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Museum of Islamic Art photo By Richard Davis

Top 10 Interesting Facts about Museum of Islamic Art

The Museum of Islamic Art is among Qatar’s most iconic buildings and is world-famous for its exotic collection of Islamic masterpieces from different Muslim countries spanning centuries. It occupies a space of 376,740 square meters. It is made of five floors and is connected by a two-floor Education Wing through a central courtyard.

The building of this museum took place in the mid-2000s and was open to the public on December 1, 2008. It was designed by IM Pei, a Chinese American architect mostly known for designing the innovative glass pyramid that adorns the forecourt of the Â鶹APP Louvre.

The Museum is a must-see attraction, thousands of visitors pass through its doors annually to witness the marvel and splendour that make up the Islamic world through art pieces collected over the year. It is a suitable location for both adults and children.

To those interested to visit the museum, no entrance fee is needed since Mia has free entry for all visitors. The opening time and closing times of the museum differ from one day to another. On Fridays, it operates from 1.30 to 7 pm, while Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday open from 9 am to 7 pm. This is a must-visit location and I recommend it to all.

1. Houses Collection of Islamic Art

The Museum of Islamic Art is one of the Iconic buildings in Qatar. It is famous worldwide for its exotic collection of Islamic Art from different Muslim countries spanning centuries. The collection is made up of precious stones, ceramics, glass, wood, metal, textiles, and jewellery.

These collections make thousands of visitors visit the museum every year to witness the marvel and splendour that make up the Islamic world through the art pieces collected over the years and get to learn about Islamic traditions, culture and heritage through the centuries.

2. The Architecture of the House

Museum of Islamic Art photo By Richard Davis

The architecture of this museum is one of the most amazing. The idea behind its design was to combine the Sabil’s simplicity and austerity and bring it to life in the form of the Museum of Islamic Art. The design was influenced by traditional Islamic architecture.

The Museum was designed by IM Pei, a Chinese American architect, who is well known for designing the innovative glass pyramid that adorns the forecourt of the Â鶹APP Louvre and Pritzker Prize winner, who retired at the time he was requested to conceive the look and feel of this beautiful architecture delight.

IM Pei’s design of the MIA reflects and was inspired by the ablution fountain called the Sabil in the 9th-century Mosque of Ahmad Ibn Tulun in Cairo, Egypt. It was built about 195 feet away from the Corniche that was specifically fashioned to make sure that no structures constructed in the future would stand in its way.

3. Hosts Free Concert

This is one of the interesting facts about the Museum of Islamic Art.  Every month MIA plays host to free concerts in the Atrium section of the museum.

Many people come here to relax and enjoy the amazing music after a long day. The most interesting fact is that you pay nothing since the museum covers it. This is a must-visit place and I recommend it any day.

4. Get to Enjoy the Delicious Meals

Within the museum, there are restaurants and cafes which provide delicious meals. Spectacular IDAM is a restaurant within the heart of the MIA which provides delicious meals. It is chef Alain Ducasse’s first restaurant in the Middle East and was designed by the world-class architect, Philippe Starck.

There is as well café tucked in the MIA’s Atrium area that provides guests with a good selection of nutritious, healthy and fresh food such as plant-based and organic. So no need to worry about where to get meals when you visit the museum since you are covered.

5. The Park in the Museum of Islamic Host Several Activities

The Park in the museum is important and has several activities it hosts in the park, which are fun and helps one kill time in the museum.

Some of the activities this park offers are a guided kayaking Tour of MIA and Dhow Harbour, movie screenings, art workshops and sports events.

6. MIA Holds a Weekend Bazaar

The Museum of Islamic Art holds a weekend Bazaar during the cooler months of the year in Qatar. The Bazaar is held in the MIA garden where you find hundreds of stalls that are selling foods, handicrafts, clothes, art, paintings and accessories among others.

It is a place for everyone with no limitations and one of the most popular hangout places for families who enjoy and love the outdoors.

7. The Museum of Islamic Art Library

One of the interesting facts is the Museum of Islamic Art Library. The library is on Level one in the Education wing.

The library has a collection of books such as Islamic Architecture, Archaeology, Carvings, Ceramics, Coins, Paintings, Metalwork, History, Waterworks and Religion.

8. The Museum Provides Free Guided Tours

Museum of Islamic Art photo By Richard Davis

It is interesting to know that in this museum free guided tours are provided. It is good to know that free guided tours are provided on Thursday and Saturday at 2 pm. People meet at the staircase in the Atrium and the tour takes 40 minutes in English and Arabic.

The guided tours are important to illiterate people who can read and children small of age who can’t read for themselves. It is as well good since tourists get a chance to ask questions and understand the place they are touring best.

9. Museum Gift Shop

There is a gift shop located in the museum which is nestled on the ground floor. It offers a unique cultural and shopping experience.

In the gift shop, you find exclusively different designed products based on the MIA magnificent collection such as art books exhibition catalogues, jewellery, home décor, accessories and other gifts. Here visitors experience the museum and get to choose their best museum souvenirs.

10. Free Entry to Museum no Fee Charge

The Museum of Islamic Park is a unique museum. It offers free entry to anyone who wants to visit the museum, unlike other museums where you have to pay an entrance fee.

No need to worry if you are out of cash but need to visit the museum, just show up and get to learn more about this amazing museum of Islamic art since is a free-to-visit museum.