A complete guide to the Museum of Islamic art (MIA) Doha

The Museum of Islamic Art in Doha is built out of limestone which changes in different light and captures the visitors imagination.

Enjoy incredible views of Doha across the bay on a hot summers day while relaxing at the coffee shop inside which is enclosed with glass windows.

MIA is filled with amazing works of art, plush precious rugs and ancient relics and each tells a fascinating story.
Entrance is Free into the museum.

MUSEUM OPENING TIMES

Sunday 9:00am to 7:00pm
Monday 9:00am to 7:00pm
Tuesday 9:00am to 7:00pm
Wednesday 9:00am to 7:00pm
Thursday 9:00am to 7:00pm
Friday 1:30pm to 7:00pm
Saturday 9:00am to 7:00pm

Last admission 30 minutes before closing. Galleries, Gift Shop and Café close 15 minutes before closing.

Walk-In Gallery Tour

At 2pm Every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Saturday

Join the Museum Guides for a tour of MIA’s outstanding collection of Islamic art objects, stretching over 1400 years and three continents.

No booking required, just turn up!

Monday – Science Tour

Wednesday – Imperial Threads Special Exhibition Tour

Thursday – MIA ArchitectureTour

Saturday – Permanent Gallery Tour

Exhibitions change
For an updated list go to
http://mia.org.qa/en/whats-on

WORKSHOPS:

Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) hosts workshops and classes and most of them are FREE

For a complete list of classes & workshops for the year go to

http://www.qm.org.qa/en/education

http://mia.org.qa/en/whats-on-workshops

Location: Museum of Islamic Art, Education Centre

Email:
miaprograms@qm.org.qa
education@qm.org.qa

Phone: +974 4452 5555

Workshops are designed for both Adults and Children

Most workshops are FREE

Looking for a quiet space to work or study in DOHA?

Have a look at the beautiful Museum of Islamic Art library

Location: The library is on Level 1 in the Education Centre.

The library houses specialist books on Islamic art, art reference books and much more. Books are in English, Arabic and other languages. Books cannot be borrowed or taken out of the library.

Library opening times:

Sunday 9:00am to 7:00pm
Monday 9:00am to 7:00pm
Tuesday 9:00am to 7:00pm
Wednesday 9:00am to 7:00pm
Thursday 9:00am to 3:00pm
Friday CLOSED

Saturday 12pm to 7:00pm

Childrens Library:

There is an extensive collection of children books including stories, art history, art activities, culture, history, science and more.

Write a book review for the ‘book review tree’, join the scavenger hunt to making your own bookmark or relax with a good book.

Story Time:

Every month join the Story time held in both Arabic and English, for children ages 3-5 years.

RSVP: librarymia@qma.org.qa

Librarians are available to assist.

Library: +974 4422 4420

A copier/scanner is provided at the MIA library at no charge. Protected materials may not be copied or scanned.

Book Club:

The last Wednesday of every month MIA hosts Majlis Book Club.

Contact sleavy@qm.org.qa for confirmation of the next book to be discussed.

Library Tours:

Every Monday 12pm to 1pm

Every Saturday 4pm to 5pm

Tours are in Arabic and English

Tours include the Rare Book room and the Childrens Collection.

Library Outdoor Seating in Winter:

There is a lovely outdoor seating area which is available just outside the library entrance in the central courtyard.

A perfect place to sit and unwind after visiting the museum or library.

This area is open from October to June and is Closed for the summer months.

Looking for a Study Room?

Nine private study rooms are available at MIA library but arrangements must be made in advance to reserve them.

WIFI:

Free wifi is available in the library.

CONCERTS:

A monthly FREE chamber concert is held in the Museum of Islamic Art, where you can enjoy listening to Chamber music surrounded by the marvelous Islamic architecture of the Atrium.

Seating is on a first come first serve basis and subject to capacity.
Please arrive early for best seating.

2017/2018 calendar:

1) 12.10.2017 from 18:00-19:00

Chamber Music At Museum Of Islamic Art: Concert # 1

2) 09.11.2017 from 18:00-19:00

Chamber Music at Museum of Islamic Art: Concert # 2

3) 14.12.2017 from 18:00-19:00

Chamber Music at Museum of Islamic Art: Concert # 3

4) 11.01.2018 from 18:00-19:00

Chamber Music at Museum of Islamic Art: Concert # 4

5) 08.02.2018 from 18:00-19:00

Chamber Music at Museum of Islamic Art: Concert # 5

6) 08.03.2018 from 18:00-19:00

Chamber Music at Museum of Islamic Art: Concert # 6

7) 12.04.2018 from 18:00-19:00

Chamber Music at Museum of Islamic Art: Concert # 7

8) 10.05.2018 from 18:00-19:00

Chamber Music at Museum of Islamic Art: Concert # 8

To keep track on what’s happening inside MIA daily follow MIA on SNAPCHAT:
@miaqatar

DINING OPTIONS AT MIA

NEW IN DOHA FOOD REVIEW:

1) MIA CAFÈ

MIA CAFÈ is contemporary café located in the Atrium of the Museum of Islamic Art with a spectacular view of Doha Bay and skyline.

How MIA café works:

There are two options when ordering at the MIA Café:

One can have a seat and order off the ipad menu and be served by a very helpful waiter or the other option is:

Choose a meal from the refridgerator.
Pay at the cashier.
The item will be sent to the kitchen, heated up(if it needs to be), plated and served at your table to you.

The MIA CAFÈ menu features a range of healthy eating options.

The vegetable hamburger is DELICIOUS. The crunchy patty , harissa (a spicy North African condiment) on a soft milk roll and it is served with freshly fried piping hot crispy french fries. (QAR 35)

The chicken caesar salad was both light and tasty. ( QAR 32)

A Zesty Purple Juice completed the meal amd was made from carrot, fennel, beetroot, pineapple, lemon and a hint of ginger. (QAR 24)

We previously tasted the goats cheese and sweet peppers which consisted of 4 slices of toasted jaffle-style white bread and a tad bit too much goats cheese. I found it extremely rich and heavy and was unable to finish it. Personally I felt it needed a spicy element to lift the dish.

Fontainbleu labne with berries was the perfect sweet end. The perfect balance of sweet, tart, creamy and crunchy.

The view from the coffee shop overlooking the West Bay skyline is spectacular.

Snacks such as crisps and croissants and Middle eastern sweets like baklavas and dates are also available.

The Café is open at the same times as the museum.

2) IDAM

HAUTE CUISINE AT MIA

Alain Ducasse’shas opened his first restaurant in the Middle East.

Located In the heart of the museum, with spectacular views of the Doha skyline, IDAM offers contemporary French Mediterranean cuisine designed with an Arabic twist.

IDAM RESTAURANT TIMES

Lunch: Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun 12:30 PM-03:00 PM
Dinner: Wed to Sun 7:00 PM-10:00 PM
IDAM is closed every August.
From Friday 1st of September 2017, Executive Chef Damien Leroux invites you to discover a new seasonal 5 course menu, featuring the finest local ingredients for QAR 390 per person.

• Reservations are recommended and will be possible from August 29th 2017
Call or email them at +974 4422 4488 or IDAM@qm.org.qa

Reception and Information – is to the left of the main entrance.

Gift Shop for a fabulous range of gifts and souvenirs.

Free Guided Tours – Every Thursday and Saturday at 2pm. Tours take 40 minutes. in English and Arabic

Museum Café an ideal spot to relax, enjoy gourmet food, free wireless internet and amazing views.

Female Prayer Room on the mezzanine to the left of the atrium.

Male Prayer Room on level 1 to right of museum entrance.

Cloakroom – all large bags will need to be left at the reception desk when you arrive.

Free Wifi – Why not use our wifi to text or tweet about your visit. Logon using the MIAGuest network.

Photography – no tripods or flash allowed in the galleries.

Dress Code please dress modestly.

Accessibility – the museum is fully accessible. Visually impaired multi-media guides are available on request.

ATM – is available in Atrium.

Taxi – There is a taxi rank in the museum parking area – taxis can also be hailed on the Corniche, outside the museum’s front gate.

200 Seat Auditorium – fully equipped with the latest audiovisual equipment, on level 1 to the left of the main atrium.

No Smoking in the Museum

My Top 5 INSTAGRAMMABLE SPACES at MIA

1) Turn right at the main Museum entrance, continue through the doors at the end of the wing towards the library and you will find a spectacular view infront of the covered walkway with a perfect reflective pool infront of it.

2) The MIA Cafè which is located in the Atrium of the Museum of Islamic Art and has a spectacular view of Doha Bay and skyline.

3) The ceiling in the centre of the Museum.

4) The base of the entrance of the MIA.

5) The MIA BUILDING from outside

CULTURE PASS CARD:

Qatar Museums Culture Pass gives you discounts, free access and exclusive opportunities across many cultural venues in Qatar and beyond. Best of all, as a member you’re invited to join in a wide range of exciting creative activities.

Most importantly it is ALL FREE

Benefits:

  • 10 % DISCOUNT AT QM CAFÉ’S ACROSS ALL VENUES
  • 5% DISCOUNT ON ITEMS IN ALL QM GIFT SHOPS (without minimum purchase)
  • 5% DISCOUNT AT IDAM RESTAURANT AT LUNCH TIME
  • RECEIVE A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER TO STAY UP TO DATE ON QM AND PARTNER OFFERINGS
  • GET PREMIER ACCESS TO MEMBERS ONLY TALKS & WORKSHOPS
  • GET EXCLUSIVE INVITATIONS TO QM OPEN HOUSE
  • ACCESS MEMBERS ONLY LOUNGE
  • ACCESS TO A WORLD CLASS CALL CENTER 8AM TO 8PM DAILY

And much more from QM’s ever growing list of Culture Pass partners.

Become a member for free at www.culturepass.qa or email them on members@qm.org.qa.

Pick up your card from the Gift shop located near the café

CULTURE PASS HAS A FREE MEMBERSHIP CALL CENTER.

CALL THEM 8AM-8PM DAILY FOR ALL YOUR MEMBERSHIP QUESTIONS ON 8000 01

Have you tried the classes or facilities at MIA? We would love to hear about your experiences in the comments below.

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