NATIONAL MUSEUM OF QATAR
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Heartbeat of Our Heritage
The new National Museum of Qatar gives voice to the unique story of Qatar and its people from earliest times to the present day and onwards towards its future.
Designed to be both immersive and experiential, visitors can expect to encounter a rich environment to explore. Organised in three “chapters” — Beginnings, Life in Qatar, and The Modern History of Qatar, each theme is presented across eleven highly individual galleries.
Spread over 1.5km, visitors journey through an exciting mix of all-encompassing environments and compelling storytelling that will engage all the senses.
MUSEUM OPENING TIMES
THE PEOPLE’S MUSEUM
Designed by French architect, Jean Nouvel, the museum makes a dramatic addition to the Doha landscape; with its curved disks, intersections, and cantilevered angles — all inspired by the local desert rose. This unique building embraces the newly restored Palace of Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al-Thani, which itself represents the heart of Qatari national identity.
The museum, which is open to all, provides visitors with a wide range of ways to participate, to learn or to relax. A 220-seat auditorium and rolling programme of events ensures each visit offers a new perspective. For students and researchers, the dedicated research centre and laboratories provide new study opportunities. For those looking to relax and take time out, there will be new venues to eat, including a stunning rooftop restaurant and a newly landscaped park that offers family-friendly interactive learning environments and also celebrates Qatar’s indigenous plants.
ICONS OF THE SEA
Qatar has a long maritime tradition and the museum is celebrating this through its commitment to preserving and better understanding the hand-built wooden dhows that were once Doha’s lifeblood. These boats enabled fishing, trading and notably the collection of precious pearls. Visitors are able to see over 1.5 million Gulf pearls hand-embroidered on the renowned Pearl Carpet of Baroda.
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Aerial view of the National Museum of Qatar designed by French architect, Jean Nouvel. Photo Iwan Baan
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View of the newly restored historic palace. Photo Iwan Baan
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The original palace of Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani
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Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani (1880-1957)
