #10, Al Arsheef Al Watani St, Doha, Qatar
- Phone: +974 400 65 555
- Opening Hours: Sunday: Closed – Monday – Thursday: 9:00 am–5:00 pm – Friday: 3:00 pm–9:00 pm – Saturday: 9:00 am–5:00 pm
- Entry Fee: Free
Al Thuraya Planetarium
Named after the Seven Sisters star cluster, the museum inside Al Thuraya Planetarium is a must-visit for stargazers. It is a significant attraction in Katara and covers an area of 2,240 square metres.
The museum features interactive screens where you can learn about famous Arab astronomers like Al-Battani. Historical items such as hand lenses and telescopes showcase the evolution of scientific tools.
The planetarium’s main highlight is a full-dome digital system with a seating capacity of 200 people. It features a 22-metre screen with cutting-edge digital projectors for 2D and 3D educational shows.
Discover the universe with the movie screenings in the dome, covering topics like stars, the universe, and the Milky Way.
- Address: Katara Cultural Village, Building 41, Doha, Qatar
- Phone: +974 4408 2067
- Opening Hours: Sunday – Saturday: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Entry Fee: Free
Museum of Illusions
Have you ever combined your passion for discovering museums with an exciting adventure? Well, here’s a perfect example: The Museum of Illusions in Doha.
The museum features over 70 dilemma games and exhibits, including individual tricks and optical illusions. The activities ensure fun for kids visiting with their parents to grandparents looking to try something new.
It’s a great place to have a memorable time while exploring the fascinating world of science and illusions.
- Address: The Gate Mall, 1st floor Omar Al Mukhtar St Doha, Qatar
- Phone: +974 402 06 273
- Opening Hours: Saturday – Thursday: 9:00 am – 10:00 pm,
- Friday: 1:00 pm – 10:00 pm
- Entry Fee: Adult: QAR 80 – Children above 3-16 years: QAR 60 – Children under 3 years: Free
National Museum of Qatar
If you have the choice of visiting only one museum in Doha, it must be the National Museum of Qatar. Shaped like a desert rose, this museum is an architectural marvel that will leave you amazed with its unique design. It was designed by renowned architect Jean Nouvel.
Opened in March 2019, the NMoQ became one of the most visited places in Doha. The museum’s highlight that captivates visitors is the three-metre (10-foot) Pearl Carpet of Baroda. The Pearl Carpet of Baroda is a breathtaking masterpiece hand-embroidered with 1.5 million pearls, sapphires, and diamonds.
It’s no wonder that travellers exploring Doha flock to this museum, especially since it’s conveniently located near the Corniche. The museum’s collection features artefacts from all over the world, representing Qatar’s rich history and culture.
It includes original manuscripts, documents, archaeological and heritage objects, jewellery, and costumes demonstrating the country’s past, present, and future.
You can also glimpse the Qatar Auto Museum, displaying vintage cars. Additionally, “Your Brain to Me, My Brain to You” is an immersive light installation by Pipilotti Rist. It features 12,000 LED lights, showcased at the Children’s Museum of Qatar.
- Address: Museum Park Street, Doha, Qatar
- Phone: +974 44 525 555
- Opening Hours: Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Saturday: 9:00 am–7:00 pm – Tuesday: Closed – Thursday: 9:00 am– 9:00 pm – Friday: 1:30 pm–7:00 pm
- Entry Fee: Adult: QAR 50, Children under 16 years and Qatar residents: Free
FAQs
1. Are Museums Free in Doha?
Places like parks, museums, and cultural experiences in the city are affordable. The ticket prices for museums are minimal, and some museums even offer free entry.
2. What is Special in Doha Qatar?
There are many things to do in Doha, such as:
- City Centre Shopping Mall
- Doha Corniche
- Villagio Mall
- Souq Waqif Art Gallery
- Souq Waqif
- Doha Golf Club
- Katara Cultural Village
- Museum of Islamic Art
This concludes our list of the best museums in Doha. These places are great for learning about Qatar’s culture and heritage. They feature top-notch activities, eateries, and fun things for visitors of all ages!
Meanwhile, check out these properties for rent in Doha to make your stay worthwhile!
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