Art and Architecture

Qatar offers a very dynamic art scene with some local and international artists exhibiting their work at the galleries. Exhibitions normally occur monthly. Al Markhiya www.almarkhiyagallery.com is a very popular art gallery based in Doha and has an extensive local exhibition. Some hotels have exquisite art displayed in their foyers, like the Four Seasons Hotel.

Aromqatar-Flicker

The Museum of Islamic Art built in 2008 www.mia.org.qa/english/index.html#home, was designed by designer I.M.Pei a Chinese American. The Museum in itself is a marvel with a blend of traditional styles and cubic shapes. The Museum was built on an artificial island so it would always be distinguished from any other development on the Sea Front.

The Museum’s collection of Islamic art consists mainly of artifacts from the Al Thani family. However, there are collections from different parts of the world. The Museum boasts ancients Islamic Artifacts and Arabic inscription on Ivory. Some of the intriguing exhibits include and Ancient Quran and a painting of da Fabriano painted in the 1420s while working in France. da Fabriano painted a masterpiece depicting Virgin Mary with baby Jesus and the Arabic inscription “There is no God but God”in Virgin Mary's Halo.