Q Life Magazine Q Magazine December 2016 | Page 15

Art in Qatar |
Museum of Islamic Art
Traditional Inspiration,
Modern Architecture
A
n iconic feature of the Doha
skyline, the Museum of Islamic
Art (MIA) is the flagship project of
Qatar Museums (QM). Inspired by
elements of Islamic architecture,
Pritzker Prize-winning architect
I.M. Pei designed the imposing
limestone structure. The museum’s
main building, topped with a domed
atrium within a central tower, juts 60
metres into the Arabian Gulf. Rising
five storeys from the sea, the building
connects to an adjacent education
wing and a large central courtyard.
The MIA’s permanent collection
occupies two floors in the museum’s
main building. It includes
manuscripts, ceramics, metal, glass,
ivory, textiles, wood, and precious
stones from three continents. The
first floor provides visitors with an
introduction to some of the greatest
works of Islamic art before examining
the tradition’s major themes—
calligraphy, pattern, science, and
figural imagery. The second floor
follows the journey of Islamic art from
7th century Arabia to 19th century
Turkey, via the palaces of Córdoba,
the bustle of medieval Cairo, and the
mountains of Afghanistan.
More than a Museum
The MIA includes other impressive
resources, including:
Library collection
With more than 10,000 books
in Arabic, English, and regional
languages, the MIA Library is an ideal
place for school groups, students, and
researchers to learn about the arts of
Islamic civilisation.
Park peninsula
MIA Park is an expansive
area developed as an additional
element to the museum, providing
a space where visitors can relax and
partake in cultural, educational, and
social activities.
Landmark sculpture
Qatar’s tallest public art
installation punctuates the grassy
park. American artist Richard
Serra constructed the landmark
sculpture—measuring 24 metres
(more than 80 feet) in height—from
seven steel plates arranged in a
heptagonal shape to reflect the
significance of the number seven in
Islamic culture.
Through safeguarding collections
of Islamic art and showcasing
extraordinary exhibitions, MIA
shares knowledge and spreads
curiosity, understanding, and joy.
Under the leadership of its
Chairperson, Her Excellency
Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin
Khalifa Al Thani, the Museum of
Islamic Art has set out to transform
Qatar into a cultural capital of the
Middle East.
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