Cool Escape: A Day Indoors with Qatar Museums

Sea adventures are prime during Qatar’s bright summers but for some, the heat can get a little trying. This itinerary takes you on a day-long journey through  the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA), the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum (QOSM), the National Museum of Qatar (NMOQ), and Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, with time factored in to take in the  galleries, relax in the cafés, and explore bustling gift shops along the way.

Morning at MIA (Museum of Islamic Art)

Start your day in MIA’s serene and elegant surroundings. Located along the iconic Corniche, MIA houses one of the world’s most impressive collections of Islamic art, spanning over 1,400 years across many continents. The museum’s permanent galleries showcase intricately patterned objects, paintings, manuscripts, reflecting the richness of Islamic culture and diversity.

A wonderful way to fully immerse yourself in the experience is to partake in the available audio guides. Arabic, English and various other languages will talk you through everything you need to know about the displays in the galleries.

After exploring the various exhibitions, take a break at the MIA café for a light breakfast or morning coffee. With its floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the Doha skyline across the bay, it’s the perfect spot to round off your morning visit.

Museum opening hours:

• Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Saturday: 9am–7pm
• Wednesday: Closed
• Thursday: 9am–9pm
• Friday: 1:30pm–7pm

Midday at the National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ)

After a slow morning at MIA, make your way a few minutes up the road to NMOQ. Here, 11 permanent galleries take you through the story of Qatar, from its geological beginnings to its cultural traditions and modern transformation.

With multisensory displays that showcase Bedouin life, pearl diving, and trade, you can expect to be taken back to early life in Qatar and watch the country’s journey into the present day.

NMOQ is also a great place for younger visitors to engage with the art on display, as multiple galleries provide child-friendly installations and games to help explain the rich content better.

After a full morning, take a break with lunch at Desert Rose Café. Here you can try local treats like karak, chapati and even the sweet noodle surprise, balaleet. Make sure to stop by the gift shop on your way out for all kinds of unique souvenirs, especially if you want to remember your visit with a meaningful item.

Museum opening hours:

• Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Saturday: 9am–7pm
• Tuesday: Closed
• Thursday: 9am–9pm
• Friday: 1:30pm–7pm

Early Afternoon at the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum (QOSM)

Now its time to work off those delicious local snacks. Head down to Aspire Zone to visit QOSM, a museum dedicated to the story of sport in Qatar and around the world. The permanent exhibitions are interactive, inspiring, and engaging for people of all ages, and fans of all kinds of sport.

Start on the seventh floor and explore your way down to learn about the impact of sports on Qatari society, stories of legendary athletes like Muhammad Ali, Olympic powerhouses like Ryu Seung-Min , and more.

One of the highlights of QOSM is the Activation Zone, a space where visitors can put their athleticism to the test. With digital challenges and motion-sensor games, it’s an opportunity to measure your agility, speed, strength, and reflexes—and have fun doing it.

Museum opening hours:

• Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Saturday: 9am– 7pm
• Tuesday: Closed
• Thursday: 9am–9pm
• Friday: 1:30pm–7pm

An Evening at Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art

Finish your day surrounded by contemporary artistic expression at Mathaf. The museum is located in Qatar’s sprawling home to some of the best in tertiary education globally, Education city. Mathaf is home to the region’s largest collection of modern and contemporary Arab art. Its permanent collection includes paintings, installations, and sculptures by innovative artists from across the Middle East and North Africa regions.

Visitors are welcome to wander through galleries that reflect transformations of the Arab world in a social, cultural, and political context over the past century, resulting in a thought-proving and insightful end to the day. Temporary exhibitions are also not to be missed, encompassing some of the region’s best-known and loved artists.

Museum opening hours:

• Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday: 9am–7pm
• Monday: Closed
• Thursday: 9am– 9pm
• Friday: 1:30pm–7pm

Plan Your Day: Practical Tips

To make the most out of this indoor itinerary, consider starting early to enjoy quieter mornings in the galleries. Booking your tickets online in advance is highly recommended, especially for the current exhibitions being temporarily presented. While all our museums are air-conditioned, be mindful of walking or commuting between them; be sure to use the designated golf carts to reach the entrances from the parking lot and use ride-share apps or air-conditioned public transport like the Doha Metro for a comfortable journey during the warmer months. Lastly, visit the Qatar Museum websites or social media pages for any schedule changes or special events before heading out for a smoother experience.

Raghad Al-Taweel is an intern with the Digital Experience Department at Qatar Museums.