MOHAMMED JASSIM PLAYGROUNDS

AL KULAIFI LIBRARY opening soon

Dedicated to Qatar’s history,
heritage and traditions.
Located off the Main Lobby.
DARWISH AL FAR
AUDITORIUM
A 220 seat state-of-the-art
theatre, off the Main Lobby.
CAFÉS AND RESTAURANTS
Desert Rose Café
Serves light snacks with indoor
and outdoor seating. Located
off the Museum Baraha, at the
halfway point of the galleries.
Café 875
A contemporary take on
Qatari cuisine. Located off
the Main Lobby.
Jiwan Restaurant
Fine dining by celebrated
French chef Alain Ducasse.
Located on the 4th floor with
stunning views across the bay.
Cave of Wonders
Featuring glowing rocks, rock
carvings, archaeological finds,
hanging bats and a giant gecko.
Adventure Ship
A sea-themed area where children
will learn about sailing, pearling,
fishing and maritime trading.
Oil Refinery
An interactive space where
children become part of the
oil story.
OPENING HOURS
Saturday to Thursday
9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Friday
1:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Last admission to the Museum:
30 minutes before closing.
Gift shops and cafés close
15 minutes before closing.

SHOPS
The Museum has a gift shop,
and a children’s shop located
off the Main Lobby and a
concept store in the Park.
CONTACT US
For any queries email us at:
infonmoq@qm.org.qa.

GALLERY
PARK
Features a heritage garden
of native plants, picnic areas,
kiosks with café, bathrooom and

GUIDE
prayer room facilities, a cycle
path and playgrounds.

NMoQatar nmoq.org.qa
 Welcome to the
National museum of qatar

The National Museum tells the story of

our country and its people, exploring
Qatar’s rich heritage and history from
the earliest times to the present day.
The story unfolds in three chapters, over
eleven galleries.

Chapter one focuses on the geology,

archaeology and natural environment of
Qatar. Here you will experience images,
artefacts and models from the formation of
the peninsula and first human settlements to
the amazingly diverse natural environment that
we know today.

Chapter two explores the history of life in Qatar,

looking at how people lived on the land and on
the coast for centuries before the discovery of oil.
In these galleries, you will hear the stories of the
people, see the objects they crafted and traded,
and listen to their poetry and songs.

The final chapter of the Museum tells the story of how

Qatar became the nation that we know today. From the
1500s to the present, the galleries explore the challenges
and triumphs that have shaped the modern state, and
also look beyond to Qatar’s vision for the future.

Concluding the visit is the Palace of Sheikh

Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani. Originally built in
the early 1900s, the restored Palace was the
home of the first Qatar National Museum
and today holds a special place in the
memory of the Qatari people.
The formation Still from The Beginnings, 2018,
of qatar directed by Christophe Cheysson

The Museum’s first gallery

begins the story more than 700
million years ago, when powerful
geological forces shaped the
peninsula, and it was home to now
extinct land and sea creatures.
During some periods the region
was land-locked, at others it was
submerged under water, with the
peninsula as we know it today
emerging just 4000 years ago.

In this gallery you will encounter the

reimagining of Qatar’s geological
formation in a vast art film directed
by Christophe Cheysson, which also
brings to life extinct life-forms, such as
the Qataraspis deprofundis, a species of
armoured fish. The model on display is
based on a fossil fragment, discovered in
Qatar in the 1960s in a bore-hole at a depth
of nearly 4 kilometres. This has since been
dated to the Devonian period (roughly 400
million years ago).

The central displays present fossils of animals

and plants from seven time periods, with an
interactive exhibit allowing in-depth exploration
of the complex geological processes that
created the Qatar peninsula.
1 3

2 4 5

6 7

3/ Crocodile skull, c. 20 million years ago 4/ Desert rose crystals, 2 million–4000 years ago
1/ Qataraspis deprofundis, reconstruction, c. 400 million years ago 2/ Dugong skeleton, c. 20 million years ago 5/ Turtle carapace, 23–5 million years ago 6/ Khatiyah meteorite 7/ Branched corals, 65–54 million years ago
Qatar’s Natural Still from Land and Sea, 2017,
Environments directed by Jacques Perrin
and Christophe Cheysson

This second gallery focuses on

Qatar’s natural environments,
home to countless species of
plants and animals, each perfectly
adapted to their environment. It also
highlights the relationship between
the people of Qatar and their role as
guardians of the land and sea—a role
more vital today than ever before.

The gallery features a striking art

film directed by Jacques Perrin and
Christophe Cheysson, which captures
the diversity of Qatar’s environments,
presented in counterpoint to a
kaleidoscope of smaller screens
focusing on individual species.

Against the backdrop of the film, beautiful

models of Qatar’s land and sea creatures
are displayed for you to explore the
interconnection between different species
and environments, and understand the
fragility of Qatar’s ecosystems. The gallery
includes an impressive life-size model of a
whale shark, suspended from the ceiling, and
a Family Exhibit full of interactive displays for
children to engage with the gallery themes.
1 3 4

2 5 6

1/ Oriental hornet, Vespa orientalis (model) 2/ Puissanti grasshopper, Aiolopus puissanti (model) 3/ Squacco heron, Ardeolo ralloides (model) 4/ Painted spiny lobster, Panilurus versicolor (model) 5/ Lesser jerboa,
Images © Levon Biss Jaculus jaculua (model) 6/ Desert hare, Lepus capensis (model) 7/ Ruppell’s fox, Vulpes rueppelli (model)
The Archaeology Still from Archaeology, 2017,
of Qatar directed by Jananne Al-Ani

The people of Qatar have

left traces of their lives, from
the earliest inhabitants in their
temporary camps thousands of
years ago, to merchants in the
prosperous towns of the 1800s.

In this gallery you will discover their

story through approximately 1000
archaeological artefacts, which are
displayed in glass cases to form an
extended chronology. Mysterious
rock carvings from Al Jassasiya and
Al Kassar are reconstructed on the
rear wall, while a film by Jananne
Al-Ani, projected along the full length
of the gallery, moves from aerial views of
Qatar’s archaeological sites to close-ups
of individual artefacts. Wooden models
of the key archaeological sites of Murwab
and Al Khor are located next to the related
artefact displays, along with a full-size
reconstruction of the Mezruah burial site
and a display of the Ras Matbakh burial jar,
exploring how people lived and died in
the past.

The second Family Exhibit is located in this

gallery, where children can get hands-on with
excavation techniques and ancient artefacts
from sites in the main gallery.
1 2 3

4 5

6 7

2/ Stone core, before 8000 BCE, Ras Abrouq 3/ Stone arrowhead, 6500–3200 BCE, Al Daasaa 4/ Copper lamp,
c. 805–885 CE, Murwab 5/ Lion figurine, c. 805–885 CE, Murwab 6/ Jar, c. 300–635 CE, Al Mezruah 7/ Bowl,
1/ Jar, 300 BCE–610 CE, provenance unknown c. 1200–300 BCE, Al Qafaat 8/ Coin, c. 692–705 CE, Al Hamla
The People Still from the large format oral
of Qatar history film People in Their Own
Voices, 2018, created by Jon Kane

Chapter Two begins with an

exploration of movement as a
fundamental element in the
identity of the Qatari people:
seasonal movement between
al barr (the inland desert) and the
coast; movement to find water and
pastures; and movement to buy and
sell goods.

The transitional displays, linking the

previous gallery space to this one,
locate Qatar on a map of ancient trade
routes, featuring objects from the 10th
century wreck of the Cirebon, which sank
off the coast of Indonesia. In the centre
of the gallery is a large wooden model
of the Qatar peninsula with projections
showing traditional seasonal movement.
A highlight of the space is the first of the
large format oral histories, where Qatari
people share memories of their traditional
lifestyle. Exhibits present the artefacts of
movement—elaborate camel saddles, leather
water bags, instruments of navigation—and
objects related to traditional knowledge about
plant resources and animal tracking, essential
for survival.

This gallery’s Family Exhibit invites children to

track animals in the desert and navigate by the
stars, amongst other activities.
1 2 3

4 5

2/ Bowl fragments, c. 805–885, Murwab 3/ Compass, 1900s 4/ Celadon bowls, c. 970, Cirebon Wreck
1/ Camel bag (mizwad), 1800s–1900s 5/ Camel saddle, 1900s 6/ Cradle (meizab), 1800s–1900s
Life in Al Barr Still from Life in Al Barr (Desert), 2017,
(the Desert) directed by Abderrahmane Sissako

This gallery tells the story of life

in al barr, where the challenges of
a harsh environment demanded
strong community bonds and
traditions, with knowledge and
values passed on through poetry,
songs and woven sadu textiles. You
will be drawn into the experience
of al barr by the gentle sound of the
wind moving with the desert sand. This
is the start of a poetic art film directed
by Abderrahmane Sissako, projected on
three walls, and presenting a day in the
life of a desert encampment.

The film brings to life many of the objects

on display, including a complete tent,
falconry equipment, the paraphernalia
of coffee making, and large displays of
traditional clothing and sadu weaving. The
smell of coffee and excerpts from poetry
connected to life in al barr help create an
immersive experience.

In the Family Exhibit, children can milk a goat,

make Arabic coffee and find out how much
water it takes for everyday activities such as
having a bath.
1 2 3

5 6

2/ Rababah, 1900s 3/ Storage basket (shilbadan), 1800s–1900s 4/ Falconry cuff (mangalah), 1800s–1900s
5/ Bracelet (midha’ad shmailat), 1900s 6/ Bracelet (midha’ad hab al hail), 1900s 7/ Nose ornament (zmayyim
1/ Silk dress (darra’a), 1900s bu warda), 1800s–1900s
life On the coast Still from Al Zubarah, 2017,
directed by Abderrahmane Sissako

Descending the wide staircase

into the Life on the Coast gallery,
you will discover a large-scale
model of the archaeological site of
Al Zubarah, Qatar’s first UNESCO
World Heritage listing. This model
is presented against the backdrop
of a second art film directed by
Abderrahmane Sissako, recreating
a day in the life of the trading and
pearling city in its heyday.

The film follows the inhabitants from

their dawn prayer to the busy souq
and majlis, showing the interaction
of the local people with traders from
Europe and India. Artefacts on display
include finds from the Al Zubarah site,
reconstructing trading connections, urban
life and domestic traditions, as well as local
architectural styles.

Exhibits also explore different coastal

activities—boat-mending, fishing, pearling—
leading you into the next space where you
will experience Nafas (Breathe), an immersive
art film by Mira Nair, that takes you into the
physical and emotional hardships of pearling.

The Family Exhibit invites children to row a dhow,

cook for the boat crew and hunt for pearls.
1 2 3

4 5

6 7

2/ Porcelain animal-shaped handle, 1700s–1800s, Al Zubarah 3/ Incense burner (midkhan), 1800s–1900s 4/ Jar with
beads, 1700s, Al Zubarah 5/ Ceramic bowl, 1800s–1900s 6/ Pearl chest (bishtakhtah), 1700s–1800s, Al Zubarah
1/ Perfume bottle (marash), 1800s–1900s 7/ Wooden bowl, 1800s–1900s 8/ Decorative gypsum panel (shamsiya), 1700s–1900s
pearls and Still from Nafas (Breathe),
celebrations 2014, directed by Mira Nair

This gallery showcases the

beauty of the pearls harvested for
centuries in the waters of Qatar.

The first exhibit focuses on the

pearl merchant, displaying natural
pearls and equipment for sorting and
measuring. Behind these artefacts,
you will see the prized pearl jewellery
pieces that were made as far away as
India and Europe, and were owned
by ancient kings and 20th century
celebrities. The centrepiece is the
Baroda Carpet, a covering made in India
for the tomb of the Prophet Mohammed
(PBUH), which is embellished with over
1.5 million Gulf seed pearls.

The gallery is flanked by a display

presenting the costumes, jewellery and
musical instruments associated with
festivals and celebrations, such as Al Guffal,
marking the return of the pearl divers at the
end of the season.
1 2 3

4 5

6 7

2/ Tiara, c. 1890 3/ Jewellery set, c. 1870 4/ Face cover (battoula), 1900s 5/ Bracelet (midha’ad shmailat), 1900s
1/ Baroda Carpet (detail), 1860–1870 6/ Necklace, 1900s 7/ Drum, 1800s–1900s 8/ Drum, 1800s–1900s
The Modern History Still from Shadows of History,
of Qatar 2018, directed by Peter Webber

Chapter Three introduces a new era

in the Museum’s story, the narrative
of Qatar’s engagement with
foreign powers and the subsequent
emergence of the modern nation,
documented in a seamless
chronological narrative.

The first space, Building the Nation,

presents the political history of Qatar
between 1500 and 1913, a fascinating
and constantly evolving period in the
nation’s past—from the first mention of
Qatar in historical documents through
to the reigns of Sheikh Mohammed bin
Thani and Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed
bin Thani.

In this gallery, you will learn about the

time of great turbulence as Qatar engaged
with the Portuguese, the Ottomans and the
British, before Sheikh Jassim brought the
tribes together under his leadership to create
a unified country. An art film by Peter Webber
provides a backdrop, symbolically evoking the
final battle before unification, while the sounds
and smells of warfare draw you into the gallery
past beautiful models of Portuguese, Ottoman,
British and Qatari ships. Objects on display
include weapons, historic maps, items related to
significant battles and personal possessions of the
leaders of Qatar.
 Still from The Coming of Oil,
2017, directed by Doug Aitken

The next space, The Coming of Oil,

covers the reigns of Sheikh Abdullah
bin Jassim Al Thani, Sheikh Ali bin
Abdullah Al Thani and Sheikh Ahmad
bin Ali Al Thani from the early to mid
20th century. The narrative focuses on
two turning points of Qatari history:
the collapse of the pearling industry
and the discovery of oil.

The dramatic loss at the beginning

of the 20th century of Qatar’s major
source of income (partly as a result of the
development of cultured pearls in Japan),
as well as a plague that decimated the
country, and the loss of the pearling fleet
in the storm known as Sanat Al Tabah, is
narrated through archival newspaper stories
and oral histories. After this dark time, oil
was found in the region and eventually in
Qatar, and this sense of hope and anticipation
is communicated through an uplifting and
dramatic art film created by Doug Aitken,
projected across three vast gallery walls.

Here you will also see exhibits relating to the

early period of the oil industry, including an
installation of oil pipes, and objects that signified
the changing lifestyles of Qatari people such
as radios, televisions and telephones, stamps
and currency.
 Still from Alchemy, 2019,
directed by John Sanborn

As a result of oil exports and,

later, the development of liquified
natural gas (LNG) production,
Qatar experienced unprecedented
development between the 1970s and
the 2000s. The central exhibit in the
next space is a beautiful model of the
city of Doha, showing its expansion
across this 40 year period following
the investment in urban planning and
infrastructure under the reigns of Sheikh
Khalifa Bin Hamad Al Thani and the
Father Emir, His Highness Sheikh Hamad
bin Khalifa Al Thani.

In this space you can explore the different

masterplans and significant buildings of Doha
on the screens that surround the display,
while projections dynamically map the city’s
development. An interactive digital archive
wall allows you to access hundreds of images
and related archival documents that show the
city’s transformation, and present thematic
visual explorations of, for example, education
and the development of a sophisticated
healthcare system. The gallery then looks at the
investment in LNG by HH Sheikh Hamad bin
Khalifa Al Thani, the success of which resulted in
Qatar’s more recent development. A film on HH
Sheikh Hamad highlights his achievements, while
a video installation by John Sanborn explores the
LNG phenomenon.
1 2 3

6 7

2/ Pearl chest (bishtakhtah), Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani, c. 1850–1913 3/ Seal, Sheikh Hamad bin
Abdullah Al Thani, 1900s 4/ Geological sample from Dukhan, 1938–1940 5/ Sword, Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim
1/ Portugese map of the Arabian Gulf, 1563 Al Thani, c. 1871–1957 6/ Dagger, Sheikh Ahmad bin Ali Al Thani, c. 1949–1974 7/ Commemorative coin, 2003
Qatar Today
opening soon

The final space explores Qatar in

the reign of the current Emir, HH
Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani,
who continues the pioneering
work of his father to diversify the
country’s economy and invest in
Qatar’s younger generation. This
recent history includes the blockade
imposed on Qatar in June 2017, which
brought unprecedented challenges to
the country and its people.

In a striking and immersive digital

installation, the gallery dynamically
narrates these events, revealing how
Qatar has emerged stronger than ever,
striving to open up new opportunities
and promising horizons, strengthened
by a shared vision for the future.
The Old Palace

The Palace of Sheikh Abdullah

bin Jassim was built in 1906 and is
considered today to be one of the
most significant cultural heritage
sites in Doha. It was used as a seat of
government and residence by Sheikh
Abdullah during his time as governor of
Doha and later as the Emir of Qatar, and
was located adjacent to the house of the
Founder, Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed
bin Thani, which was built in 1884.

The Palace buildings were constructed

using material of the highest quality,
adorned with decorative elements. Sheikh
Abdullah moved from the Palace in 1916
to what is known today as the Emiri Diwan.
The Palace remained deserted until the
government of Qatar decided to renovate it
and establish the Qatar National Museum in
1975. It was later renovated once again to be
part of the new National Museum of Qatar.

The Palace of Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim is

at the heart of the National Museum of Qatar,
linking the past, present and future of this rapidly
changing country.

Internal Majlis
The official majlis
The balcony of the internal majlis
 For more details on Jila’at Sheikh Jila’at Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim
information staircase Abdullah bin Jassim, refer to the 9 (The Old Palace)
inside back cover of this guide.
cloakroom library
bathroom auditorium
1/ The Eastern Gate
prayer room gift shop Mainly used by the public.
elevator restaurant 8 7
2/ The Official Majlis
escalator café The main majlis where royal guests
and dignitaries were received.

3/ The School
A Qur’anic school where children
Jila’at Sheikh were taught the Qur’an, mathematics
Abdullah bin Jassim and Arabic language.

4/ The Northern Gate

10 This is where Sheikh Abdullah used
to sit, enjoying the sea breeze, and
receiving guests.

6 5/ Reception Room
Main Entrance Guests were offered coffee here in
preparation for the meeting with
the Sheikh in the official majlis.

6/ The Internal Majlis (Al Bangalah)

Sheikh Abdullah’s private place
5 of retreat, also used to safeguard
4 his valuables.

11 7/ The Residence of Sheikh

3
Ali bin Abdullah Al Thani
Museum Baraha
8/ The Residence of Sheikh
Hamad bin Abdullah Al Thani

9/ Guards’ and Servants’ Room

Where visitors could leave their
1 2 means of transport when inside.

12 10/ The Residence of Sheikh

Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani
The house of Sheikh Abdullah
bin Jassim, where he lived with
his wife Sheikha Maryam Al Attiyah
and their children.

11/ The Southern Gate

The People of Qatar
The Archaeology of Qatar
The Formation of Qatar Qatar’s Natural Environments
Pearls and Celebrations
Life on the Coast
Life in Al Barr (Desert)
The family entrance with rooms
on either side.
Qatar Today 12/ The Room of the Mutawaa
The main residence of the religious
teacher, located next to the
The Modern History of Qatar southern entrance.