The Museum of Islamic Art is a landmark museum in Doha, set on a purpose-built island beside the Corniche. Its 18 galleries trace Islamic art across 1,400 years, and the adjoining MIA Park adds open-air attractions to a visit.
- Location: MIA Park, beside Doha’s Corniche.
- Collection: 18 galleries covering art across 1,400 years.
- Time to allow: At least two hours, according to the museum.
- Admission: General admission is QAR 50 for non-resident adults; some visitors enter free or at a reduced rate.
- Getting there: Car, taxi and free shuttle bus access are available; Qatar National Museum is the nearest metro station.
The museum’s collection and visitor experience
The Museum of Islamic Art’s collection spans 1,400 years and includes metalwork, ceramics, jewellery, woodwork, textiles and glass. Its 18 galleries are arranged around themes, historical periods and geography, giving the visit a clear structure rather than presenting objects as one undivided collection.
The visitor trail begins with an immersive gallery about architect I.M. Pei and the museum’s design. From there, you can follow the galleries through the collection’s different periods and regions. The MIA Library holds more than 21,000 books on Islamic art, adding a substantial research resource to the museum’s role.
General admission covers the permanent collection galleries and temporary exhibitions. For a wider look at the city’s cultural options, museums in Doha include more than this single waterfront museum.
The waterfront setting and MIA Park
MIA Park sits beside the museum on its purpose-built island along Doha’s Corniche, so the galleries and waterfront landscape form a natural combined outing. The park is open 24 hours a day and has year-round attractions, including outdoor cafés, film screenings, sporting events, art workshops and pop-up markets.
Families can make time for the playground, which has three play spaces designed for children of different ages. Along the promenade, Richard Serra’s sculpture 7 is a short walk from the museum. These outdoor stops can extend a museum visit without requiring a separate journey.
If you are mapping out a wider city itinerary, the one-day Doha route from the central city offers another way to think about combining stops.
How much time should you allow?
Allow at least two hours for the Museum of Islamic Art, which is the museum’s own recommendation. That gives you time to begin with the design gallery and continue through the themed collection galleries without treating the visit as a quick stop.
Set aside additional time if you plan to walk the MIA Park promenade, visit its playground or stop at an outdoor café. The park’s attractions operate throughout the year, while individual activities such as screenings, workshops and markets may vary.
The museum also has two dining options, MIA Café and IDAM, as well as free Wi-Fi and restrooms on Levels M and 1.
Tickets, opening hours and visitor rules
Ticket prices vary by residency and student status, and the museum’s regular opening pattern changes by day of the week. Check the official site before you go for current hours, admission details and visitor rules.
General admission costs QAR 50 for non-resident adults. Qatar-resident adults with accepted valid ID, children aged 16 and under, and resident students with valid student ID enter free; non-resident students with valid student ID pay QAR 25.
You can buy tickets on arrival or reserve a preferred time slot in advance. Tickets are for single entry on the admission date and are not refundable or exchangeable.
The museum asks visitors to cover their shoulders and knees, and entry may be refused if clothing is considered unsuitable.
Opening hours
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday: 9:00–19:00
- Friday: 13:30–19:00
- Wednesday: closed
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
All visitors pass through a security check. Small bags are permitted, while large bags must be stored in the museum’s available closets.
Public areas are wheelchair accessible, and a limited number of wheelchairs are available from the Visitor Service desk for use inside. The museum has a men’s prayer room on Level 1 and a women’s prayer room on Level M.
How do you get to the museum?
The Museum of Islamic Art is about a 40-minute walk or a 9-minute drive from Al Safa Royal Suites. You can also reach the museum by taxi or free shuttle bus. A taxi stand is inside the parking area, and you can hail taxis on the Corniche outside the front gate.
Visit Qatar identifies Qatar National Museum station on the Gold Line as the nearest metro station.
Parking is limited and can fill quickly, particularly on weekends; the car park also closes during major events in MIA Park. If you plan to drive, check the museum’s official information before setting out.
FAQs
How long does a visit to the Museum of Islamic Art take?
The museum recommends allowing at least two hours. Add time if you want to explore MIA Park or stop at one of the museum’s dining options.
Is the Museum of Islamic Art free?
General admission is QAR 50 for non-resident adults. Qatar-resident adults with accepted valid ID, children aged 16 and under, and resident students with valid student ID enter free.
Which metro station is closest to the museum?
Qatar National Museum station on the Gold Line is the nearest metro station to the Museum of Islamic Art.
What should you wear to the Museum of Islamic Art?
The museum asks visitors to cover their shoulders and knees. Entry may be refused if clothing is considered unsuitable.