Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art
Ar Rayyān
Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, located in Doha's Education City, is a premier cultural institution dedicated to modern and contemporary Arab art. Established in 2010, it holds the world's largest collection of Arab art spanning from the 1840s to the present, with over 9,000 artworks including paintings and sculptures. The museum is housed in a 5,500-square-meter former school building redesigned by French architect Jean-François Bodin. Its collection was initially assembled by Sheikh Hassan bin Mohammed Al Thani starting in the early 1990s, aiming to represent the artistic heritage of the Arab world over two centuries. Mathaf's inaugural exhibitions set a high standard with curated shows like "Sajjil: A Century of Modern Art" and "Interventions: A Dialogue Between the Modern and the Contemporary." The museum also launched the Encyclopedia of Modern Art and the Arab World in 2013, providing scholarly resources on Arab artists. Mathaf continues to engage visitors with temporary exhibitions alongside its permanent collection, featuring prominent artists such as Etel Adnan, Shirin Neshat, and Wael Shawky. As a pioneering institution in Qatar, Mathaf plays a vital role in highlighting Arab artistic narratives within the global contemporary art scene.
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Astuce: Visitors should plan to visit during cooler months for comfortable exploration of Education City. Booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially for special exhibitions. Discounts may be available for students and groups. Check the museum's website or contact ahead for current opening hours and any COVID-19 related protocols.
Faits intéressants
- •Mathaf holds over 9,000 artworks, making it the world's largest collection of modern and contemporary Arab art.
- •The museum is located in a former school building redesigned by French architect Jean-François Bodin.
- •Mathaf launched the Encyclopedia of Modern Art and the Arab World in 2013, a comprehensive scholarly resource.
- •Its inaugural exhibitions in 2010 featured over 240 artworks by more than 100 artists.
- •The collection spans artistic trends from the 1840s to the present day, covering over 200 years of Arab art history.
Histoire
Mathaf was founded based on the private collection of Sheikh Hassan bin Mohammed Al Thani, who began assembling Arab art from the 19th century onwards in the early 1990s.
Initially housed in private villas, the collection evolved into a public museum opening in 2010 within Education City, Doha, in a repurposed school building.
The museum was designed by French architect Jean-François Bodin and marked Qatar's first institution dedicated to modern and contemporary art.
Leadership changes over the years include key curators and directors who shaped its direction, with Zeina Arida appointed as director in 2021.
The museum has adapted to challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic by offering online access to parts of its collection.
Guide du lieu
Permanent Collection Galleries
Seven galleries on the upper floor showcase Mathaf's permanent collection, featuring major modern and contemporary Arab artists such as Etel Adnan, Shirin Neshat, and Wael Shawky, representing diverse styles and periods.
Temporary Exhibition Spaces
The museum's atrium and five galleries are dedicated to rotating temporary exhibitions that explore contemporary themes and new commissions by Arab and international artists.
Contact
Téléphone: 4402 8855
