About Museum of Islamic Art
On its own island in Doha Bay, I.M. Pei designed the MIA at age 91 — a five-storey limestone cube housing 1,400 years of Islamic art across three continents.
Founded in 2008, Museum of Islamic Art has been welcoming visitors for over 18 years. Today it draws approximately 1,100,000 visitors annually, making it one of the most-visited art & encyclopedic museums in the world. Located in Doha, Qatar, the museum holds a rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 13,000 traveller reviews, reflecting its enduring appeal to both first-time visitors and returning enthusiasts.
Why Museum of Islamic Art ranks #63
Our editorial ranking blends data from TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice awards, AECOM/TEA annual attendance figures, and coverage in leading travel publications including Condé Nast Traveler, Time Out, National Geographic and The Times. At #63 in our composite ranking, Museum of Islamic Art represents the kind of institution that rewards a deliberate visit — less visited than the mega-museums, but no less rewarding in what it offers. Key recognitions include: Architectural icon.
Must-see highlights
With a recommended visit time of 2–3 hours, planning your route through Museum of Islamic Art is essential. Here are the standout works and spaces that should be at the top of your list:
- ◆Pei's grand atrium oculus
- ◆Iznik ceramics
- ◆Mughal jewellery
- ◆Cordoba ivory
- ◆Persian carpets
- ◆Doha skyline views
Recognition & awards
Museum of Islamic Art has received recognition from multiple authoritative sources in the museum and travel industry:
Planning your visit
Opening hours: Sat–Thu 9:00–19:00, Fri 13:30–19:00.
How long to spend: Most visitors recommend setting aside 2–3 hours for a thorough visit. If you are short on time, focus on the highlights listed above and consider purchasing a skip-the-line ticket to maximise your time inside.
Getting there: Museum of Islamic Art is located in Doha, Qatar at coordinates 25.2949°N, 51.5390°E. View on Google Maps →
Visitor tips: The museum is manageable in a single visit, but arriving early helps you avoid peak crowds. Check the official website for any temporary closures, special exhibitions and advance booking requirements.
History of Museum of Islamic Art
Museum of Islamic Art was established in 2008, making it a relatively modern institution. Over the decades, it has grown from its original collection to become a major cultural landmark in Doha. With 1,100,000 annual visitors, it plays a vital role in Qatar's cultural tourism economy and stands as one of the most important art & encyclopedic museums in the Middle East region.
Other top art & encyclopedic museums
If you enjoy art & encyclopedic museums like Museum of Islamic Art, you may also want to explore these highly-ranked institutions in the same category:
- #1Musée du LouvreParis, France
- #2The Metropolitan Museum of ArtNew York, United States
- #3Vatican MuseumsVatican City, Vatican City
- #4British MuseumLondon, United Kingdom
- #5State Hermitage MuseumSaint Petersburg, Russia
More museums in Doha
Doha is home to 2 museums on our editorial ranking. If you are visiting the city, consider combining your trip to Museum of Islamic Art with these nearby institutions:
- #216National Museum of Qatar🏛️ History & Civilization
Frequently asked questions
What are the opening hours of Museum of Islamic Art?
Sat–Thu 9:00–19:00, Fri 13:30–19:00. We recommend checking the official website before your visit as hours may change on public holidays or during special events.
How long should I spend at Museum of Islamic Art?
Most visitors recommend spending 2–3 hours for a comprehensive visit. If you are short on time, prioritise the must-see highlights listed above.
Where is Museum of Islamic Art located?
Museum of Islamic Art is located in Doha, Qatar. The exact coordinates are 25.2949°, 51.5390°. You can find directions via Google Maps.
What is Museum of Islamic Art known for?
I.M. Pei's last great commission. Key highlights include Pei's grand atrium oculus, Iznik ceramics, Mughal jewellery. The museum holds a 4.8/5 rating from 13,000 reviews.
How many people visit Museum of Islamic Art each year?
Museum of Islamic Art receives approximately 1,100,000 visitors per year, making it one of the most-visited museums in Qatar.
When was Museum of Islamic Art founded?
Museum of Islamic Art was founded in 2008, making it 18 years old. It is categorised as a art & encyclopedic museum in our directory.
