I. M. Pei and the Making of the Museum of Islamic Art: From Square to Octagon and Octagon to Circle

Name: I. M. Pei and the Making of the Museum of Islamic Art
Start: 2025-10-30T09:00:00
End: 2026-02-14T19:00:00
Location: Museum of Islamic Art (MIA)

Exhibition

Museum of Islamic Art

Until 14 February 2026

Temporary Exhibition Gallery, 4th Floor, MIA

Entrance to the exhibition is free with museum admission. Museum tickets may be reserved online in advance of your visit.

I. M. Pei and the Making of the Museum of Islamic Art: From Square to Octagon and Octagon to Circle offers an unprecedented perspective on the internationally acclaimed architect.

Exhibition Jointly Organised By

This exhibition focuses on visionary architect I. M. Pei’s journey to define “the essence of Islamic architecture” and his creative process for developing the museum.

In 1999, I. M. Pei was commissioned by the Father Amir, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, to design the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA). Through original sketches and models, photographs and archival documents, early acquisitions from MIA’s collection, and a newly commissioned film, the exhibition traces the conception and realisation of an undeniable architectural triumph.

Jointly organised by the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) and the future Art Mill Museum (AMM), this exhibition is curated by AMM Curator of Architecture, Design, and Gardens, Aurélien Lemonier, and AMM Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art, Zahra Khan, in close collaboration with MIA Deputy Director of Curatorial Affairs, Dr. Mounia Chekhab Abudaya.

Exhibition Highlights

txt — I. M. Pei, (Guangzhou, China, 1917 – New York, USA, 2019), *Architectural Model of MIA*, 2002 – 2008, Wood, metal, and acrylic. Qatar Museums / General Collection - Doha, Qatar. QM.2021.1298.

txt — Keiichi Tahara, (Kyoto, Japan, 1951 – 2017), *The Museum of Islamic Art*, 2008. Photography courtesy of Keiichi Tahara.

txt — Henri Béchard, (France, 1830-1920). *Fountain and Minaret of the Column Mosque*, Cairo, 1880, Albumen Print. Qatar Museums / General Collection - Doha, Qatar, IMM.PH.PH.4831.07.

txt — I. M. Pei, (Guangzhou, China, 1917 – New York, USA, 2019), *Final Presentation Drawings of the Museum's Architectural North South Section - through the Atrium*, 2004, Reproduction. Museum of Islamic Art, Doha.

txt — *Chess Piece.* Sicily, Norman period, 11th – 12th century. Carved and incised ivory with coloured inlay and gilding. Museum of Islamic Art, Doha, IV.5.1998.

txt — Blue-on-white bowl. Iraq, Basra. Abbasid period, 2nd–3rd century AH (9th century CE); earthenware, opaque white glaze with painting in cobalt blue; 20.5cm (diam). PO.31.1999. © Museum of Islamic Art, Doha/Qatar Museums. Photo by Marc Pelletreau.

txt — Last section (Juzʾ) of a 30‑volume Qur’an, Morocco, 1653 CE, Alawite period. Illuminated in gold and blue with Maghribi script. Copied by Ahmad ibn ‘Ali ibn Abi Ibrahim. 25.8 × 20.5 × 3.3 cm. © Museum of Islamic Art, Doha/Qatar Museums. Photo by Samar Kassab.

txt — Astrolabe Signed by Hamid ibn al-Khidr al-Khujandi (d. 390 AH / 1000 CE). Iran or Iraq, Rayy or Baghdad, Buyid period, dated 374 AH (984-5 CE). Cast and engraved brass with black compound. SI.5.1999. © Museum of Islamic Art, Doha/Qatar Museums. Photo by Marc Pelletreau.

Discover the Architecture of MIA

This tour is also available in Arabic. Use the language switcher button to listen in your preferred language.

This exhibition is presented at the same time as the retrospective exhibition I. M. Pei: Life is Architecture, on view at Qatar Museums Gallery – Al Riwaq from 30 October 2025 - 14 February 2026.

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