The National Museum of Qatar celebrates the heritage, culture, past, present and future of Qatar. A tour of the museum takes visitors through the natural history of the desert and establishment of the Qatari state. The museum brings the story of Qatar to life through audiovisual displays, archeological artefacts, historical documents, household items, costumes and many other art pieces. The museum’s design is inspired by the desert rose crystal which can be found in the Qatari desert.
The first section of the museum tells the story of the formation of Qatar, its archaeology and also its natural environment. Fossils of now extinct land and sea creatures, desert animals and approximately 1000 archeology artefacts are displayed.
The second section of the museum talks about the people of Qatar, life in the desert and how people survived, as well as pearls and its importance in Qatari history. Visitors learn about the formation of Qatar’s early cities and seasonal activities in old Qatar.
The third section shows the modern history of Qatar. It shows how oil became the main source of economic growth in Qatar after the collapse of the pearling industry and the unification of all tribes in Qatar.
The old palace of the son of the founder of modern Qatar ‘Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani’ has been restored and is just next to the desert rose structure. The historic palace was home to the royal family and the seat of the government before it became the old National Museum of Qatar.
Opening Hours
Saturday-Thursday: 9am-7pm
Friday: 1:30pm-7pm
Admission cost
Residents of Qatar – Free
Adult Tourist – 50 QAR
Student Tourists – 25 QAR
Children below age 16 – Free
