Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum in Al Shahaniya is one of the world’s largest personal museums and one of my favourite museums in Qatar. The Museum provides visitors with a glimpse into the history of the Qatari people and Sheikh Faisal himself and showcases international artifacts and objects from around the world.

A collection from his international travels in the last 55 years has now accumulated into an eclectic mix of possessions, memorabilia, mementos, souvenirs, art and artifacts gathered from over 4 continents.

Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum is also known as FBQ Museum. The museum is a window to the beauty and splendor of the past of Qatar and the Islamic world which has been opened for people from all walks of life to view and experience.

The diverse and eclectic collection spans from fossils of the Jurassic age which are hundreds of millions of years old through to the early Islamic period and up to the present day.

There are ten main themes at the museum: Islamic and International Art, Qatar Heritage, Vehicles, Carpets, Weapons, Textile & Jewelry, Natural History, Sport collections, Music, and Coins & Currency.

Divided into different sections, the visitor can sometimes be overwhelmed at the sheer vastness and range of the collection. The car collection is every man’s dream as it consists of more than six hundred pristine cars (only a select few are displayed in the museum while the rest of the cars are kept in storage until the designated car museum expansion is opened).

Located on Al Samriya Estate the museum is designed to resemble an ancient fort.

Al Samriya Riding School

Al Samriya Riding School is also located at proximate distance. Visitors can lease a horse or sign up for riding lessons or a trail ride.

Al Samriya Riding School, contact number is 77973397 or contact them on Facebook @alsamriyaridingschool or Instagram @alsamriyaridingschool

There are also horses, Oryx, ostriches and peacocks on the farm.

The key to the Ka’bah door is the latest addition at FBQ Museum

Located in the Qur’an room adjacent to the ornate Kiswa (covering of the Holy Ka’bah).

The White Majlis

FBQ Museum’s contemporary art space, The White Majlis is located in front of the museum and art lovers and museum visitors can elevate their tour with an exceptional experience and inspiring pieces of art.
The first exhibition has recently ended in October 3 and the second exhibition just started on October 9 and will stay
until November 7, 2020, and the final exhibition will be on from November 13 onwards!

All exhibitions will feature paintings, videos, prints, photographs, collage art and sculptures. A space dedicated to young artists will be included
as well.
The exhibitions will be open during regular museum opening hours and  entrance to the White Majlis is included in the Museum ticket price.

Who is Sheikh Faisal?

SHEIKH FAISAL BIN QASSIM AL-THANI was born in Doha Qatar in 1948 and is one of Qatar’s most successful businessmen in Qatar. Involved in Real Estate, Hospitality, Industrial Manufacturing, Trading, Services, Transport, Entertainment and Education.

Entrance fees:

International Visitors: QR 75pp
Residents: QR 50pp
Children with RP (6-17years): QR 25  Kids below 5 are free

Entrance fees with a tour guide: I highly recommend paying for a tour guide.

International Visitors: QR 100pp
Residents: QR 75pp
Children with RP (6-17years): QR 50  Kids below 5 are free

GROUP DISCOUNTS are available for 15 or more

Tours:

Tour guides speak the following languages:

Arabic and English (can be booked in advance).

An average tour takes approximately 90 minutes.

There is now an extra charge for a guided tour and it has to be booked in advance (info@fbqmuseum.org).

I would strongly recommend a tour as the museum is so large and not only can it be overwhelming but without a tour one can miss out on learning the interesting stories behind the pieces.

NEW IN DOHA TIPS:

Bags are not allowed into the museum. There are lockers provided.

Please do not touch the artifacts.

Eating and drinking inside the museum is prohibited.

There is a Museum Café serving sandwiches, drinks and cakes.

Take a drive through the beautiful estate and you will see oryx, peacocks and horses.

LOCATION:

The museum is located in Al Samriya in Al-Shahaniya, approximately 20 km west of Doha near Mall of Qatar off the Dukhan highway.

Click here for the google map link.

TIME NEEDED:

Tours take approximately 90minutes but plan to spend at least 3hours in the museum or more.

Contact Details:

• Tel: +974 4486 1444

• Fax: +974 4486 2555

• Email: visitors@fbqmuseum.org

• Address: Al Samriya, 22km west of Doha just beyond Mall Of Qatar.

Find there Instagram account here.

Opening Hours:

Sunday: 9:00am – 4:00pm

Monday – Thursday: 9:00am – 4:30pm

Friday: 2:00pm – 7:00pm

Saturday: 10:00am – 6:00pm

For more information go to their website here

FBQ Newsletter brings you the highlights and latest updates on FBQ Museum’s activities and events. Sign up on their website.

For queries and information, feel free to contact them

Tel: +974 44902340

Email: visitors@fbqmuseum.org

www.fbqmuseum.org

I thoroughly enjoyed our visit and would highly recommend the road trip to the museum.
It is a great activity for kids, take a drive to Sheikh Faisal Museum and you wont be disappointed!