next »

[Ryan Martis]

It isn’t often that a building stuns – literally.  However, this is the case

with the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, the capital of Qatar.  Traditional Islamic

 architecture meets the twenty first century to spectacular effect.

[Ryan Martis]

Nothing is done by halves here.  Even the palm lines entrance

 (and entrancing is perhaps the right word) fills the visitor with expectation. 

 Sublimely designed by IM Pei, the museum opened its doors to the public

less than two years ago.

[Ryan Martis]

The building is, as you might expect, heavily influenced by ancient

 Islamic architecture but its design is unique and there is simply no other

building like it on earth.  Certainly as a museum of this king it was the first

in the Persian Gulf and its sheer size alone, over forty five thousand square

meters, is a testament to the ambition of its designers.

[Ryan Martis]

[Ryan Martis]

[Ryan Martis]

Sabhia al Khemir became the founding director of the museum in 2006. 

A globally renowned Tunisian writer she is also expert in Islamic art

and is best known for her work in bridging cultural divides and creating

 dialogue between the great civilisations of the world. 

Certainly the Museum of Islamic Art (or QIA as it is known) is an incredible

talking point.



Go to The NEXT Page for More Pictures >>>