TOURING MSHEIREB MUSEUMS

​”To know your future you must know your past”

George Santayana

MSHEIREB MUSEUMS showcases the history of Qatar within four historic houses.

I believe as an expat living in Qatar it is important to understand Qatari history and Qatari culture as I am a guest in Qatar. Knowing Qatar’s past has given me a new respect and appreciation for Qatar and it’s people.

Msheireb museums is located opposite Souq Waqif (near the Falcon Souq) and tours are FREE.
I loved that the museum was interactive, had a personal touch and revealed unique aspects of Qatar’s cultural.

It had soul and the stories touched me.

There is no reception area but each of the four houses has friendly tour guides and helpful security guards that can guide you. We prebooked a tour but one is able to pitch up and request a tour during the museums opening times.

To tour all four houses should take one approximately sixty to ninety minutes.

Even though the cafés have not opened yet the museum provides free water to visitors and Souq Waqif is across the road if you need to purchase food.

1) THE COMPANY HOUSE

The Company house was my favourite and I would recommend starting here.

Company house tells the story of the pioneering petroleum industry workers and their families whose work helped to transform Qatar.

The gift shop is located here. It was the original house that was once used as the headquarters for Qatar’s first oil company.

I loved how we witnessed first-hand accounts of the Qatari labourers who laid the foundations of Qatar.

There is a 7minute movie in a state of the art theatre that shows the visitor how it all started.

Turn the oil rigs on the interactive time line wall to discover the stories.

Do you have an interesting story to share?
A Share your story room is located in Company House and Mohammed Bin Jassim House so that visitors can share their stories.

Technology in the form of touch screens entice techno savvy kids to discover the stories of the past.

Approximate time needed in this house: minimum 25minutes.

 

2) THE MOHAMMED BIN JASSIM HOUSE.

This house should be your next stop.
It was built by the son of the founder of Qatar. Learn about Qatars past and future plans.

Cleverly demonstrated by an interactive media dish the visitor can view Qatar’s ambitious future plans.

Approximate time needed in this house: minimum 15minutes.

 

3) THE RADWANI HOUSE

Built in the 1920s,the restored house presents traditional Qatari family life over the centuries.

Radwani house gives visitors a glimpse into domestic family life through pivotal moments such as the discovery of oil and the arrival of electricity.

Excavation works in this house have produced clues to the daily life during those times.

As they tried to keep it authentic, this house is open planned and thus the house has no airconditioning so it can become hot.

There is also a lovely airconditioned majlis where guests can relax and drink complimentary water and have a break.

Approximate time needed in this house: minimum 10 minutes.

4) THE BIN JELMOOD HOUSE.

The history of the global slave trade is showcased in this house to raise awareness of human exploitation.

Warning: The images and videos in this house can be disturbing for sensitive visitors.

There is a library available with books about slavery from around the world, internet facilities and a study area that is available for visitors.

Approximate time needed in this house: minimum 10 minutes.

 

My TOP TIPS:

If one is pressed for time, my suggestion would be to atleast do the Company house & then the Mohammed Bin Jassim House.

I really enjoyed these two houses and feel it has given me a better understanding of Qatar’s history.

By late 2017/2018 there will be cafès and restaurants as there are great expansion plans.
There is a mosque between the houses. Non muslim visitors are welcome to visit the mosque. Kindly ensure you remove your shoes and are dressed appropriately.

Guided Tours:

Visitors are welcome to stroll around at their own leisure.

If you would prefer to have a free guided tour one does not need to prebook a tour. 
At the entrance of the museums one is able to request a tour during opening hours.

If you prefer to arrange a Guided Tour before going:
 http://www.msheireb.com/mobile/en-us/home/msheirebmuseums/guidedtours.aspx

Art workshops:

During the year Msheireb museums hosts workshops. Schedules are advertised on their social media pages.

Exhibitions:
Regular exhibitions are held showcasing both local and international talent.

Please note:

MSHEIRAB MUSEUMS is OPPOSITE Souq Waqif.

Msheireb Enrichment Centre is on the corniche next to Costa (keep an eye out for my post on the Msheireb Enrichment Centre soon).

Contact:

Tel:  +974 4006 5562
Tel:  +974 4006 5558

Email: ishamiah@msheireb.com
Email: ofahmed@msheireb.com
  

https://goo.gl/maps/Cm7duUhXkDM2

Website: http://www.msheireb.com/mobile/en-us/home/msheirebmuseums.aspx

Opening Hours:

Sunday: Closed
Monday to Thursday: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Friday: 3.00pm – 9.00pm
Saturday: 9.00am – 9.00pm

Last Admission 30 minutes before closing.

Wifi ❌

Free water ✔

Free entrance ✔

Free tours ✔

Cameras are allowed ✔

Parking ✔

Kids activity  ✔

This is NOT a sponsored post!

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