It’s not very often that a museum is housed on its own private island. The Museum of Islamic Art situated 60m off the Qatari capital Doha Corniche on an island made of reclaimed land. The building, which opened to the public in December 2008, showcases a selection of Islamic artifacts, many of which are both ancient and historically significant.
The building was actually designed by Chinese American architect Leoh Min Pei (more commonly known as I. M. Pei,) designer of the Louvre in Pyramid and one of the most celebrated architects in the world today. Inspired by the 13th-century sabil (abultions foundation) of the Mosque of Ahmad Ibn Tulun in Cairo, Egypt.
In the museum are displayed a collection of works gathered over the last 20 years, including manuscripts, ceramics, jewelry, woodwork textiles and glass. It is one of the world’s most complete collections of Islamic artifacts, ranging from Spain to Egypt to Iran, Iraq, Turkey, India and Central Asia.
To know more about the museum please visit Museum of Islamic Art.
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