the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha
Fabulous collection, in a fabulous building
It is not only the largest collection of Islamic Art in the world – of which a small part is exquisitely displayed -, but also the building itself that makes this the main tourist attraction in Doha. The museum building, a stand-alone modern design at the end of the Corniche, is attractive from the outside, especially when lit in the evenings, but even more spectacular on the inside – even if you don’t like Islamic Art, do walk in to admire the tall dome and the lighting of the interior.
the museum is an attractive modern building
also on the inside, with a spectacular central hall
The collection comes from all over the world, from China and India to Morocco and Spain, and is partly exhibited by theme – figurative art, patterns, calligraphy, etc -, and partly by regions (Iran, Syria, Turkey, amongst others) and time. This makes for a varied and highly enjoyable exposition. The floor space is not even that large, but we spent easily two hours in between the tiles, the jars, the carpets and the golden jewellery. Below a small sample of my favourite pieces.
figure of a monkey, iran, ca 1200
bowl, afghanistan, 13th C
ewer, central asia, 10th C
mina’i bowl, iran, 13th C
tile, iran, 17th C
bronze fountain head, spain, 10th C
bronze fountain head, spain, 10th C (detail)
jug filters, egypt, syria and iraq, 9th to 14th C
jug filters, egypt, syria and iraq, 9th to 14th C
jug filters, egypt, syria and iraq, 9th to 14th C
steel and gold mask, eastern turkey or western iran, 15th C
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