The Museum of Islamic Art is on a small island and can be considered a piece of art by itself. Designed by famed architect I.M. Pei, this building is spectacular. It is clearly inspired by the art it houses, and that collection is extremely impressive. The Museum’s collection tells the story of Islamic art from around the world. The exhibits highlight how much Islamic art is similar and at the same time different from the various places and times it comes from.
Museum of Islamic Art Second Floor
The second and third floors of the museum house the permanent collection. On the second, the idea of Islamic art is introduced. Then in succeeding galleries, various components of Islamic art are explained and exhibited. They include the use of calligraphy in art, patterns and their significance, the figure in art, and science in art. My personal favorite section was that of patterns.
Most Islamic art traditions do not use figures for religious reasons, so patterns are heavily used. This is evident in the art and architecture of this type across the world. It is one of the aspects that makes the historic architecture of India so spectacular. In many cases the pattern comes from calligraphy. The words are phrases and verses from the Quran. In most instances when there is elaborate filigree-looking detail on an Islamic piece, it will be calligraphy.
Knowing that figures of people and animals in Islamic art is not common, I was especially impressed by the collection of pieces highlighting this specific style. The collection on display showcases everything from architecture remnants and large sculpture to delicate scientific instruments and copies of the Quran.
Perhaps my favorite piece is a war mask. I think it is a favorite of many because it is used on so many things in the gift shop. The way it is displayed makes a statement as does the design and detail on the mask itself. Though, it isn’t fair for me to assign one piece as my favorite because so many are absolutely spectacular.
Museum of Islamic Art Third Floor
Up on the next floor, the next set of galleries also showcases the permanent collection. However, these ones are organized by chronology and location. This gives a fascinating look at the diversity and evolution of Islamic art.
It tells a story of the Islamic world as well. Over several centuries several empires rose and fell. Several spread across countries and continents. Some were deeply influenced by the dealings with outsiders. All of this history is reflected in the art. Times of prosperity and times of religious zealousness can be seen as can conquests and periods of servitude.
Museum of Islamic Art Fourth Floor
The fourth floor has a small gallery for special, temporary exhibits. During the time of my visit, the exhibition memorialized Mohammed Ali and his connection to Qatar. There was memorabilia from his most important fights and his humanitarian work. One important piece was his letter to the U.S. draft board recusing himself from service.
Museum of Islamic Art: The Building
Beyond the exhibits, the building itself is a spectacular piece of art. The central atrium rises up making patterns seen in much of the art. The main back wall is all window giving a fantastic view of the modern Doha skyline across the bay. On the main floor there’s an eating area and small café with free wifi, gift shop, library, and auditorium. Two stunning courtyards with fountains flank the main structure. Through one of them, is an education center.
The museum is one of the best I’ve visited. I am glad I had the chance to drop in for a few hours during my layover. It is only one of many museums in Doha, but currently, it is the most spectacular. However, a new national museum is under construction, and it looks amazing. The first thing I thought of when I saw the building was brain coral. My taxi driver said it looks like broken plates. It is one of those buildings that people will criticize because they don’t understand it, when really it is a magnificently designed piece of architecture.
To visit the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA), check their website for hours. It is free, and very accessible from the city and airport. This wasn’t the first I.M. Pei building I would experience on this trip, but more about the others later.
