Museum of Islamic Art, Art museum in Doha, Qatar
The Museum of Islamic Art stands on an artificial island off Doha Corniche and presents a facade of pale limestone with geometric forms rising across five levels. Inside, large halls and galleries lead through rooms displaying textiles, metalwork, manuscripts and precious stones from different periods.
Architect I.M. Pei designed the building in 2008 and drew inspiration from the ninth-century Ahmad Ibn Tulun Mosque in Cairo. The structure was built on an island created specifically for this purpose in order to separate the museum from the rest of the city.
The name refers to the artistic traditions of communities stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific. The collections display calligraphy, ceramics and jewelry from countries such as Persia, Turkey and North Africa, with each piece reflecting the craftsmanship of its region of origin.
The museum opens from Sunday to Thursday in the morning and on Friday and Saturday in the afternoon. Visitors can rely on air conditioning, accessible entry points and seating areas throughout the galleries.
A specialized library within the building holds 21,000 books, including 2,000 rare editions in Arabic and English. The collection focuses on art history, architecture and cultural practices from several centuries.
Location: Doha
Inception: November 22, 2008
Architects: I. M. Pei
Official opening: November 22, 2008
Architectural style: Islamic architecture
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Address: Doha
Opening Hours: Sunday-Thursday 07:00-19:00; Friday-Saturday 13:00-19:00
Phone: +97444224488
Website: https://mia.org.qa/ar
GPS coordinates: 25.29502,51.53927
Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:22
Qatar provides photographers with diverse subjects that combine modern architecture, historical sites, and natural landscapes. In Doha, many opportunities center on contemporary structures such as the Museum of Islamic Art and Qatar National Library, alongside traditional locations including Souq Waqif and Msheireb Heritage Quarter. The Corniche Promenade along the bay offers views of the skyline, while Aspire Park presents green spaces and recreational areas. Cultural centers like Katara Cultural Village and the Islamic Cultural Center complement the urban offerings. Beyond the capital, historical fortifications such as Al Zubarah Fort and Barzan Towers stand alongside natural formations at Zekreet Peninsula and Al Thakhira Mangroves. The Inland Sea on the border with Saudi Arabia displays dune landscapes that extend to the water. Rock carvings at Al Jassasiya document prehistoric settlement, while Film City provides abandoned sets for photography. These locations suit different photographic styles and offer insights into the country's culture and nature.
Doha blends futuristic lines, Gulf traditions, and marine landscapes that change with the light. The city offers rare photographic contrasts, between geometric museums, shimmering skyscrapers, and historic neighborhoods with narrow alleys. Along the Corniche, the silhouettes of the bay are reflected on the water, while markets come alive at sunset. In museums, architecture plays with shadow. On artificial islands, pastel facades create unexpected Mediterranean settings. Doha features a variety of places, each highlighting a different aspect of the capital. Here are the most photogenic spots to explore.
Souq Waqif
1 km
Qatar National Museum
1.4 km
National Museum of Qatar
1.4 km
Doha Corniche
453 m
Doha Tower
2.7 km
Dubai Towers Doha
2.8 km
Qatar National Library
1.4 km
Amiri Diwan of the State of Qatar
1.3 km
Tornado Tower
2.9 km
MIA Park
440 m
Abdulla Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center
765 m
Al Bidda Park
2.3 km
Al Koot Fort
1.3 km
World Trade Center Doha
2.9 km
7
362 m
Qatar Museums Authority
977 m
Msheireb Museums
1.4 km
Souq Waqif Station Metro Goldline
1 km
Al Corniche
2.7 km
Al Riwaq Gallery
458 m
Falcon souq
1.1 km
Shanghai memory- 老上海中餐馆
2.6 km
Sheikh Abdulla bin Jassim Al-Thani Palace
1.2 km
Bin Jelmood House
1.4 km
Pource
1.1 km
Mina Park 1
789 m
Parisa Souq Waqif
987 m
Museum of Islamic Art Park
438 mReviews
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