The Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) is located on an artificial peninsula overlooking the south end of Doha Bay occupying a total area of 45,000 m2. It was officially opened on November 22, 2008 by the then Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad and was opened to the general public on December 8, 2008.
The 5-story museum was designed by Ieoh Ming Pei, architect of the controversial glass-and-steel pyramid for the Musée du Louvre in Paris.
MIA is the first of its kind to feature over 14 centuries of Islamic art in the Arab States of the Persian Gulf. It represents Islamic art from three continents over 1,400 years. Its collection includes metal work, ceramics, jewelry, wood work, textiles and glass obtained from three continents and dating from the 7th to the 19th century. It is one of the world’s most complete collections of Islamic artifacts, with items originating in Spain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Turkey, India, and Central Asia.
Inside the museum are temporary and permanent galleries, a gift shop, a library, a cafe, a 200-seat theater, classrooms and a restaurant.
External facilities that form part of the crescent shaped MIA park include walking tracks, cycling tracks, a carousel, cafes, rest rooms and boat rentals.
The museum is part of Qatar Museums Authority. Admission to the museum and park are free. The museum is open daily from 9:00am to 7:00pm, Saturday to Thursday and 1:30pm to 7:00pm during Friday. The park is open 24 hours to cater the residents of the Doha City.
Watch the MUSEUM OF ISLAMIC ART video on the following link below:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuCMhyQqqiQ
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