Museum of Islamic Art (MIA)
Doha, Qatar
Prized artifacts from Qatar’s history and religious items from around the world fill the exhibits at the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA). Galleries with ornate manuscripts of the Quran sit alongside displays of jewelry, textiles, ceramics, and more. Here, you can also learn how I. M. Pei designed the building, which combines traditional Islamic architecture with cubist influences.
The basics
Many city tours stop at the Museum of Islamic Art to show off the building’s architecture, take photos of the West Bay skyline, and visit the surrounding park. Only some cultural tours allow time for a 1–hour peek inside the museum. Most independent travelers find that they need at least two or three hours to see everything without rushing; if you visit as part of a tour, it's usually a good idea to set aside time to come back for a thorough look at the museum’s impressive exhibits.
Things to know before you go
The museum has a casual café in the main atrium, as well as an upscale restaurant on its top floor.
Amenities at the museum include free Wi-Fi, a gift shop, and a cloakroom.
The Museum of Islamic Art requests that visitors dress modestly, meaning that knees and shoulders should be covered.
Photography (without the use of flash) inside the museum is permitted, but selfie sticks and tripods are not.
Wheelchair–accessible carts are available to transport visitors from the parking area in MIA Park to the museum’s entrance, and there is barrier-free access inside the museum.
How to get there
Located on Doha’s waterfront at the eastern end of the Doha Corniche in MIA Park, the Museum of Islamic Art is close to downtown. Visitors can take a free shuttle bus from the National Museum of Qatar to reach the museum or travel by taxi or rideshare. There is a parking lot near the museum in MIA Park, but it typically fills up quite quickly on weekends.
When to get there
The Museum of Islamic Art in Doha is open daily, although it is only open during the afternoon on Fridays. Thanks to effective air-conditioning and only two outdoor areas, the museum is a good attraction to see during the afternoon when it’s hot outside. Time your visit right, and you can enjoy a sunset walk along the waterfront once you’re done.
MIA Park attractions
While the Museum of Islamic Art is the main attraction of MIA Park, the park has other places worth visiting. The West Mound and East Mound are twin viewpoints just along the waterfront from the museum and offer great vistas of the Doha Corniche and West Bay skyscrapers. In the park, you’ll also find the Al Riwaq Gallery, which hosts temporary exhibitions.
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