Museum of Islamic Art, Doha, Qatar

Currently emerging, literally, from Doha Bay is the Museum of Islamic Art, a symbol of Qatar’s ambition to become the cultural centre of the Middle East. It is one of a number of arts and cultural projects underway in the fast expanding Middle East State which boasts the world’s highest GDP per member of population. Hyder Consulting Middle East is the supervising engineer for the project

The 30,000 square metre landmark building is being constructed 60 metres offshore, with vehicle and pedestrian bridges linking it to the mainland. Built on piles with no surrounding land perimeter, the building will appear to rise directly from the waterline.

On completion, in 2006, the museum will house an important collection of artefacts illustrating the development of Islam and the evolution of the Arab culture from various geographic regions. It will contain exhibition spaces, galleries, an auditorium, and a library for the display of manuscripts, weaponry, numismatics, and works of art.

The first stage of the construction process has involved the creation of a working platform for the building. Specialist civil and marine contractors, working under Hyder’s guidance, have deposited more than 200,000 cubic metres of granular fill into the bay and sunk 750 auger piles and 800 driven sheet piles. The newly created peninsula is protected by a seawall and will ultimately be landscaped to form an extension to the adjacent corniche (sea promenade).

By early 2005, work was underway on the basement, ground and first floors as part of the main building and building services contract.

The architectural form places emphasis upon cultural, environmental and historical values, reflecting Islamic and Arab traditions. The practicalities of dealing with the hot and arid climate of Qatar have also influenced the design of the architect, I.M. Pei

Inside, four themed zones covering science, calligraphy, carpets and paintings will introduce visitors to the museum’s wider collection. The museum will also contain the Museum Directorate, which will house administration offices. A support services area will contain storage spaces for exhibits not on display and laboratories for the preservation and restoration of the museum’s collections.
Click To Check (http://www.hyderconsulting.com/index.asp#)
http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/9531/islamicmuseum6di.jpg

The structure is almost complete. The article is right, the building came up without anyone noticing. It was like the whole thing was almost built over night.

I still don't know where the parking area will be.

Thats nice thing to hear. I wish we have like this also in U.A.E. I hope the best for Qatar.

Kind of sad that the Museum of Islamic art is boxy and post modern.

Acctually its not !! It looks nothing like the render, whcih ironically is made out of card box..

these are some pics i found on the net they're really nice

http://www.lera.com/pimg/museumislamicart/4185781_large.jpg

http://www.lera.com/pimg/museumislamicart/9185969_large.jpg

http://www.lera.com/pimg/museumislamicart/5281089_large.jpg

The last picture looks like six months ago, the project has passes this stake.

I really need to go out there and get some pics. This musuem is huge !

Museum of Islamic Art (Doha, Qatar) designed by I. M. Pei

http://www.bayturdoha.com/MOIA3D.jpg

http://www.lera.com/pimg/museumislamicart/4185781_large.jpg

http://www.lera.com/pimg/museumislamicart/9185969_large.jpg

Many details of the building are inspired by ancient Sumerian, Babylonian and Assyrian architecture

I like the design

yes reqally beautiful...also has a Star Wars effect... How will the collection be?

Any more info about the construction?

Thank you ASIMOV. I think that they are working on the construction right now. It is supposed to be finished by the end of this year

it is more than 90 % complete.

Museum of Islamic Art (Doha, Qatar) designed by I. M. Pei

http://www.bayturdoha.com/MOIA3D.jpg

http://www.lera.com/pimg/museumislamicart/4185781_large.jpg

http://www.lera.com/pimg/museumislamicart/9185969_large.jpg

Many details of the building are inspired by ancient Sumerian, Babylonian and Assyrian architecture

somehow i thought the design was inspired by the Tolonian islamic era in egypt.

great design!!!

Its almost complete. Amazing it helps Qatar becomes more of a cultural center.

Here is a picture of it I took today from the corniche...
http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/3601/picture0423dr.jpg

Another one with a bit more zoom...
http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/5447/picture0413gs.jpg

My god it looks just like the drawings. Thank you Omar these pictures are great.
It looks almost complete

somehow i thought the design was inspired by the Tolonian islamic era in egypt.

That one also. :)

It's like a postmodern mix of every single Middle Eastern architectural tradition of the past 8800 years

(since 6800 BC) brought together.

My god it looks just like the drawings. Thank you Omar these pictures are great.
It looks almost complete
np ;)

thx a lot man. really appricate it.

Heres the latest:

http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/6914/constructionphotos0063ac.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

^^Mashalla, they are almost done with it.

hey halawala,thanx for all the pix.

Yeah... It is almost done. Thanks Halawala.

When are they gonna open???

Dave, I think sometime within the next few months (after the summer).
It looks beautiful from the horizon.

http://img487.imageshack.us/img487/9329/image001409fu.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

متحف الفن الإسلامي يفتح أبوابه للزوار العام المقبل


اوضح المهندس وليد جابر نشوان رئيس القسم الهندسي بالمجلس الوطني للثقافة والفنون والتراث في تصريح للدوحة والصيف ان متحف الفن الاسلامي سيفتح ابوابه في العام القادم مشيرا الى ان مبنى المتحف سيكون جاهزا في نهاية العام الجاري واضاف نشوان ان المتحف سيكون تجسيدا لرؤية انسانية وتاريخية تعكس انتماء وجذور المواطن القطري الاصيل الذي يعيش في بلد يعد ركنا في خريطة ضمن مكوناتها حضارة عظيمة وخالدة .

فضلا عن ان هذا المشروع الحضاري حظي برعاية واهتمام القيادة القطرية الرشيدة والذي توج بصدور القرار الاميري رقم 65 لسنة 2005 بانشاء هيئة متاحف قطر والذي نص على تشكيل مجلس امناء الهيئة برئاسة سعادة الشيخة المياسة بنت حمد بن خليفة آل ثاني وذلك من اجل النهوض بالمتاحف والاثار ومشروعات التنقيب عنها وادارتها والاشراف عليها وتطويرها وجمعها وتسجيلها وحمايتها بكل الوسائل وتهيئتها للانتفاع العام

وحول مقنيات متحف الفن الاسلامي اشار المهندس نشوان الى انها ستشمل مختلف عصور الحضارة الاسلامية منذ نشأتها حتى بدايات القرن الماضي هذه المقتنيات التي توجد مجموعة منتقاه في دولة قطر وهي من اروع مقتنيات الحضارة الاسلامية والتي عكسها تصميم مبنى المتحف، واضاف نشوان وقد وقع الاختيار على واحد من ابرز المهندسين العالميين ولعله الاشهر من بينهم وهو المهندس والمصمم الاميركي الصيني الاصل «آي. ام . بييه» وهو الذي قام بتصميم الاضافة الجديدة الرائعة لاشهر متاحف العالم وهو متحف اللوفر في باريسواوضح نشوان ان المصمم العالمي قام عندما تم اختياره لوضع تصاميم المتحف بدراسات مطولة للتاريخ والحضارة الاسلامية والفن الاسلامي بل وقام بدراسة القرآن الكريم وذلك من اجل استلهام روح هذه الحضارة العظيمة واعطاء تصميم المتحف اللمسات المعبرة عنها وكما قام بزيارات لعدد من الدول الاسلامية مثل تركياومصر واستوقفه في القاهرة مسجد ابن طولون التاريخي واستحوى من بنائه افكارا نقلها الى تصميم متحف الفن الاسلامي في الدوحة.

وقد قرر هذا المصمم العالمي ان يكون تصميم متحف الفن الاسلامي في قطر هو اخر اعماله في الابداعات المعمارية ذات السجل الطويل الحافل ليكون هذا المتحف خاتمة لها وتتويجا لانجازاته المميزة في فن المعمار.

اما بالنسبة للتصميم والاعمال الداخلية فقد تمت الاستعانة بالمصمم العالمي المعروف جان ميشيل فلموت الذي يشتهر بروعة تصاميمه الداخلية بكافة مكوناتها من صالات عرض وفاترينات وانظمة العرض والاضاءة وتقنيات الاتصال.. الخ.

وسوف تعمل في متحف الفن الاسلامي احدث التقنيات التي توصل اليها العلم في طرق العرض وفي انظمة الامان وفي وسائل الاتصال- الميديا- والخدمات والمرافق الاخرى وتابع المهندس وليد قائلا ويقع مشروع مبنى المتحف الاسلامي على الناحية الجنوبية من كورنيش الدوحة على جزيرة اصطناعية تبعد 60 مترا عن البحر بعد ان اضيف الى الجزيرة لسان هلالي الشكل لتوفير الحماية للجزيرة من مياه الخليج شمالا ولحجب منظر المباني من ناحية الشرق وتبلغ مساحة المشروع 45000م2 واضاف نشوان وقد استغلت في تصميم هذه الجزيرة الاصطناعية التشكيلات العضوية للطبيعة بالمنطقة وجمع بينها وبين فن الهندسة البشرية الدقيقة مما شكل بذلك موقعا مناسبا للمتحف بالرغم من انفصال الجزيرة

شكل تام عن البر ويطل مبنى المتحف الاسلامي على مياه الخليج من ناحية الغرب وله مرفأ مخصص لاستخدام الزوار تضيئه مصابيح تعلو على ارتفاع 20م يمكن رؤيتها من مسافات بعيدة عبر المياه ويؤدي

كل درج ومصعد الى حديقة خارجية يكتنفها اضباب رقيق وفي الجنوب يوجد المدخل الرئيسي المصمم على شكل ممر رسمي محفوف باشجار النخيل بشكل يتيح للجمهور الدخول بشكل متأن وتابع المهندس وليد وسيتألف متحف الفن الاسلامي من عدة اقسام رئيسية اهمها قاعات العرض الدائمة وقاعات العرض للدراسات وقاعات العرض المؤقتة ومكتبة متخصصة وغيرها من الاقسام الاخرى.

ويضم تصميم المتحف مركزا تعليميا مكملا لانشطته تقدم الدعم للمدارس ويوفر التسهيلات للابحاث والدراسات بداخل قطر وخارجها كما يشمل المركز طابقا ارضيا وغرفة للقراءة تعلوها تجهيزات لخدمة القراء الصغار اما التصميمات الهندسية للمبنى فمستوحاة من اسس الفن الاسلامي.

وستحتوي صالات العرض الدائمة في المتحف على مجموعة قطر الوطنية للفن

الاسلامي التي تضم مجموعة مهمة من السيراميك والاشغال المعدنية والمجوهرات والاعمال الخشبية والزجاجية والسجاد ومواد اخرى مصنعا في مختلف بقاعا لعالم الاسلامي التي تمتد من اسبانيا غربا حتى آسيا الوسطى والهند شرقا.

وستشمل مقتنيات المتحف الاسلامي ايضا مجموعة كبيرة من العاج والحرير يعود عمر بعضها الى اكثر من 600عام حافظت في جزء كبير منها على اشكالها والوانها.

وتنتمي هذا القطع الفنية الفاخرة الى المدرسة الفنية الاسلامية لما احتوته من نقوش ورموز تعود بجذورها الى فنون الدول والامبراطوريات ا لتي دخلها الاسلام ويرجع تاريخها الى القرن الثالث عشر وصولا الى القرن الثامن عشر الميلادي.

وسيشكل المتحف الاسلامي الذي يقام في قطر لفتة نوعية في العودة الى قراءة فنون الحضارة الاسلامية التي تركت بصماتها في الحضارة الانسانية الى اليوم ويعود تاريخ بعض القطع من العاج الى العصور الوسطى وهي تمثل بعض النماذج الجميلة لصناديق وابواق وقطع اخرى مشغولة بدقة وبراعة عاليتين وما زالت هذه القطع في مجملها تشكل اعمالا فنية رائعة فقد وضع الفنان القديم فيها لب تجربته الجمالية لنقش الاشكال فيها صناعة بعض التكوينات الجذابة وقد استخدمت في صناعة هذه القطع ادوات خاصة ورغم بدائيتها الا انها تشهد على سعة الصبر لدى الفنانين في تلك الازمنة وطاقتهم على انتاج اعمال فنية جميلة ومدهشة، اما الحرير فقد تنوعت مصادره واستخداماته هو الاخر وسيشاهد زوار المتحف قطعة من خيمة امبراطورية شغلت بالحرير وكتبت عليها بعض الايات القرآنية الكريمة ورداء مسنوجا بخيوط الحرير والذهب وقطع سجاد منسوجة من الحرير والذهب ايضا وفي كل هذه القطع تبدو الدقة في تكوين الاشكال المستلهمة من الطبيعة وجمالياتها والوانها الساحرة.

ومن الجدير بالذكر انه تم في مارس الماضي اقامة معرض روائع ا لفن الاسلامي « من قرطبة الى سمرقند» في متحف اللوفر بالعاصمة الفرنسية والذي تفضل بافتتاحه حضرة صاحب السمو الشيخ حمد بن خليفة آل ثاني أمير البلاد المفدى وفخامة الرئيس جاك شيراك رئيس الجمهورية الفرنسية وحضر حفل الافتتاح صاحبة السمو الشيخة موزة بنت ناصر المسند حرم سمو الامير المفدى والسيدة برناديت شيراك حرم فخامة الرئيس الفرنسي.

وتأتي رؤية تنظيم هذا المعرض كمقدمة وتمهيد لاقامة متحف الفن الاسلامي بالدوحة.


Basically, this article talks about the Museum opening next year, when the outside building work is to be completed by the end of this year. Frankly, most of the work is done already from the pics (which are three weeks old)--why not complete it before the Games!!??!!

Some pix from inside the musuem

http://www.l22l.com/l22l-up-4/be530a541b.jpg (http://www.l22l.com)

http://www.l22l.com/l22l-up-4/c58e1c452e.jpg (http://www.l22l.com)

http://www.l22l.com/l22l-up-4/049eb46c2d.jpg (http://www.l22l.com)

http://www.l22l.com/l22l-up-4/810c48f1f4.jpg (http://www.l22l.com)

Wow, those are nice pics. Pei is one of my best architects!

WOW . it is fantastic

I was in the Louver Museum in Paris France, and they have made a hall section for advertizing for the Islamic museum and Doha, it also talks about the designer, it is very nice, they do not allow pictures there, but I took some I will post them whin I come to Doha, I,m now in Germany.

In the Louvre!!
That IS something!

Actually the Islamic Collection at the Louvre Museum will be transferred to the Doha museum. The Emir even opened this section along with Chirac last year.

http://www.swahl.com/up/m2/0c95c8c98d.jpg (http://www.swahl.com/up)
http://www.swahl.com/up/m2/9acbf58b62.jpg (http://www.swahl.com/up)
http://www.swahl.com/up/m2/77ee964d06.jpg (http://www.swahl.com/up)
http://www.swahl.com/up/m2/4e03a95a43.jpg (http://www.swahl.com/up)
http://www.swahl.com/up/m2/593b4df7d1.jpg (http://www.swahl.com/up)
http://www.swahl.com/up/m2/3a779e19c9.jpg (http://www.swahl.com/up)

Nice pics showing the developments! Thanks Wakrawi.

wow its totaly amaizing thanx wakrah for the pics so nice.

you're very welcome guys.
hope ya margog you'll have a good & nice tour @ the museum once it's opend. 6adigni, it's better than spending a night in la paloma with that tall belly dancer :)

I was at the New York Guggenheim museum a couple of days ago, and there was an exhibition by my favorite architect, Zaha Hadid. ANyway, there was a proposal of the DOha Islamic Art Museum by her. It was a great proposal, but unfortunately no pics were allowed inside. Zaha mashalla is the world's greatest living architect to my opinion. You guys should really cheack her out.

Zaha Hadid by far should have been the one to design the Doha Islamic Art Museum. We need more signature buildings by her and others like Norman Foster and others.

WOOOW mashalla this is really something you guys, transferring the Islamic section in the Louver in Paris to Doha’s museum? WOW. Anyone have an idea when would it open ????????????? i am over impressed…seriously

Zaha Hadid by far should have been the one to design the Doha Islamic Art Museum. We need more signature buildings by her and others like Norman Foster and others.

Q4E, the design for Hadid's building is magnificent, and her proposal for the museum resembles the sand dunes of Qatar. the land area on to which it will be build upon is larger than the current. By the way, there is another office building being prooposed by her and can be found on her website, but there is no way to copy that information here in this forum since it is in JAVA. Can you guys check that out?

^^ Why no way?? :P

http://img244.imageshack.us/img244/1038/snap1hs6.jpg

http://img244.imageshack.us/img244/4365/snap2ha0.jpg

Thanks buddy! I have no idea why not :P

Did you see the add for the Islamic museum here on SSC?!?

Ad? Here? Where and when was that??

Near the banner there are small square ads. I saw one requesting proffessionals to work for the museum.

banners generate depending on the country you live in or if you search something on google, I would call this a google achievement because it them who are behind that... when i was in london I stopped getting the banners I had in Canada samething for in Syria and Kuwait....

Today
http://img114.imageshack.us/img114/676/2810062xs3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/9326/2810064le0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img159.imageshack.us/img159/7781/2810066wa3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/3305/28100612hz4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

I really don't get why they haven't opened the museum until now... :(

very beautiful, should visit it someday :)

heard there was problem with the palms infront, dont know what exactly ,it was in the news one day

You guys, my resolution photos look MUUUUCH better on my camera screen; but on the computer the resolution became low, I don't know why..

I mean in these photos, you can see the individual beautiful brickwork on the pictures; but you can't see them in the photos.

http://img54.imageshack.us/img54/6961/qimbn0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

From Christian and Sara Millburn

Opening of new Islamic art museum ‘delayed’


TIPPED to be one of the most prestigious repositories of Islamic artefacts in the world, Qatar’s Museum of Islamic Art, which was due to open before the Asian Games began on December 1, is unlikely to meet its schedule, sources at the National Council of Culture, Arts and Heritage (NCCAH) said yesterday.

Though officials at the NCCAH were not available to give an exact date for the opening of the 45,000-sq m museum, situated on the southern part of Doha’s Corniche on an artificial island about 60 meters off the coast, a source said the under-construction museum would only be open to the public after "at least four months."

With its unique collection of Islamic art, some dating back to the 7th century and worth over $2bn, the museum, designed by renowned 88-year-old Chinese-American architect IM Pei, is set to wow visitors from the world over, when it officially opens.

The museum is one of five planned heritage houses - the other four being the futuristic Qatar National Library, National History Museum, the Museum of Photography and a Museum of Traditional Clothes and Textiles - that will come up on the Corniche in the years to come.

The museum, inspired by Islamic motifs, is set to be one of the most distinguished modern buildings in the Middle East, consisting of 5,000sq m of exhibition space, in addition to generous education, conservation and presentation areas.

According to the source, among several thousand treasures from the Islamic world, originating in cultural centers extending from CÛrdoba to Samarkand, the museum will house a bronze doe which "probably originates from one of the fountains of Madinat al-Zahra near Cordoba," evoking the splendour of Spanish art of the 10th century.

Also, a "9th century bowl from Basra, a model of restraint," which bears the inscription, in ornamental Kufic calligraphy, "What was done was worth the trouble."

"Other ceramic pieces, such as the Iznik plate decorated with a leopard dating from 1600-1610, suggest the breadth of creativity and accomplishment of Islamic artists. Other major attractions include exceptional glass objects such as a Mamluk mosque lamp and the famed Cavour Vase."

Qatar has been buying artefacts of Islamic importance since the beginning of the 1990s with the museum in mind.

According to a source, in 2004, in a single week of Islamic artwork sales at London’s top auction houses, Qatar had reportedly spent more than £15mn (approx. QR 1bn).

dang it!

1bn Riyals! That's alot...
And WOW! I didn't know that the architect is 88 years old!

Anyhow... Too bad it won't be open for the games. For two reasons.
One, there isn't really a reasonable explanation for the delay since construction has already been finished a while back.
Two, such a museum available during the Asian games will improve Qatar's reputation (not that it has a bad one!) and make it known better internationally...

everything is delayed in here! why? :(

Museum opening date to be announced on Nov 8


THE date for opening of the Museum of Islamic Art will be announced by HE Sheikha Mayassa bint Hamad al-Thani, chairperson of the Qatar Museums Authority (QMA) on November 8, a senior official of the authority said yesterday.

Responding to a report about the museum in Gulf Times yesterday, Hamad Khalifa al-Naser, vice-president of the authority, clarified in a release that the National Council of Culture, Arts and Heritage (NCCAH) was not the body in charge of the museum sector in Qatar and hence quoting a NCCAH source was "off the mark".

He described much of the information in the report as "inaccurate".

"The Emiri Decision No. 65 issued in 2005 mandates the Qatar Museums Authority, and no other entity, to develop and manage current and future museums in Qatar."

Pointing out a mistake in the report, al-Naser said the display space at the museum did not exceed 4,000sq m and not 5,000sq m as mentioned in the story.

cool so it will open on 8 november hmmmm... thats not far away cool

cool so it will open on 8 november hmmmm... thats not far away cool

^^

No :ohno: , it will not open Nov. 8. THey will say when they open it on November 8.

well thats depressing

^^Agree!

Looks like it will turn out about like the renders. It looks beautiful. Will hold some interesting things, would like to visit ^^.

i think they should renew the normal qatar museum especaly the aquatic area and some parts of the museum are sunny and hot.

http://img316.imageshack.us/img316/8451/islamicke4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img160.imageshack.us/img160/2438/islamic2jh0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

(Zam'n's photos on flickr.com)

wow! Love the reflection on the water!

cool pic thanks halawala

nice pics, thanks for sharin Halawala..!

No problems guys and gal ;)

Islamic Arts Museum to be opened by end of next year (end of 2007!!!!!)

HH Sheikha Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani addressing the meeting.
DOHA • The landmark Islamic Arts Museum being constructed here is scheduled to be opened by the end of next year.

This was announced at the end of a meeting of the Coucil of Trustees of the Museums Authority which was held at the Qatar Foundation premises yesterday. The meeting was chaired by H H Sheikha Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani.

Sheikh Hassan bin Mohammed bin Ali Al Thani, vice chairman of the Council and its members, Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Attiyah, Farooq Hosni, Minister of Culture of Egypt, Lord Jacob Rothchild and Thomas Leisten were also present, along with Hamad bin Khalifa Al Nasr, deputy director of the Museums of Authority and several of its senior officials.

The meeting discussed ways of developing museums in Qatar. Details about the Isalmic arts museum project were also discussed.

holy cowsssssssssssssss wat the heck is wrong with them !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

End of 2007!
I just hope that idiot Farooq Hosni (Minister of Culture of Egypt) doesn't have any hand in this!

^^ :ohno:

Do you have a problem with me calling him an idiot?? :D

lol

End of 2007!
I just hope that idiot Farooq Hosni (Minister of Culture of Egypt) doesn't have any hand in this!

LoooooooL!! OMAR THAT WAS FUNNY!! :lol:

lol omar if you are talking to me.. it wasnt for ur messageeeeee! it was for Halawala's! "Islamic Arts Museum to be opened by end of next year (end of 2007!!!!!) "

hehhehe
you are free, and I dont even know who that is! Politic? for me? I dont bother

lol! :D
nvm then Suzan :D

Well, just to make it clear... That guy (Farook Hosni) used to be the guy responsible for the Egyptian TV and Radio (whatever the job is called).
So, he is the one responsible for the really really really poor TV channels (they are all poor btw) broadcasted from Egypt!

HAPPY TO HEAR ABOUT THE MUSEUM OF ISLAMIC ARTS IS TO BE COMPLETED SOON.ALSO ITS THE PLACE WHERE FIRE PROTECTION IS TAKEN SO MUCH CARE.HEARD NATIONAL FIRE FIGHTING COMPANY QATAR IS DOING THE PROJECT.SINCERE THANKS FOR ALL PEOPLE,CINTRACTORS,SUB CONTRACTORS WHO WORKED BEHIND THE GREAT VENTURE.

HAPPY TO HEAR ABOUT THE MUSEUM OF ISLAMIC ARTS IS TO BE COMPLETED SOON.ALSO ITS THE PLACE WHERE FIRE PROTECTION IS TAKEN SO MUCH CARE.HEARD NATIONAL FIRE FIGHTING COMPANY QATAR IS DOING THE PROJECT.SINCERE THANKS FOR ALL PEOPLE,CINTRACTORS,SUB CONTRACTORS WHO WORKED BEHIND THE GREAT VENTURE.

Do you work for them? And yes the project is great!

Designing Islamic museum was a challenge: Pei
doha • World-renowned architect I M Pei, the man behind the design of the Museum of Islamic Arts being constructed here, says he has tried to give a contemporary interpretation to some important elements of Islamic architecture.

Pei was in Doha yesterday to see the progress of the museum project which is being constructed off the Doha Corniche.

The Chinese-born Pei, 90, is an American citizen and is based in the US. His architectural marvels include the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland, the Grand Louvre in Paris, the Museum of Modern Arts in Athens and the Miho Museum in Shiga, Japan, to name but a few.

Talking to the media yesterday, Pei said work on the Doha museum has been progressing the way he desired. "This is the first time I am seeing the building in broad daylight. It will take a long time, but I am extremely satisfied with the work. Qatar is excellent," he said.

Hamad bin Khalifa Al Nasser, Vice-President of the Qatar Museum Authority, who was also present at the press briefing, said the project is expected to be completed by the end of next year, as already announced by H E Sheikha Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani, Chairperson of the Authority.

Pei said designing the museum was a challenging experience for him. Though contemporary in style, he has tried to integrate the Islamic "sun architecture" in the design. He noted that "sun" and "shadows" are important elements of Islamic architecture since most such monuments were built in the sunbelt.

He said he was deeply attracted to this aspect, which is visible in every Islamic structure, from the Prophet's Mosque in Medina to the mosque in Cordoba, Spain. "I have tried to bring this aspect to my design here. You will see the building changing with the sun," he said.

Pei said he had revisited Islamic architectural marvels all over the world, after he was asked to design the Doha museum six years ago.

"I had visited these structures before as a tourist but this time I went to learn their internal relationship with Islam," he said. The one structure that particularly influenced the Islamic museum design was the Ibn Toulon mosque in Egypt.

"I visited the mosque for a third time because it was so different," he said.

The "ablution fountain" (where worshippers carry out ablutions before prayers), located in a middle of a large courtyard was particularly intriguing. "It was so pure. You will see the whole structure playing with sun and shade," he said.

Pei said another major challenge for the museum is the selection of materials due its proximity to the sea. Natural granite stones will be used for the exterior, because it can withstand sunlight and humidity more than any other material, he said.

"For a museum, we need a solid structure, without windows, which can protect the precious objects inside. The interior will not be a problem because of air-conditioning but one has to be very careful in the selection of material for the exterior," he stated.

Hamad bin Khalifa said the museum will showcase priceless pieces from across the Islamic world, from Cordoba to Samarkand.

^^^ I wish I was in Doha to meet him! HE's one of my fav. architects.

Just discovered that he is the same person who designed the Pyramide du Louvre

http://img154.imageshack.us/img154/1875/cidaj1762byb6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

But WOW! he is 90 years old?

can art be arab and not islamic?

or does it have to be islamic to be arab art?

( = does it always have to connect to religion?)

can art be arab and not islamic?

or does it have to be islamic to be arab art?

( = does it always have to connect to religion?)

Of course! Traditional Qatari houses or those of the Arabian Gulf (windtowers)are ARAB but not Islamic, as one example.

wind towers?

Just discovered that he is the same person who designed the Pyramide du Louvre

http://img154.imageshack.us/img154/1875/cidaj1762byb6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


The Glass Pyramid in the Louvre is actually his most famous design. This pyramid and the tens of oblisks that dot Paris has led some people to wonder whether there is some kind of conspiracy. I dunno, but it does look weird. I think one of the prime minister (I wanna say Charles de Gaulle) loved Ancient Egyptian culture and he was the one (I think) who actually gave the order to build the oblisks and this pyramid.

Just an interesting fact.

Of course! Traditional Qatari houses or those of the Arabian Gulf (windtowers)are ARAB but not Islamic, as one example.

yes but whenever theres a reference to arab art its always connected to "Islamic Art", if you look at every museum.
so its interesting that all art in all this region isnt reffered to as national art, egyptian art, syrian art etc but only as islamic.

Pics found at flickr.com

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/146/332361061_0d778ff96f_b.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/145/332361373_d2df88fd11_b.jpg

I don't know but it looks romantic .... and it makes you feel so calm.... :|

^^ same here!

i wonder how it looks from the other side of westbay ?!

It looks quite small

I don't know but it looks romantic .... and it makes you feel so calm.... :|

Shfee el romancy! ;) I think it looks romantic, too! :cheers:

It is....love the reflection on the calm water at night!

On flickr.com - uploaded on Dec 29


Gorgeous!

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/146/337176409_5823a113ec_o.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/155/337176532_244bc851d9_o.jpg

woooow!!!!! floating on water......

the design is beautiful

Some lovely pictures!!!!
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/135/356117910_ec4f75d6f4_b.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/131/358485648_2abdcd5a23_b.jpg

^^^ Looks like a farytale castle!

^^ :lol:

anyone been inside it?

flickr.com
I keep falling in love with the skyline!

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/127/360762697_d1851b3e1f_b.jpg

needs more buildings

towers on left bending a bit...!!!.....and wats the jetskey on right....cumin frm underwater????

The meseum contains the world's largest Islamic arts.

Is it mentioned here?

that is great probably bught by $ and no it was not mentiond here

http://k47.pbase.com/g6/19/415419/2/69169479.SlJYUpxX.jpg

^^^ Thanks for the pic, but I think I posted it a while back!

weird pyramid :D

flickr
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/184/393985986_72741e578d_b.jpg

^^ OMG! It looks futuristic! Really nice

seems its small

سوزان هاي العضو ثاورن مادري شسمهـ مسلم ؟؟؟؟؟؟

انت تسئل عنه اذا هو مسلم ولا اذا هو اعرف شنو يعني مسلم ؟؟؟؟؟

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/181/395345284_b9551125a5.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/amrja/395345284/

Took this picture a few days ago.

^^ a mess right before the harmony..

^^ True :lol:

http://www.baytur.com/projects/i/projects/img_gbp_26_01b.jpg

http://www.baytur.com/projects/i/projects/img_gbp_26_02b.jpg

http://www.baytur.com/projects/i/projects/img_gbp_26_03b.jpg

http://www.baytur.com/projects/i/projects/img_gbp_26_04b.jpg

http://www.baytur.com/projects/i/projects/img_gbp_26_05b.jpg

Inside the Museum!!!!!!!
:nuts:

http://nccah.com/project/images/scroll_images/MIA-005.jpg

http://nccah.com/project/images/scroll_images/MIA-006.jpg

http://nccah.com/project/images/scroll_images/MIA-007.jpg

http://nccah.com/project/images/scroll_images/MIA-008.jpg

http://nccah.com/project/images/scroll_images/MIA-009.jpg

http://nccah.com/project/images/scroll_images/MIA-010.jpg

http://nccah.com/project/images/scroll_images/MIA-011.jpg

http://nccah.com/project/images/scroll_images/MIA-012.jpg

http://nccah.com/project/images/scroll_images/MIA-013.jpg

http://www.danbakli.com/images/musee-qatar01.jpg



Right click on below link and Save Target as .. Movie is nice!!

http://nccah.com/project/images/mia_wmv.wmv

Yeah it's great!! Thanks Suzan! I found some more thanks to the name of the interior designer : Jean-Michel Wilmotte.

http://www.wilmotte.com/img/photography/realisations/200501061658-1.jpg

http://www.wilmotte.com/img/photography/realisations/200501061658-2.jpg

http://www.wilmotte.com/img/photography/realisations/200501061658-4.jpg

http://www.wilmotte.com/img/photography/realisations/200501061658-5.jpg

Wow! nice pics Massilia!

انت تسئل عنه اذا هو مسلم ولا اذا هو اعرف شنو يعني مسلم ؟؟؟؟؟

what?

Some pictures of today:

http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/3249/dsc00225sh2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/139/dsc00226ej6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


http://img124.imageshack.us/img124/1756/dsc00227pa4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

thanks

http://www.baytur.com/projects/i/projects/img_gbp_26_01b.jpg



http://www.baytur.com/projects/i/projects/img_gbp_26_04b.jpg

http://www.baytur.com/projects/i/projects/img_gbp_26_05b.jpg

How can it be that big since it seems small outside.

Here are my pics! Honestly tell me if you like them!

http://img133.imageshack.us/img133/7821/l1000692edited1dz1.jpg
http://img300.imageshack.us/img300/2905/l1000691edited1ys0.jpg
http://img157.imageshack.us/img157/8272/l1000690edited1ex7.jpg

Gorgeoussssssssssssssss pics!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Loved them. So romatic :D

enchanting........:)

...opening early 2008!

what the heck !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! why 2008 ???????????????? i thought it was open !

Whats new about this? they always delay openings!

I am not surprised.

From flickr

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/7470/sssssssyl9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

i think that this is one of the most attractive places in west bay

I cannot wait for this to open. I think some of the delays are the actual purchasing of items from auction houses around the world.

It's going to be a grand day when I can walk around this ...

yes i also think there still buying stuff from around the world we should by the stolen islamic objects in turky

i think dis buyin thing will take a lot of time coz this shud have really good stuffs in it ... thts what the actual aim is....

hey any dates come out regarding the openin ...??

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1361/1324265062_a1e4bc0c91_o.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1316/1324260322_30c501b336_o.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1324/1324262860_b9ac0e1799_o.jpg

Panoramic Pix suzan thanks !!!!!

is that a parking lot under the end of the bridge............I’ve always though about the parking lot of the museum........coz it entrance is straight from the round about and the bridge takes you to the entrance immediately............well, i think its a parking lot most probably..............any other information?

http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/7348/islamicarts1ab7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/9797/islamicarts2ki2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Fairytale Castle, Urban Photo Contest :D

plz vote :D:D:D

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=556074

i reently made a thread with one picture for tan urban photo contest here is the CORRECT thread :D

plz vote AGAIN

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=556448

This museum will officially open in March!! YAY

fantastic musuim

but open on march !! befor 1\2007 now 3\2008 :ohno:

Islamic art museum to open on Nov 22

http://www.gulf-times.com/mritems/images/2008/1/23/2_197495_1_248.jpg
Abdulla al-Najjar (centre) and director of marketing and communications, MIA, Salam al-Shawa (right), at the press conference yesterday

THE Museum of Islamic Art (MIA), one of the most prestigious cultural projects of Qatar, will officially open its doors for visitors on November 22, it was announced yesterday.
According to an official spokesman, the opening ceremony will be held under the patronage of HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani and in the presence of distinguished political and academic guests from around the world.
Speaking to mediapersons, the acting CEO of Qatar Museums Authority (QMA), Abdulla al-Najjar, said the museum would be a world-class place of learning and a platform for international dialogue.
“The Museum of Islamic Art is a pioneer project, highlighting the cultural vision of the state of Qatar, both in the region and across the world,” he said.
“Under the guidance of the chairperson of QMA’s board of trustees HE Sheikha Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, the project is expected to transform Qatar into the global capital of culture.”
According to him, there will be a “soft opening” on March 22, but the ensuing activities will be limited to ensure that staff capacities are guaranteed in handling the state-of-the-art facilities and staff orientations.
The museum, which stands as an architectural masterpiece on a 35,500sqm man-made island on the Corniche was designed by popular Chinese-American architect I M Pei.
Besides the in-house exhibits, the museum features exhibition galleries, a 200-seat auditorium, a five-star restaurant, prayer halls, gift shops, bookshops, a world-class conservation laboratory and a library.
Al-Najjar said that during the opening week, the museum will host several conferences where distinguished international speakers will participate.
The topics of the conferences will be Architecture: Between Tradition and Modernity and Beyond Boundaries: Islamic Art Across Cultures.
Speaking about the museum’s collection, al-Najjar said they represent the full scope of Islamic art.
“The collection comprises thousands of pieces such as manuscripts, ceramics, metal, glass, ivory, textiles, wood and precious stones,” he said.
“Collected from the three continents of Africa, Asia and Europe, the museums’ artworks date from the 7th- 19th centuries and they represent the diversity found in Islamic art, which are of unparalleled quality,” he said.
“The vision and mission of MIA is to offer a full-scale educational programme. Children and adults alike will have the opportunity to learn hands-on through cultural exchanges, workshops, seminars and other activities.”
He stated that the museum will play host to a number of exhibitions, where visitors will journey through time and across cultures and regions, based on the themes of historical periods and dynasty groups selected by the designer of the galleries, Jean-Michel Willmotte.
“We consider the exhibitions very important because they will help facilitate the development of a strong network and partnership with many international museums as the foundation for other extensive programmes,” he explained. “The exhibitions will also bring into the country many masterpieces.”
The exhibitions, which are planned over a five-year period would feature international museums such as the Louvre Museum of France, British Museum, Museum of Islamic Arts, Egypt, Metropolitan Museum New York, Royal Collection of Morocco and Cartier Collection, France.

Thaaatttt longgg....

Not to point this out, but usually soft openings are a few days or a week maximum before a full opening of any facility. It's just a period of time to show off to investors / press and peers and to iron out any potential creases.

What the hell are they thinking ' NOV 22nd! ' It's not as if Qatar is bulging with other museum and art projects, what are the head of the authority and his team actually doing?! Wasting an awful lot of time I'd guess.

Museum opening on November 22
Web posted at: 2/8/2008 2:45:2
Source ::: The Peninsula
Doha • On Thursday, February 7, 2008, The Peninsula carried a front page report stating the official opening for the Qatar Museum of Islamic Art was February 22.

This report relied on an item disseminated by the Qatar News Agency on February 6, 2008 which has since been found to be inaccurate.

The opening, to be attended by the Emir, will be on November 22 as reported by us in our January 24 edition. However, there will be a soft opening on March 22.

The publishing of this report has caused regrettable confusion, but The Peninsula carried the item from QNA in good faith and believing it to be accurate.

QNA issued a corrected version of the report yesterday.

STUPID NEWS AGENCY

^^ well its going to be opened by the Emir himself :) nice move this proves its 1 good museum

http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/437/islam1eh3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://www.gulf-times.com/mritems/images/2008/4/24/2_214683_1_248.jpg

Emir tours Museum of Islamic

HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani and other officials admire the design of the Museum of Islamic Arts which will officially open on November 22 this year.

HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani yesterday paid an inspection tour of the Museum of Islamic Arts to get acquainted with the progress of works under way for the museum’s official opening on November 22 this year.
The Emir toured the museum accompanied by renowned American architect I M Pei who designed the museum, housing the world’s most prestigious collection of Islamic artifacts. The Emir expressed his admiration of the standard of work and lauded the efforts of all the museum officials.
HH the Emir met HE Sheikha Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, the chairperson of Qatar Museum Authority (QMA); HE Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah, State Minister and member of the QMA board; HE Sheikh Hassan bin Mohamed bin Ali al-Thani, the vice-chairperson of the QMA board: HE Dr Mohamed Abdulraheem Kafoud, the adviser of the QMA chairperson; and Abdullah al-Najjar, the acting Executive Chairman of QMA board.
The Emir was accompanied during the visit by HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, the Director of HH the Emir’s office.
The five-storey museum, set up upon an artificial island located 60m from the Doha Corniche, will have a total area of 45,000 sq m when completed. It is located on the edge of Doha harbour, at the south end of Doha Bay.
The museum draws much influence from ancient Sumerian, Babylonian and Assyrian architecture, giving it a unique design. The museum will be the first of its kind in the Gulf and is expected to have a very large collection of some of the best Islamic art as well as a study, a library, and several restaurants. – QNA

Hello every body i found these great CLEAR pictures in flickr, have fun !!!

http://www.widgx.org/pfiles/809/IS1.jpg

^^ wow those palms really make the place look better :cheers:

http://www.widgx.org/pfiles/810/is2.jpg

^^ Whoa so clean masha'allah :D

http://www.widgx.org/pfiles/811/is3.jpg

^^ this is the mini corniesh that has a small park behind it, also part of the museum :banana:

http://www.widgx.org/pfiles/812/is4.jpg

^^ Like OMG thats not a museum !!! thats a palace ! :D

http://www.widgx.org/pfiles/813/is5.jpg

^^ this is how the center looks like from the upper floors.... YES ITS FROM THE INSIDE !!!!!!!!

very nice :)

guys !! check out this video made by aljazzera english's program artsworld... its one cool video about the museum and shows alot from the inside.. be sure to see the full thing to view all the parts that include the inside of the museum :D

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=8K92BFolFyk

i think it should be open in november

16 days left for this to finally open !!! great addition to the attractions of Doha =D

I can't wait for this jewel to open on Dec. 1st, I just can't!!

^^ what ??? isnt the GRAND opening on 22nd November ?? 15 days to go ?

It is 22nd Nov, they changed it I guess

Emir to open museum on November 22

TWO weeks to go! After years in the planning and making, the Museum of Islamic Art on the Doha Corniche is about to open its doors to the world.
The building, designed by Chinese/American architect I M Pei is, quite simply, stunning. Rising to a height of 60 metres, it stands on an island of reclaimed land, connected to the shore by two shaded pedestrian bridges, plus a bridge for vehicles.
A view of the atrium with stairs
The construction of the island was the suggestion of the architect, to ensure that future buildings would never encroach on the museum.
Entering via the gently sloping bridge, the visitor’s gaze is caught by the beautiful circular metal chandelier, 12 metres in diameter, suspended above two curved staircases which rise from the floor of the central domed atrium. The impression is of an immense, airy spaciousness, flooded with light from the vast sheet glass walls.
The architecture was inspired by the design of the 13th century sabil (ablutions fountain) of the Mosque of Ahmad Ibn Tulun in Cairo, Egypt. The finest materials have been brought from all over the world for its construction: cream-coloured Magny and Chamesson limestone from France, black granite from the US and stainless steel from Germany.
The interior was designed by Jean-Michel Wilmotte and Associates and features grey Porphyry stone and Brazilian lacewood. To protect the fragile antiquities on display, the galleries will have subdued lighting and no natural light will enter the space.
The shape of the five-storey main building, topped by the stainless steel dome, changes as the structure descends: the circular perimeter of the dome becomes an octagon and then a square, which in turn is transformed into four triangular column supports. All five floors command spectacular views of the Arabian Gulf and the West Bay area of Doha, through the glass curtain wall which covers the north side of the building.
Behind the museum, a park of approximately 64 acres of dunes and oases is being constructed on the island, to offer a picturesque backdrop to the stone-clad building.
As Gulf Times toured the museum, hundreds of people were hard at work making the finishing preparations before the grand opening by HH the Emir on November 22.
Priceless treasures were being carefully placed into the specially designed display cases, and labels were in preparation.
Labelling is being kept to a minimum to allow the fullest visual appreciation of the marvellous objects on display. To supplement the information on the labels, visitors will be offered audio tours in a number of languages.
The collection represents the full scope of Islamic art and includes manuscripts, ceramics, metal, glass, ivory, textiles, wood and precious stones. They come from three continents, from places as far apart as Spain and India, and include many objects from Middle Eastern countries.
In an interview with Gulf Times, Dr Oliver Watson, the director of the Museum of Islamic Art, explained why the museum is of international significance. “It is very unusual,” he said, “to have a museum of this class opening anywhere in the world, and the architect took the designing of a museum of Islamic art at the heart of the Islamic world very seriously.
“The collection itself is astonishingly important. Everything is of the highest quality, both aesthetically and historically, and the objects on display can match any collection of Islamic art in the world.”
Dr Watson, who held the post of chief curator of the Museum of Islamic Art from 2003-05 before returning to Qatar in August this year to take up the directorship, went on to say that there was no other museum in the world devoted exclusively to Islamic art.
Great collections of art from the Islamic world exist in the West, but they are always part of much bigger museums and the amount of space devoted to them is comparatively small. Inevitably, the displays are somewhat crowded.
“Here we have ample facilities to show these marvellous objects in a spacious way. This helps to emphasise the importance of the individual pieces,” he explained.
“Islamic art is an expression of a culture that was as advanced, intellectually, culturally and economically as any in the world and that’s the important thing on which this collection will focus. There are larger collections of Islamic art elsewhere, but none with facilities like this.”
Dr Watson, who was formerly the chief curator of Middle Eastern Collections at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and relinquished a high profile position as Keeper of Eastern Art at the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford to take up his post in Qatar, explained why he did so.
“For far too long, Islamic art has been neglected in the realm of art history. There was far more attention paid in the West to Chinese art and Buddhist art. I’ve spent my life studying Islamic art, and to be given the opportunity to work on a project like this is fantastic.”
A number of other events at the museum will follow the grand opening. The day after the opening on November 22 there is a panel discussion with I M Pei about the architecture of the building, for which invitations will be issued.
This will be succeeded by a two-day conference around a temporary exhibition, entitled Beyond Boundaries; Islamic Art Across Cultures, which is being assembled by the Curator of Exhibitions, Dr Hube


http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=253729&version=1&template_id=36&parent_id=16

The Official website of Museum of Islamic Art Qatar

http://www.mia.org.qa/

its coming soon... so it will probably open after the grand opening...

Museum opening marks milestone

TODAY marks a milestone in the history of Qatar. Years of hoping and planning are fulfilled, as the Museum of Islamic Art opens its doors to the world.
A galaxy of celebrities are expected to grace today’s VIP opening. Among those to be present are royalties and leading personalities from the show world.
The museum is not only a breathtaking piece of architecture by one of the world’s most celebrated architects, it houses a collection of art the equal of any that has ever been assembled hitherto.
This is not the first time that Qatar has made history in the museum world. In October 1977, when the Qatar National Museum opened in the converted buildings of a former palace belonging to the ruling family, it was the first of its kind in the Arabian Gulf.

the museum opens at 6pm !! i really hopes it is on tv !!

Celebs and special guests are expected, some were in dubai for the atlantis opening.

^^ the leader of UAE was there !!! btw unfortunatley i only got to see the last 5 minutes of the one hour... since i was busy at that time.... i didnt get to see the fireworks !!!! :bash:

^^ The UAE President, King of Bahrain, Syrian President, Kuwaiti Crown Prince, as well as Jordanian Princes, were present.

dont forget the omani heritage and culture representitive, and the saudi minister of travel and tourism....

it will be open today 1st Dec from 10:30 - 5:30
and it will be ( FREE )
i hope if i am in doha to visit the musium and the pearl

took some photos of the museum last night...hope u guys like it ...

http://i434.photobucket.com/albums/qq61/payrol2/DSC_0694.jpg

http://i434.photobucket.com/albums/qq61/payrol2/DSC_0875.jpg

http://i434.photobucket.com/albums/qq61/payrol2/DSC_0920.jpg

Really nice pictures!

New Pictures ^_^

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3089/3120401055_306f54d9b6_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3088/3150174616_d92463466d_o.jpg

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Ya 3ini 3lik. Mumtaz!

So GREEN !! more palms :P

http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/402/mia.png (http://img185.imageshack.us/my.php?image=mia.png)

Superb, great job Qatar Son with all the nice pics!

I have to admit that this museum is simply stunning. who's the architect of this beauty?

I. M. Pei

=D as the thread name says...

oh, right. sorry, didn't noticed it :)

This museum is simply stunning. No words to said.

the construction at the end of the museum park that Massilia mentioned earlier apparently is a Sculpture made by Richard Serra (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Serra)


http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=439226&version=1&template_id=57&parent_id=56

^^good news this is a park - designed by the same architect who did the museum.

The park has been there from the opening for the museum, but I think they might have changed some things at the "peninsula" like area at the end of the MIA corniche + the sculpture

New Pictures ^_^



http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3423/3187817154_18fb9a607a.jpg?v=0


Beautiful pic!

love this museum, a work of art in itself

Its designed to look like a Ziggurat....nice architecture!

Any more interior pictures?

Great documentaries on the stories of some of the artworks and pieces in the museum. :D

I highly recommend them ;)

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Really interesting videos Alrayyan

Thanks for sharing them :cheers:

Yeah thanks buddy

"MIA Cafe" is going to open on the 7th of December 2011 ;)

http://img638.imageshack.us/img638/3192/ae62uwvcmaa8i07.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/638/ae62uwvcmaa8i07.jpg/)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

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any more pics of this project now that its open?

any more pics of this project now that its open?

The museum has recently opened an extension to it's park with children's play areas, cafe's and even a sculpture !

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-62lpRSZPFu0/T3XATao00DI/AAAAAAAAA2A/8aSbPta1o6c/s1600/P3300016.JPG

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wf0T76IEna0/T3XATqX3dWI/AAAAAAAAA2I/_2chisa7FpQ/s1600/P3300008.JPG

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1PMrmYa0Zjs/T3XAUZGz9yI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/Wz8BShW1uBU/s1600/P3300009.JPG

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x3t1e4aP5bY/T3W_1Wd6gGI/AAAAAAAAA10/fHuQ6ov9NuY/s1600/P3300006.JPG

http://www.designboom.com/weblog/images/images_2/leigha/7richardserra/ae3.jpg

you can also see it from inside using Google maps (https://maps.google.com/?ll=25.295478,51.539288&spn=0.016587,0.033023&t=h&z=16&layer=c&cbll=25.295478,51.539288&panoid=r9z6WNieWOWRQduzxXO7Jg&cbp=12,161.88,,0,18.36)

Thanks a lot for the updates on this. :)

This thread title should be

DOHA | Museum of Islamic Art | Complete

Truly a great architectural structure

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Wow that's such a great photo, thanks!

^^ your welcome :)

Great photos i fined in Flickr

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