Having evolved in to a global powerhouse in a matter of decades the former fishing village of Qatar is now a cultural epicenter in the heart of the Middle East. Welcoming migrant communities and global businesses from across the world this stunning oasis in the desert is also a premier holiday destination for culture buffs. Littered with illustrious museum spaces there’s no finer way to trace the Qatari legacy than on a tour of its most coveted institutions. Iconic in design and concept these old and newly built museums offer interactive exhibits and state-of-the-art showcases to explore the diverse identity of a nation that is fast becoming a player on the world stage.
The Qatar National Museum is of course the chief attraction in the country for culture buffs as the former palace that is regarded an architectural marvel explores the country’s sea faring legacy with larger than life Dhows and other showcases on pearl diving. Traditional art forms, relics and other artifacts line the display cases of this award winning space encircled by a lagoon which was constructed in 1901 to serve as the palace of the Qatari monarch. The Qatar Museum of Islamic Art on the other hand is at treasure trove littered with ceramics, fabric, internationally curated shows, and manuscripts that are deemed to be among the world’s most prolific collections of Islamic art. Works from neighboring nations such as Iran, Egypt, Iraq, Turkey, and even Spain are also found in this space designed by I. M. Pei of Louvre fame.
The Wind Tower House also known as the country’s Ethnographic Museum is an ancient structure that is also worth the visit for the history of desert life before the discovery of oil and ingenious air conditioning techniques used in ancient homes while the Weaponry Museum houses more than 2300 pieces of ancient weaponry within its confines. Some of the highlights include golden knives, Persian guns, and exquisite swords.
Art lovers will enjoy a trip to the Mathaf, Arab Museum of Modern Art, and the Orientalist Museum where science fanatics can check out the venue’s Natural History Collection. Other prolific museums in the city include Mathaf II Museum, the Photography Museum, and the Arab Postal Stamps Museum.
Travellers in search of serviced apartments in Doha should look no further than the stylish living spaces of Ascott Doha. Providing guests the best in contemporary facilities these charming Doha serviced apartments are some of the finest holiday quarters up for grabs in the capital of Qatar.
Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.