Museum of Islamic Art Relaunch: A New Visitor Experience

Updated: 26 September 2024

By Loubna Zeidan

The iconic Museum of Islamic Art (MIA), which opened in 2008, underwent an ambitious reimagining of its interior galleries and spaces. The spectacular waterfront museum reopened in late 2022 with a new visitor-focused layout that accommodates a larger audience and attracts more tourists to Qatar.

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The reimagined gallery spaces introduce a fully new storyline that will have a great impact on the new generation of visitors, as Former Director Dr. Julia Gonnella explains. It also introduces a comprehensive visitor trail and brand-new sections celebrating the full range of Islamic arts and culture featured in the museum’s world-renowned collection.

Each gallery has a new application that engages visitors through smelling, touching, hearing and listening to objects that explore Islamic heritage.

“ One of the main missions of Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani is to engage the children in this journey and to have a common experience along with their families ”

Dr. Julia Gonnella, Former Director, MIA

In addition to showcasing the art, MIA's Director Shaikha Nasser Al Nassr clarifies that this project enhances the visitors’ experience overall, including facilities such as security, the Majlis, seating in the atrium, and the gift shops. The new design provides a space where families and younger audiences can engage, explore and learn about Islamic art, history, and culture.

“ We hope for the museum to be a place where the audience can find a meaningful, engaging and enjoyable experience ”

Shaikha Nasser Al Nassr, Director, MIA

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Exterior of the Museum of Islamic Art

Loubna Zeidan is an Editorial Specialist at Qatar Museums.

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