A Complete Guide to the National Museum of Qatar 2024

Last updated on April 12th, 2024 at 01:24 pm

Dive into Qatar’s captivating story at the National Museum of Qatar.

This architectural masterpiece takes inspiration from desert roses, a national symbol of Qatar.

The museum houses a treasure trove of exhibits displaying Qatar’s history, from prehistoric fossils to its modern rise.

Explore interactive galleries that bring the nation’s culture and heritage to life through films, captivating soundscapes, and even evocative scents.

Prepare to be dazzled by archaeological finds, pearl diving history, and traditional Bedouin life.

The National Museum of Qatar promises an immersive experience that will deepen your appreciation of this dynamic nation.

Table of Contents

National Museum of Qatar History

The museum originally opened on June 23, 1975, and was first called the Qatar National Museum. In 1980, the museum won the Aga Khan Award for Architecture.

The old royal palace (Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al-Thani’s palace), which the museum was built around, was renovated in 2015 for the new museum opening.

The museum’s inauguration was initially scheduled for 2016. However, it was delayed and opened on March 28, 2019.

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National Museum of Qatar Design

The award-winning French architect Jean Nouvel inspired the National Museum of Qatar’s design.

Massive sand-coloured disks interlock with each other to form the structure of the museum.

Which was supposed to resemble a desert rose(The desert rose is a flower-like collection of mineral crystals found exclusively in coastal desert areas).

The architecture of the structure reflects three distinct storylines.

The first section which spans a significant period, is the history of the peninsula and its inhabitants.

The second section investigates coastal and desert lives and the pearling business.

The third section describes the astonishing finding of oil, followed twenty years later by the discovery of a second treasure gas, which provided the kingdom with a dramatic boost in power and prosperity within a few decades.

National Museum of Qatar Gallery

Once inside, visitors are taken on a mesmerizing journey through countries history.

The exhibits are divided into three “chapters” in the National Museum of Qatar

Beginning

The country’s natural history began more than 700 million years ago.

Life in Qatar

The lives of ancestors Bedouins and early seafaring settlers and the formation of the Qatari state.

The Modern History of Qatar

The breakthrough of oil, modern-day life in Qatar, and a witness to the country’s vision for the nation’s future.

These chapters are shown in 11 galleries, and the visitor is taken on a journey through time that spans 2.7 kilometres of historical adventure.

Approximately 8,000 artefacts are presented in creative and entertaining ways, including a life-size whale shark model, recreated archaeological artefacts, traditional clothing, and a Bedouin tent.

And also housed The Pearl Carpet of Baroda, which was made with more than 1.5 million highest quality Gulf pearls and decorated with emeralds, diamonds and sapphires, which the Maharaja of Baroda in 1865 ordered.

The museum uses cutting-edge audio-visual techniques, interactive technologies, and imaginative sensory elements to bring the exhibits to life. These include seductive aromas, lighting, images, music, sounds, and all-encompassing floor-to-ceiling film projections, testimonials, films, and poetry; through this, the museum brings the story of Qatar to life.

Children are also welcomed throughout the museum and can take an educational journey through the play activities.

Fun, educational games and activities in digital and physical formats are specifically designed for families and children, allowing them to explore the topics covered in the major galleries in a hands-on interactive style.

National Museum of Qatar’s Gift Shop

Cave-like in appearance, the boutique shop of the National Museum of Qatar was inspired by The Dahl Al Misfir (Cave of Light) and reflected Koichi Takada’s desire to bring nature back into the architectural design.

Forty thousand pieces of wood were designed using 3D modelling. in the shape of a three-dimensional puzzle.

Each component is unique to its position in the construction, fitting precisely in its designated location. Claudio Devoto, an Italian carpenter, constructed them by hand.

The gift shop has a large selection of unique, well-designed gifts, many of which are based on Qatar’s history, culture, and heritage.

The shop owners worked with local artists and designers to make original and authentic products.

The children’s gift shop will have a wide variety of souvenirs and gifts produced locally, such as educational toys, books, puzzles, and games.

National Museum of Qatar gift shop opening time

The Gift Shop and the Children’s Gift Shop open

Saturday through Thursday from 9.00 am-9.00 pm

Friday from 1.30 pm-7.00 pm

National Museum of Qatar Cafe and Restaurant

The museum also features a variety of cafés and eateries that are suitable for families and offer cuisine that is both delicious and freshly prepared.

Jiwan Restaurant

The restaurant on the museum’s fourth floor provides guests with a breathtaking panoramic view of Doha Bay, particularly from its outdoor terrace.

Jiwan Restaurant’s opening time

Mon-Thu, Sat 12.30 pm-9 pm;

Fri 1.30 pm-9 pm.

The Desert Rose Café

As the name suggests, this cafe looks like the museum’s main building. It’s a great place to stop in the middle of a tour of the galleries, and the outdoor area is excellent in the evening.

The Desert Rose Café opening time

Sat-Thu 08 a.m-10 p.m

Friday 01 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Café 875

The cafe is located on the basement level above the main entrance of the building.

National Museum of Qatar Park

The museum is surrounded by a 112,000-square-metre park with a 900-metre-long artificial lake and soft landscaping that includes several giant trees and indigenous Qatari plants.

Visitors to the museum can freely stroll through the grounds, which provide a lovely backdrop for picnics during the colder months. In addition, the structure will gently illuminate the area at night.

There are specially designed outdoor play areas for children available; it is well worth a visit.

Inside is a “cave of wonders” where children can explore an accurate version of a sinkhole, as well as the Nakilat Adventure Ship playground, where children can learn about pearling and trade in what appears to be a classic Qatari shipwreck boat.

National Museum of Qatar Entrance fee

Children younger than 16 years of age and Qatari citizens with valid Qatar ID cards are admitted free of charge into the museum.

Adults who are not residents of Qatar are subject to a QAR 100 fee.

National Museum of Qatar Opening Time

Saturday to Thursday from 9 am to 7 pm

Fridays from 1:30 pm to 7 pm

National Museum of Qatar Location

Museum Park St, Doha, Qatar.

Conveniently to get from the Corniche on foot, by car, taxi, or the Metro.

The National Museum Station on the Gold Line is the closest Metro stop.

There is a large parking lot with both covered and underground parking.