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Architecture in Doha

🇶🇦 Doha, Qatar

Architecture in Doha

Iconic buildings, monuments, and landmark design. Explore 11 curated stops in Doha, including Museum of Islamic Art, National Museum of Qatar, and Aspire Park. Highlights include Museum of Islamic Art, rated 4.7/5 by 6,586 visitors.

11 stops ~5h 30m Available in app

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11 places in this collection

Architecture places

11 places in this collection

Museum of Islamic Art By Alfonso Cartes, CC BY 4.0

Museum of Islamic Art

is a museum on one end of the seven-kilometer-long (4.3 mi) Corniche in Doha. As per the architect I. M. Pei's specifications, the museum is built on an island off an artificial projecting peninsula near the traditional dhow harbor. The museum is influenced by ancient Islamic architecture yet has a uniquely modern design involving geometric patterns. It is the first of its kind to feature over 14 centuries of Islamic art in the Arab States of the Persian Gulf. The Museum of Islamic Art represents Islamic art from three continents over 1,400 years. Its collection includes metal work, ceramics, jewelry, wood work, textiles, and glass obtained from three continents and dating from the 7th to the 20th century. The museum houses a collection of work gathered since the late 1980s including manuscripts, textiles and ceramics. It is one of the world's most complete collections of Islamic artifacts, with items originating in Spain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Turkey, India, and Central Asia.

National Museum of Qatar By Alfonso Cartes, CC BY 4.0

National Museum of Qatar

The National Museum of Qatar is a national museum in Doha, Qatar. The current building opened to the public on 28 March 2019, replacing the previous building which opened in 1975. The building was designed by architect Jean Nouvel who was inspired by the desert rose crystal, which can be found in Qatar. The museum site includes Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani's Palace, which is the heart of the Qatari national identity. A tour of the museum takes visitors through a loop of galleries that address three major, interrelated themes. The galleries are loosely arranged in chronological order, beginning with exhibitions on the natural history of the desert and the Persian Gulf, artefacts from Bedouin culture, historical exhibitions on the tribal wars, the establishment of the Qatari state, and finally the discovery of oil to the present.

Aspire Park By Jaseem Hamza, CC BY 3.0

Aspire Park

Aspire Park is located in Aspire Zone. It covers an area of 88 hectares and it is Doha's biggest park. It is a great place to have picnics and family outdoors while overlooking the Aspire Tower, especially at night. The park has different features such as beautiful fountains, playgrounds for children, and other fun features. It has the only lake in Qatar, a small hill, a coffee shop where different kinds of beverages can be bought, and various kinds of trees, both rare and common. Located close by is the Aspire Tower, a 300-meter modern hotel, which served as a giant torch for the 15th Asian Games.

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Aspire Tower By Jaseem Hamza, CC BY 3.0

Aspire Tower

Aspire Tower, also known as The Torch Doha, is a 300-metre-tall (980 ft) skyscraper hotel located in the Aspire Zone complex. Designed by architect Hadi Simaan and AREP and engineer Ove Arup and Partners, the tower served as the focal point for the 15th Asian Games hosted by Qatar in December 2006. The tower is currently the tallest structure and building in Doha and Qatar, but it will be surpassed by the Dubai Towers Doha and the Barwa Tower, when either project is completed. The tower has also been known as Khalifa Sports Tower or Doha Olympic Tower.

The Pearl Monument By Richard Stephen Haynes - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0

The Pearl Monument

The Pearl Monument, formerly the Oyster Fountain. representing the historical pearl trade and pearl diving of the Doha Bay. Pearl diving was a seasonal activity and profession that took place between June and September each year. Divers and crews would set out on a two-month-long journey as well as a 40-day journey in the hopes of returning with a plentiful bounty. But as Japan began cultivating pearl beds and creating oyster farms in the mid-1920s, pearl prices decreased. Coupled with the discovery of oil, Qatar’s priorities underwent a massive shift, and, as they say, the rest is history.

Msheireb Downtown By Hufton and Crow - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0

Msheireb Downtown

The world’s first sustainable downtown regeneration project, Msheireb Downtown revives Doha’s old commercial district with a new architectural language. Comprising over 100 buildings with commercial and residential properties as well as retail and cultural offerings, the stunning Barahat or courtyard lies at the heart of Msheireb Downtown. It includes niche retail and a variety of al fresco dining options. The Msheireb Museums are a project by Msheireb Properties and celebrate the history of Qatar through four heritage houses in the heart of Msheireb Downtown Doha. The area includes entertainment venues, Qatar Academy Msheireb and four hotels, Mandarin Oriental Doha, Al Wadi Hotel MGallery, Park Hyatt Hotel and a Boutique. While modern, the architecture of Msheireb is inspired by Qatar’s heritage - its proportion, simplicity, space, light, layering, and response to the country’s climate. The entire project aims to reverse the pattern of energy-hungry development in Doha. MDD will also house the Doha Design District, a cultural hub for regional and international talent.

Katara Mosque By Alfonso Cartes, CC BY 4.0

Katara Mosque

Katara Masjid is one of the most beautiful Masjids in Qatar. Designed by globally-known Turkish mosque designer, Zainab Fadil Oglu. The decorations of the Masjid of Katara were designed by a te m of restoration specialists from Dolma Palace in Istanbul. The mosque features an outer surface garnished with turquoise and purple mosaic, and a wonderful interior design that adds even more glamour. The interior and exterior architectural designs, together with the minaret, the dome, and the prayer niche (mihrab) are all inspired by several famous mosques found in various cities and capitals of the Muslim world. In addition to these notable aspects, the masjid abounds with artistic handicrafts, such as ornaments, inscriptions, and mosaic tiles.

The Pearl-Qatar By Planet Labs, Inc, CC BY-SA 4.0

The Pearl-Qatar

The Pearl Island, is an artificial island spanning nearly four square kilometers. It is the first land in Qatar to be available for freehold ownership by foreign nationals. As of 2018, there are 27,000 residents. Once fully completed, The Pearl will create over 32 kilometers of new coastline, for use as a residential estate with an expected 18,831 dwellings and 45,000 residents by 2018. Developed by United Development Company and planned by architecture and design firm Callison, the island is located 350 meters offshore of Doha's West Bay Lagoon area. The artificial peninsula was built by the firm DEME Group, and was completed before the start of the Asian Olympic Games taking place in Doha in 2006. The reputable international marine expert engineer Jasper Verstreepen was part of the project team.

Qanat Quartier By Alex Sergeev, CC BY-SA 3.0

Qanat Quartier

The Pearl Island's "Venice-like community" has an extensive canal system, pedestrian-friendly squares and plazas and beachfront townhouses. The first residents started to live in Qanat Quartier in 2012. This Venice-inspired neighbourhood brings a piece of the Mediterranean to Doha. Boasting turquoise canals flanked by candy-coloured buildings and gracefully arched bridges, Qanat Quartier abounds with Instagram-worthy vistas. Play a tune on the musical staircase, or take a leisurely stroll down broad avenues as you wander in and out of the neighbourhood’s many boutiques and cafés. Grab a coffee, stick your toes in the sand, and take in stunning views of the Arabian Gulf from Qanat Quartier’s beachfront promenade.

Qatar National Library By Alfonso Cartes, CC BY 4.0

Qatar National Library

Designed by Rem Koolhaas, the diamond shaped exterior of the library belies its spacious interior, which prioritizes light and visibility. The bookshelves themselves are an integral part of the building, rising out of the floor and blending into the architecture. Innovative technologies are seamlessly integrated throughout the building, enhancing accessibility and efficiency.

Education City and Mosque By Alfonso Cartes, CC BY 4.0

Education City and Mosque

Education City is a development in Al Rayyan. Developed by the Qatar Foundation, the 12 square kilometres (4.6 sq mi) property houses various educational facilities, including satellite campuses of eight international universities. The Education City Mosque is located in the Minaretein building which rests on five large columns representing the five pillars of Islam. The mosque can host up to 2,800 worshippers in its interior and exterior spaces. In addition, the building houses the College of Islamic Studies, which is an entity of Hamad Bin Khalifa University.

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