What The Museum of Islamic Art
Where It lies on the edge of Doha harbour at the south end of Doha Bay.
Since The doors opened to the general public on December 1st, 2008
Why A visit to this imposing structure is a must in order to appreciate both the unforgettable works of art and the impressive cultural initiative taken by the Qatari government
www.mia.org.qa
The preservation of our culture and our history is of paramount importance if we are to move forward into a more enlightened future. It is only through the understanding and cherishing of our past that we may face the future with a sense of security.
The Museum of Islamic Art in Doha (MIA) serves as a repository for all things Islamic. Designed by legendary Chinese-born American architect I.M. Pei, the museum’s curators had to lure the 92-year-old Pritzker prize-winning starchitect out of retirement in order to pen what will no doubt be his final work. The result is a geometrically austere structure that is both strong and simple. A fusion of minimalist design and ornamental geometries found in Islamic art, the building serves as a window on the past of not only our region, but also on mans relationship with God.
Inside there is a generous 12,500 square metres of gallery space, organised around a towering atrium capped by a dome and with a narrow beam of sunlight descending from its central oculus. The galleries house a permanent collection of 800 artefacts brought to the Qatari capital from all over the Middle East and India. The artefacts date from the 7th to the 19th century and include manuscripts, ceramics, glass, books, metals, textiles, wood and precious stones.
This project has been hailed as an excellent example of determination by the Qatari government to get their country on the map; MIA, along with other museums being planned for the country, will surely do wonders towards establishing the gas-rich state as the regional hub of cultural and historical excellence. Furthermore, MIA continues to support Islamic heritage through a range of academic gatherings, involvement in international film festivals and general work with the community of Doha. Bringing people together, from both the Islamic world and the West, is a laudable achievement. It is not enough to merely guard and display the relics of our past; it is of vital importance to bring this heritage into the arena of the 21st century.
On opening the Museum, Her Excellency Sheika Mayassa bint Hamad al Thani said, “The collection shall be a great asset to the history of Islamic Civilisation, encompassing pieces of time. The collection reflects the cohabitation of religions, cultures and values.” We couldn’t have said it better ourselves.
