Art in Qatar |
Museum of Islamic Art : Traditional Inspiration , Modern Architecture
An iconic feature of the Doha skyline , the Museum of Islamic Art ( MIA ) is the flagship project of Qatar Museums ( QM ). Inspired by elements of Islamic architecture , Pritzker Prize – winning architect I . M . Pei designed the imposing limestone structure . The museum ’ s main building — topped with a domed atrium within a central tower — juts 60 meters ( more than 195 feet ) into the Arabian Gulf . Rising five stories from the sea , the building connects to an adjacent education wing and a large central courtyard .
The MIA ’ s permanent collection occupies two floors in the museum ’ s main building . It includes manuscripts , ceramics , metal , glass , ivory , textiles , wood , and precious stones from three continents . The first floor provides visitors with an introduction to some of the greatest works of Islamic art before examining the tradition ’ s major themes — calligraphy , pattern , science , and figural imagery . The second floor follows the journey of Islamic art from 7th century Arabia to 19th century Turkey , via the palaces of Córdoba , the bustle of medieval Cairo , and the mountains of Afghanistan .
More than a Museum
The MIA includes other impressive resources , including :
Library collection . With more than 10,000 books in Arabic , English , and regional languages , the MIA Library is an ideal place for school groups , students , and researchers to learn about the arts of Islamic civilization .
Park peninsula . MIA Park is an expansive area developed as an additional element to the museum , providing a space where visitors can relax and partake in cultural , educational , and social activities .
Landmark sculpture . Qatar ’ s tallest public art installation punctuates the grassy park . American artist Richard Serra constructed the landmark sculpture — measuring 24 meters ( more than 80 feet ) in height — from seven steel plates arranged in a heptagonal shape to reflect the significance of the number seven in Islamic culture . See page 32 for more information about Serra ’ s work .
Through safeguarding collections of Islamic art and showcasing extraordinary exhibitions , MIA shares knowledge and spreads curiosity , understanding , and joy .
Under the leadership of its Chairperson , Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani , the Museum of Islamic Art has set out to transform Qatar into a cultural capital of the Middle East .
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