Museum of Islamic Art Relaunch: A New Visitor Experience

22 February 2022

By Loubna Zeidan

The iconic Museum of Islamic Art (MIA), which opened in 2008, is currently undergoing an ambitious reimagining of its interior galleries and spaces. The spectacular waterfront museum will reopen in late 2022 with a new visitor-focused layout that will accommodate a larger audience and attract more tourists to Qatar.

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The reimagined gallery spaces will introduce a fully new storyline that will have a great impact on the new generation of visitors, as Director Dr. Julia Gonnella explains. It will also introduce a comprehensive visitor trail and brand-new sections that celebrate the full range of Islamic arts and culture featured in the museum’s world-renowned collection.

Each gallery will have a new application that engages visitors through smelling, touching, hearing and listening to objects that explore Islamic heritage.

“ One of the main missions of Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani is to engage the children in this journey and to have a common experience along with their families ”

Dr. Julia Gonnella, Director, MIA

In addition to showcasing the art, Deputy Director Shaikha Nasser Al Nassr clarifies that this project will enhance the visitors’ experience overall, including facilities such as security, the Majlis, seating in the atrium, and the gift shops. The new design will provide a space where families and younger audiences can engage, explore and learn about Islamic art, history, and culture.

“ We hope for the museum to be a place where the audience can find a meaningful, engaging and enjoyable experience ”

Shaikha Nasser Al Nassr, Deputy Director of Curatorial Affairs, MIA

WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW

Exterior of the Museum of Islamic Art

Loubna Zeidan is an Editorial Specialist at Qatar Museums.

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