The National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ)

The National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) is a national museum in Doha, Qatar. The current building opened to the public on 28 March 2019, replacing the previous building which opened in 1975. The building was designed by architect Jean Nouvel who was inspired by the desert rose crystal, which can be found in Qatar. The museum site includes Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani's Palace, which is the heart of the Qatari national identity.

The NMoQ is a vast museum, spanning 430,500 square feet. It is divided into eight galleries, each of which tells a different story about Qatar's history, culture, and heritage. The galleries include:

• The Beginnings: This gallery tells the story of Qatar's earliest inhabitants, from the Stone Age to the arrival of Islam.
• The Pearling: This gallery tells the story of Qatar's pearling industry, which was once one of the most important economic activities in the country.
• The Oil Era: This gallery tells the story of Qatar's oil boom, which transformed the country from a sleepy desert outpost into a modern metropolis.
• The Natural World: This gallery tells the story of Qatar's natural environment, from its desert dunes to its coral reefs.
• The Arts and Crafts: This gallery showcases Qatar's rich artistic and cultural heritage, from traditional Bedouin crafts to contemporary art.
• The Modern Qatar: This gallery tells the story of Qatar's recent history, from its independence in 1971 to its hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
• The Future: This gallery explores Qatar's vision for the future, from its plans to become a carbon-neutral country to its ambitions to become a leading hub for innovation.

Here are some of the highlights of the museum:

1. The Desert Rose: The building's exterior is inspired by the desert rose crystal, which can be found in Qatar. The interlocking disks that make up the façade are said to represent the sand dunes of the desert.
2. The Palace of Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani: This restored palace is the heart of the museum. It was the home of the first Emir of Qatar and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
3. The Museum of Islamic Art: This gallery showcases a collection of Islamic art from around the world. The collection includes manuscripts, ceramics, jewelry, and textiles.
4. The Natural History Gallery: This gallery explores the natural history of Qatar. It features exhibits on the plants, animals, and geology of the country.
5. The Children's Museum: This interactive museum is designed for children ages 2-12. It has exhibits on a variety of topics, including Qatari culture, science, and nature.

In addition to the galleries, the NMoQ also has a number of other features, including:

1. A library with over 100,000 books and manuscripts.
2. A research center that houses a collection of artifacts and documents related to Qatar's history.
3. A theater that hosts a variety of performances, from traditional Qatari music and dance to international theater productions.
4. A park with playgrounds, gardens, and a variety of public art installations.

You can easily reach at The National Museum of Qatar via car or a taxi (Uber, Karwa or Careem). It is approximately 15 minutes away from Hamad International Airport.

The nearest metro station is National Museum, Gold line.

Tickets:

• Adult admission QAR 50
• University student admission (with valid ID) QAR 25
• Group admission QAR 25
• Child admission (age 16 and under) Free
• CP Plus and CP Family Free
• Resident of Qatar Free

The NMoQ is a must-visit for anyone interested in learning about Qatar's history, culture, and heritage. It is a beautiful and educational museum that is sure to leave a lasting impression.