Doha travel guide: 8 must-visits in the capital city of Qatar for a dose of art and culture
There's plenty of art, design and culture to experience and absorb in Doha. Here are eight must-sees.
Doha is home to world-class museums, educational complexes and public art galleries designed by brand-name architects and artists. (Photos: Daven Wu)
This audio is generated by an AI tool.
The inaugural Design Doha in Qatar just ended in February (but the exhibitions are still available for viewing until Aug 5). By any yardstick, it fully lived up to what its artistic director, Glenn Adamson, described as an event that was "epic and unprecedented, spanning the full breadth of design in the Arab world", with a particular focus on the Middle East and North Africa.
There really was something for everyone here. From gorgeous rugs inspired by the patterns and colours of nature handwoven by Afghan women villagers to sleek 3D-printed lounges (yes, really) whose shape mimicked shifting sand dunes, to pop-art posters and vivid interpretations of ancient Egyptian gods as modern decorative pieces, the sheer breadth of talent and creativity was jaw dropping.
Of course, none of this has happened in a vacuum. It helps that the Qatari royal family – in particular, Her Excellency Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the charismatic sister of the current Emir – have been enthusiastic patrons of the arts scene, pouring in vast amounts of resources to create not just world-class museums, educational complexes, public art and galleries designed by brand-name architects and artists, but also smaller venues in recycled buildings such as schools and firehouses that hothouse independent designers and creatives.
Even if you’re a certified culture vulture, there is simply too much art, design and culture to experience and absorb. After a packed early morning to late night schedule for five days on a recent trip, I still felt like I had barely scratched the surface. That said, here are my top eight must-sees to cram into your trip.
MATHAF: ARAB MUSEUM OF MODERN ART
Dedicated to modern and contemporary art from the Arabic-speaking world, Mathaf’s fascinating collection was donated by a cousin of the current Emir of Qatar. Currently showing till early May are three fascinating exhibitions including graphic reinterpretations of Arabic calligraphy, and notebooks filled with the emotionally introspective drawings and paintings of artists from over 12 countries during the pandemic quarantine.
Located in Msheireb – Doha’s brand new 31-hectare mixed use development and creative precinct – M7 was the epicentre of the recent Design Doha. Focusing on design, fashion and technology, the exhibitions are varied and always fascinating. Arab Design Now (showing till Aug 5) is unmissable for its terrific sweep of installations, furniture and contemporary craft by over a hundred Arab creatives and studios from across the Middle East and the world.
FIRE STATION
A working fire station was converted into a contemporary art space supporting creative residencies. Past shows have been staged by Ai Weiwei, KAWS and Virgil Abloh. Currently showing till May 1 is Pipilotti Rist’s Electric Idyll, a hallucinogenic exploration in dizzying colour and light of the Swiss visual artist’s home.
Inspired by the desert rose and designed by starchitect Jean Nouvel, the enormous intersecting discs of the National Museum contain a stunning collection that tells the story of Qatar from ecological, geographical and historical perspectives. A must see is the Baroda Carpet that’s decorated with 1.5 million marine pearls, emeralds, sapphires, rubies and diamonds.
SHADOWS TRAVELLING ON THE SEA OF THE DAY
About 1.5-hour drive from downtown Doha – near the ancient ruins and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Al Zubarah – is Olafur Eliasson’s monumental installation. In a flat barren patch of desert, the Danish designer has installed 20 gigantic metal discs with mirrored undersides to create a surrealist playground.
For more information, go to Qatar Museums' website
This is another fascinating monumental desert attraction. Richard Serra’s four towering 14m-high rust-red metal pillars in the Brouq Nature Reserve are located about an hour’s fast drive from Doha. Spaced out in a straight line for a kilometre, the pillars are haunting like relics of a long-lost civilisation.
For more information, go to Qatar Museums' website.
LIWAN DESIGN STUDIOS AND LABS
Doha’s first girls school has been converted into a charming oasis of creativity, the former classrooms now home to co-working offices and workshops for local crafters, architects, and artisans including perfumers working with local herbs and oils, and candle makers.
The last major project of IM Pei (the legendary architect behind Singapore’s OCBC Bank and Gateway, and the glass pyramid at the Louvre in Paris) showcases 1,400 years worth of Islamic art and culture from three continents. The vast galleries were recently refreshed. Currently showing till Apr 20 is ‘Fashioning an Empire’ which spotlights priceless textiles from Safavid Iran. Drop by the fabulous gift-shop after.
WHERE TO STAY
W DOHA
Funky colours and design are the hallmarks of the W and its Doha outpost is no exception. Book rooms on the 15th floor for views of the sea. And if you’re missing Asian flavours after a few meals of hummus and grilled lamb, settle in for the inventive pan-Asian fare at in-house restaurant, Spice Market by celebrity chef, Jean-Georges Vongerichten.
For more information, go to W Doha's website.
THE NED
Starchitect David Chipperfield has breathed new life into the former Brutalist hulk that was the Ministry of Interior. The high-ceilinged interiors open out into vast sheltered courtyards, every inch now transformed into an handsome boutique hotel that always seems to be filled with beautiful people.
For more information, go to The Ned's website.
