Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum: A Cultural Landmark of Qatar

Museums are an essential part of Qatar’s history and culture. The ancient collection, artifacts, and impressive art form in the past have made museums the most integral part of Qatar. Tourists often visit Qatar to get inspired by its rich history and heritage making museums an attraction for all. Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum in Al Shahaniya is one of the most popular galleries which houses diversity. From artifacts to the development of collections, stories, and new modern wonders, this is a storehouse of tales and technology.

A Brief on Sheikh Faisal Museum

Built in the year 1998, the Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim museum is located in the Qatari fort, al Samriya farms. With its distinct design, magnificent architecture, and diverse collection inside, it is another impressive attraction in Qatar for tourists. The museum, not just features impressive architecture, but the use of traditional turrets and the local material has enhanced its beauty and structure. There is a fusion of modern and traditional art in its look and design.

The Faisal Bin Qassim Museum was built to preserve and display artifacts of Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani depicting the story of his life. He collected every single exhibited item in the museum to promote and secure the Islamic heritage dating back to the ages. Later with time, it became an educational and research center, expanding its purpose.

Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani was an influential leader who promoted and preserved every essential Islamic art and heritage. The museum is basically a journey of life telling a story through his vision.

Opening Hours:

• Sunday: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
• Monday to Thursday: 9:00 am to 4:30 pm
• Friday: 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm
• Saturday: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

Enter Tickets:

• Adult: 50 QR or 75 QR
• Students (Ages 6-17): 25 QR or 50 QR
• Group of 15 & More: 35 QR or 45 QR
• Adult Tourist: 75 QR or 100 QR
• Student Tourist (Ages 6-17): 50 QR or 75 QR
• Tourist Group of 15 & More: 60 QR or75 QR

The Collection At Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum, Qatar

Al Thani Museum is famous for its vast collection that includes more than 30,000 objects and artifacts. The museum has a every fascinating and antique art piece preserved in its three different museums. From the manuscripts, artwork, artifacts, handloom to the carpets, cars, and so more. Let's take a look at the prestigious collection of the museum, telling us a lot about Qatar’s history and heritage.

1. FBQ Museum

FBQ museum has a vast collection of Islamic art and heritage that was collected by Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani. There is a vast collection of art and artifacts dating back to the ages where you will find the remains from the Jurassic age and the early Islamic period. From discovering the history of the Qatari people and their culture to valuable sources aiding educational projects, FBQ is an essential part of Qatar and its heritage.

There are ceramics designed with Quranic inscriptions from Surah Al Baqarah and the valued words of Allah and Mohammad. The 18th century Ottoman collection, the textiles, manuscripts, and embroidered handlooms are some valuable preserved there.

Suggested Read: Towers In Qatar That Present A Unique Sight To Watch

2. Car Museum

Sheikh Faisal Museum is so much more than its artifacts and historical collection. The Car Museum, with its vintage car collection and other vehicles like trucks, convertibles, steam cars, and limousines will soon be open for tourists to discover the breathtaking collection. Every vehicle of the museum is in working condition and maintained well.

3. Carpet Museum

The carpet museum houses a collection of more than seven hundred carpets. You will find the best of Arabic art in the hand-woven rugs and other displayed art at this Sheikh Faisal Museum. The museum preserves the best art and artifacts dating back to the ages where you will find the remains from the Jurassic age and the early Islamic period. Admire the use of different patterns that includes thread work, dye work and other handicraft prevailing since centuries. The museum will soon allow visitors.

Suggested Read: Heritage Sites In Qatar Unfolding The Old Traditions and Culture

International Exhibitions To Discover The Rich Art Collection At Al Thani Museum

The museum has engaged itself locally and internationally ambitious and aims at growing its boundaries by taking international initiatives which include in-house curated exhibitions and loans of artifacts abroad. Speaking of international initiatives, there are a few exhibitions the museum has invested in. Let’s get a sneak peek.

The Majlis-Culture in Conversation, Alhambra Palace, Granada (Spain)

The 70 artefacts featured at the exhibition, from the Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museums, narrated the long history of exchange and conversation with the Arabian Peninsula and much more. Each object has a story to tell that one often reads in majlis, the social space in every Arab home. The exhibition was given birth to in 2018 by Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani and has now become one the most popular dialogue forum that connects people, beliefs and cultures. Grand Master's Palace in Valletta (Malta) 2018, at IMA-Institute du Monde Arabe and UNESCO Headquarter in Paris (France) 2019, at Welt Museum Wien in Vienna (Austria) 2019, and at the National Archaeological Museum in Madrid (Spain) in 2020 are some of the places where the exhibition has been held.

“The Majlis”, San Giorgio Maggiore Abbey, Venice (Italy), Venice Biennial

Caravane Earth Foundation at San Giorgio Maggiore Abbey held the exhibition with the 2021 Venice Biennial framework. The presence of Qatar is seen in 50 majlis artifacts from FBQ museums. The finest carpets from Iran and Turkey chosen from Sheikh Faisal’s collection have been appreciated by people from near and far. The Middle Eastern perspective is seen in some of the manuscripts, lamps and ceramic pots.

“Qatar Between Land and Sea. Through Arts and Heritage" at St. Petersburg’s Russian Museum of Ethnography

The cultural program of state of Qatar program has its centerpiece: Qatar between land and sea, through arts and heritage. The multi-faced tale of Qatari and culture spanning several centuries is portrayed through the exhibition, held by the cultural creative agency. The sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani’s complex of museum has over 200 items which is displayed at the exhibition along the collection from the National Museum of Qatar. The theme of the exhibition includes pearl diving, falconry, religious manuscripts, carpets, musical instruments, clothing and jewelry.

This is one of the most interesting exhibition people should attend as it is not like any other. It is a story that is narrated beautiful and something that people will remember for a long time to come.

Suggested Read: Libraries In Qatar: Which Are The Top Picks For Bookaholics

Educational And Public Programs - For Students and Adults

Learning never stops at any age. It is one of the many things that is constant. So, have you ever attended any educational program held at any museum? If you haven’t yet, then what you waiting for? Valuable resources for families, schools, universities and visitors visiting Qatar are represented in the education and public program at the museum. These are things that are rare and not offered in any other museum in the world. So, why miss the chance and opportunity to take in all the knowledge you can get?

• Programs at School

A tour of the museum and virtual and in-person workshops are custom designed for primary and secondary school groups, offered by the school. The introduction of tools to foster literacy and to encourage critical thinking about the world are subjects that are touched upon at the exhibition. 7 to 12 age group kids are offered a fine program called “Behind an object, there is a story” It takes them on a journey to discover the local culture and heritage of Qatar.

• Lectures, Speeches, Concerts and Workshops

Have you ever been to a lecture or concert conducted at a museum? If you haven’t, then this is your chance to attend any one. A diverse and innovative educational filed of art are dealt with by the museum, who collaborate with other institutions and affiliations, local and abroad.

• Guided Tours and Visits

We’ve all been on guided tours and visits when visiting a new city or country? Learning about the cultural and social perspective of the objects and bringing their story to life are dealt with on guided tours conducted by the education department. With each visit, we always learn something new and different. What more can anyone ask for? Doesn’t it feel different and magical?

• Family Tour Guide

We’ve all been on a holiday with family and friends. But have you been on a family tour guide? The family tour guide is no ordinary guide. Are you wondering what is so special about this special family guide? It is a tour guide taken by a camel, who take people on a journey through all the museum halls. The interesting bit about the guide, you ask? Families can choose their own favorite objects to make their own museum.

• Online Tour Of The Museum

When you planning to visit and take a tour of the sheikh Faisal Museum? Do you want to collect memories from your earlier experience? Do you like artifacts and would want to put them in your exhibition? The museum is now virtual, meaning it has come to your electronic devices. You need not move out of the comfort of your chair, as the internet has become your museum. Sitting from your chair, you can visit the 11 galleries and rooms that highlight every corner of the museum, with an introduction given by Abdullatif Al- Tamimi. People are given an insight into several objects and carpets that are chosen from the museum of marvels.

Suggested Read: Discover What Makes Qatar Education City Ideal For Receiving An Education Degree

Cafe and Gift Store at Al Thani Museum

Taking a guided tour is not really a tour if one doesn’t go to the museum café and gift shop. Relax at the café and sip a cup of coffee while munching on a snack. You can buy all kinds of souvenirs from the gift shop that has all kinds of books, artistic objects, jewelry, home accessories and clothes. It is one of the many things we always look forward to and often crave for every now and then. Doesn’t all this sound magical and interesting?

Suggested Read: Cafes In Doha: Treat Your Taste Buds At Some Delightful Eateries

Be it the history of the development from decades, Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum is one of the best places to learn and acknowledge the culture and heritage of Qatar. The museum not only offers a cultural and historical tour but is also an educational center where special tours for students are organized. The Museum is located at an accessible distance from Doha, connected with many private transportations means. You can book your flight to Qatar and reserve a day to discover every fascinating collection inspired by Islamic art and history.

FAQs