Museums and heritage sites

Who this is for

Anyone who wants to visit museums, galleries or heritage sites in Qatar, from first-time visitors to long-term residents and families. It does not cover school group bookings, venue hire or filming permits.

Before you start

• A ticket booked online for your chosen time slot, where the venue uses tickets.
• Your Qatar ID if you live in Qatar, since resident entry rules depend on it.
• Clothing that covers the shoulders and knees.
• A small bag only, as large bags must be checked in before you enter the galleries.

Steps

1. Check opening days and book a time slot

   Each museum closes on a different weekday, so check before you go. Qatar Museums sells tickets in one-hour time slots and suggests booking ahead on its website. Arrive on time, as there may be queues at busy times.

2. National Museum of Qatar

   The museum tells the story of Qatar and its people, from the land and the sea to the present day. Its building, by architect Jean Nouvel, is inspired by the desert rose and wraps around the historic palace of Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani. Hours: Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Wednesday 9am to 7pm; Thursday 9am to 9pm; Friday 1:30pm to 7pm; closed Tuesday. Metro: National Museum station (Gold Line).

3. Museum of Islamic Art

   Designed by I. M. Pei, the museum stands on its own island off the Corniche and shows Islamic art from many centuries and regions. The surrounding MIA Park is open around the clock. Hours: Saturday to Tuesday 9am to 7pm; Thursday 9am to 9pm; Friday 1:30pm to 7pm; closed Wednesday. Parking is limited and fills quickly at weekends, so the metro or a taxi can be easier; Visit Qatar names National Museum station (Gold Line) as the nearest.

4. Mathaf and Qatar National Library in Education City

   Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art holds modern and contemporary art from the Arab world. Hours: Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday 9am to 7pm; Thursday 9am to 9pm; Friday 1:30pm to 7pm; closed Monday. Nearby, Qatar National Library, designed by Rem Koolhaas, is open to everyone, and its Heritage Library keeps rare books, manuscripts and maps. Library hours: Saturday to Thursday 8am to 8pm; Friday 4pm to 8pm. Metro: Education City station and Qatar National Library station, both on the Green Line.

5. 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum

   This museum, located at Khalifa International Stadium, is about the history of sport and the Olympic movement. Hours: Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Wednesday 9am to 7pm; Thursday 9am to 9pm; Friday 1:30pm to 7pm; closed Tuesday. Metro: Sport City station (Gold Line), which serves Khalifa International Stadium.

6. Fire Station

   Fire Station is a former civil defence building turned into a centre for contemporary art, with studios for resident artists and exhibition halls. It is on Mohammed Bin Thani Street, opposite Al Bidda Park. Entry to the galleries and the building is free, and parking for visitors is free. Galleries open Saturday to Thursday 9am to 7pm and Friday 1:30pm to 7pm, when an exhibition is on.

7. Al Zubarah UNESCO World Heritage Site

   Al Zubarah, about 100 km north-west of Doha, is a former pearling and trading town from the 18th and 19th centuries and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013. The fort is the main building to visit, and a shuttle runs between the fort and the town area. Entry is ticketed. Hours: Saturday to Thursday 9am to 5pm; Friday 12:30pm to 5pm. You need a car or taxi to get there.

8. Follow the visitor guidelines on the day

   Qatar Museums asks visitors to cover their shoulders and knees, and may refuse entry for unsuitable clothing; a few abayas and shaylas can be borrowed. Food and drink are not allowed in the galleries. Personal photos are fine, but flash, tripods and selfie sticks are not allowed in the galleries. Children under 12 must stay with an adult. At heritage mosques, women cover their hair and everyone removes their shoes.

Useful numbers and apps

• Museum of Islamic Art +974 4422 4444 Source
• 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum +974 4452 5200 Source
• Qatar Museums contact page qm.org.qa/en/contact-us Source

Good to know

• Closing days differ: the National Museum and 3-2-1 close on Tuesday, the Museum of Islamic Art on Wednesday and Mathaf on Monday.
• On Fridays the museums open in the afternoon, from 1:30pm, and on Thursdays they stay open until 9pm.
• Visit Qatar notes that museums and attractions often change their hours during Ramadan. Check the venue's website before you go.
• Commercial filming or photography needs written permission from Qatar Museums, and drones need prior approval.
• Borrowing books from Qatar National Library needs free membership, which residents of Qatar can register for. Visitors can still come in and use the spaces.
• Each museum has a cafe or restaurant and a gift shop, and audio guides are offered in several languages.