Mathaf – Arab Museum of Modern Art. Opened in Doha, Qatar on 30th December 2010 as part of the celebrations for Doha as the 2010 City of Arab Culture, the museum showcases art from across the Arab world including Egypt, Iraq, Qatar and North Africa. Located in a converted school in the Education City area of Doha it opened with the exhibition Sajjil, which means ‘act of recording’ in Arabic, featuring a cross-section of Arab art over the previous 100 years. The museum has a permanent exhibition as well as hosting several temporary collections. Open Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 11am to 6pm, Friday 3pm to 6pm and closed Mondays. www.mia.org.qa. Sheikh Faisal collection. This magnificent private collection was acceded to His Highness Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani by his father, Sheikh Qassim bin Faisal. The sizeable 17,000sqm building features more than 15,000 unique pieces, including ancient Islamic manuscripts, major archaeological findings, textiles, carpets, embroidery and antique furniture. There is also a comprehensive and fascinating collection of historic cars, including a 19th-century steam vehicle. In an expression of Qatar’s renowned respect for cultural diversity, the museum’s pavilions display religious objects from other faiths.
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