Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum

Last updated
Entrance to the museum. SheikhFaisalMuseumEntrance.jpg
Entrance to the museum.

Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum is a privately owned museum located in the municipality of Al-Shahaniya in Qatar. Encompassing an area of 530,000 m2, the three-building museum was opened in 1998 by Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani. [1]

Contents

Location

The museum is located in Al Samriya, a locality of Al-Shahaniya that is approximately 20 km westward of the capital Doha. It is accessible through Dukhan Road. [2]

History

Museum courtyard. CourtyardSheikhFaisalBinQassimMuseum.jpg
Museum courtyard.

In 1998, Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani opened the museum to the public. The museum, consisting of three buildings, was built over a historic fort in Al Samriya. [3] Sheikh Faisal has stated that his intent was to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of Qatar by housing traditional artifacts and artworks within the museum. [4]

From 2017 to 2021, Kees Wieringa was the director of the museum, [5] before being followed by Claudio Cravero. [6] [7]

Collections

There are 15 halls in the museum which accommodate a total of over 15,000 artifacts. [8] All of the artifacts in the museum were collected by Sheikh Faisal over a span of 50 years. The artifacts are grouped into four main categories: Islamic art, vehicles, coins and currency, and traditional Qatari artifacts. Objects of each category are housed in separate rooms with distinct themes. [3]

Islamic art

There are eight designated halls displaying Islamic artworks. Included in this category is a hall for Islamic textiles, a hall for Islamic manuscripts, a hall for Islamic paintings and a hall showcasing verses of the Qur'an. [9]

Vehicles

A collection of automobiles and artifacts in the museum. AutomobilesFaisalBinQassimMuseum.jpg
A collection of automobiles and artifacts in the museum.

Several types of vehicles from varying periods are displayed in a number of halls. Automobiles dating from 1885 onward are displayed, as well as former automobiles used by government officials. Furthermore, a number of different motorcycles and bicycles are showcased. [10]

Car museum

An additional car museum was opened in 2022 containing 300 classic, sport, and vintage vehicles ranging from the early 1900s to the modern times, displaying the evolution of cars over their 120 years of history. [11]

Vintage Sports Car exhibition

In 2023 the museum collaborated with the City Center Doha Mall and showcased 11 cars from the collection. [12]

Coins and currency

The coins and currency halls put on display ancient currencies, silver and gold coins used during and before the emergence of Islam in the Middle East, and contemporary currencies of many countries. [9]

Qatari heritage

Traditional Qatari artifacts in the museum vary widely in theme, ranging from pearling equipment, dhows, and Bedouin handicraft. [10]

Azerbaijani exhibition

The "Azerbaijan: Crafting a Cultural Network along the Silk Road" exhibition consists of a display of items representing Azerbaijan's local heritage, including traditional carpets, dresses, musical instruments, bowls and Arab mashrabiya, hoping to give visitors a chance to learn more about Azerbaijan's history. [13]

Georgian exhibition

Made to show of the history of Georgia, the exhibition displays various rugs, coins and artifacts, as well as the Mandili, a traditional headscarf. Georgian cotton and silk textile inspired stained glass paintings reflecting the 18th, 19th and 20th century are also available for visitors to see alongside a specially for the exhibit made replica of the King's Clothes. [14] [15]

The Majlis - Cultures in Dialogue

This touring exhibit, which was part of a larger project, was intended to connect people, beliefs and cultures through the availability of dialogues that are respectful yet incisive and included approximately 50 objects. [16] [17] It began its 2-year European tour in September 2018 with its first stop in Valetta, Malta. The exhibit then moved to the Unesco Headquarters in Paris from November until December. Then it went on to the Institut du Monde Arabe also in Paris [18] and to the Weltmuseum in Austria. In January 2021, the exhibit opened at its fifth location, the National Archaeological Museum in Madrid, [19] [20] followed by the sixth and final stop at the Palace of Charles V in Granada, Spain. [21] [22]

Leaning mosque and minaret

The Minaret and Mosque are leaning to the right and are made out of locally sourced stones. They took two years to complete and were designed by Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani. Being opened to the public in spring of 2023, both the minaret and mosque are meant to reflect the importance to preserve Qatar's heritage. Ensuring the safety of the structures are 30 sensors monitoring the buildings to discover potential safety concerns in advance. [23] [24]

Events and temporary exhibitions

The ‘Collectibles’ exhibition

The exhibition was a cooperation between the FBQ museum, the Arab Postage Stamps Museum and the Qatar National Library (QNL). The QNL hosted the exhibition in its Heritage Collection area, and is made up of various books and tools pertaining to horses and equestrians as well as historical documents from the first pedigree horse of highest degree ever registered in Qatar. [25]

QatarIndia Cultural Exhibition

As part of the Qatar India 2019 Year of Culture, the QatarIndia Cultural Exhibition was opened to display the history between the two countries and their similarities, as well as the diverse Indian culture by focusing on trade, arts, incense, foods and the Indian community. The exhibition opened in April 2019 and remained opened until July that year. [26]

'Artists in Qatar' exhibition

In 2020 the FBQ Museum hosted the fifth BigBMeetUp, a Qatari outreach initiative founded in 2018, in the white Majilis. The event consisted of a panel discussion held by the artist Othman Kunji and a six-week long exhibition with artworks by Qatari artists. [27]

'Artists in the time of COVID-19' exhibitions

In September 2020 the first of three 'Artists in the time of COVID-19' exhibition was opened after the FBQ Museum reached out to local artists to create and submit artworks. The exhibition was made up of sixty varying artworks from more than 30 Qatar-based artists displaying how they coped during the pandemic. The second exhibition was opened in October and the third in November. [28] [29]

Qatari Businesswomen Association celebration

On the occasion of Qatar's National Day 2021, the Qatari Businesswomen Association (QBWA) held a celebration under the name of 'The Ancestors' Land...is a Trust' at the FBQ Museum. The event featured a speech by the vice president of the QBWA, a tour of the museum as well as discussions between the participants. [30]

World Cup 2022

In preparation for the World Cup, the museum added an additional children's museum, various activities, halls and a theatre that held 500 people for events and lectures. [31]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Museum of Islamic Art, Doha</span> Museum in Doha, Ad-Dawhah, Qatar

The Museum of Islamic Art is a museum on one end of the seven-kilometer-long (4.3 mi) Corniche in Doha, Qatar. As per the architect I. M. Pei's specifications, the museum is built on an island off an artificial projecting peninsula near the traditional dhow harbor. A purpose-built park surrounds the edifice on the eastern and southern facades while two bridges connect the southern front facade of the property with the main peninsula that holds the park. The western and northern facades are marked by the harbor showcasing the Qatari seafaring past. In September 2017, Qatar Museums appointed Julia Gonnella as director of MIA. In 2024 Julia Gonnella became director of the Lusail Museum and was replaced by Shaika Nasser Al-Nassr. In November 2022 the MIA became the first carbon-neutral certified museum in the Middle East Region. The museum participated in the Expo 2023 Doha from October 2023 until March 2024, with workshops and events focusing on biodiversity and sustainability.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Thani, also known as Mohammed bin Thani bin Mohammed Al Thamir, was the first Hakim (ruler) of the whole Qatari Peninsula, officially being recognized by the British in September 1868 following a meeting with British representative Lewis Pelly. He is known for being the father of Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, the founder of Qatar and who fended off the Ottoman army in the late 19th century.

Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani is the sister of Qatar's ruling Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and daughter of the country's former Emir Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and his second wife Sheikha Moza bint Nasser Al-Missned. Al-Mayassa was declared the most influential person in art on Art+Auction's top-10 list and ArtReview's Power 100, and prominently appears on the Time 100, and Forbes' The World's 100 Most Powerful Women. She was listed in the 'Top 100 most powerful Arabs' from 2014 to 2017 and 2021 by Gulf Business. Al-Mayassa serves as Chairperson of Qatar Museums, and it was reported by Bloomberg that her annual acquisition budget on behalf of the organization is estimated at $1 billion.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art</span> Museum of modern and contemporary art in Qatar

Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art is a museum in Doha, Qatar with over 9,000 objects. Established in 2010, it is considered a major cultural attraction in the country.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Qatar Museums</span> Qatar government entity

Qatar Museums was founded in 2005 and is a Qatari government entity that oversees the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA), Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, MIA Park, QM Gallery at the Katara Cultural Village, ALRIWAQ DOHA Exhibition Space, the Al Zubarah World Heritage Site Visitor Centre, and archaeological projects throughout Qatar, as well as the development of future projects and museums that will highlight its collections across multiple areas of activity including Orientalist art, photography, sports, children's education, and wildlife conservation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hassan bin Mohamed Al Thani</span>

Sheikh Hassan bin Mohamed bin Ali Al Thani A prominent member of the Qatari royal family and the grandson of the former King of Qatar is a Qatari artist, collector, researcher, and educator in the field of modern art from the Arab world, India, and Asia. His multi-billion dollar art collection is one of the most valuable and extensive in the Middle East. He is Vice Chairperson of Qatar Museums Authority, Advisor for Cultural Affairs at Qatar Foundation and founder of Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Al Koot Fort</span> Fortress in Doha, Qatar

Al Koot Fort most commonly known as the Doha Fort, is a historical military fortress located in the heart of Doha, Qatar's capital city. It was built in 1927 by Sheikh Abdulla bin Qassim Al Thani, better known as Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani, who ruled Qatar from 1913 until 1949, after Sheikh Mohammed bin Jassim Al Thani, Sheikh Abdullah's brother, abdicated in favor of him. The fort was later converted into a museum.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Collecting practices of the Al-Thani Family</span>

The ruling family of Qatar, the House of Thani, is deeply involved in the field of art. For more than two decades, its members have been accumulating numerous pieces of artwork.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Public art in Qatar</span>

The Qatar Museums (QM) Public Art Department is responsible for overseeing the installation of artwork by renowned artists in the public realm in Qatar, creating an artist residency program for young local artists to help them develop their skills, organizing exhibitions featuring international artists and developing an online community of both local and international creative talents. The QM intends to develop Qatar into a world-class cultural destination, notably in modern and contemporary art.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">National Museum of Qatar</span> Museum in Doha, Qatar

The National Museum of Qatar is a national museum in Doha, Qatar. The current building opened to the public on 28 March 2019, replacing the previous building which opened in 1975. The building was designed by architect Jean Nouvel who was inspired by the desert rose crystal, which can be found in Qatar. The museum site includes Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani's Palace, which is the heart of the Qatari national identity. From 2013 to 2023, the director of the museum was Sheikha Amna. In February 2024, Sheikh Abdulaziz H. Al Thani became director of the Museum.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani</span> Prime Minister of Qatar since 2023

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim bin Jabr Al Thani is a Qatari diplomat, economist, and politician who has been serving as the Prime Minister of Qatar since 7 March 2023 and Minister of Foreign Affairs since 2016. He has also been serving as Chairman of the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) since 2014, and is a member of Qatar's Supreme Council for Economic Affairs and Investments (SCEAI) since 2014.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Msheireb Museums</span>

Msheireb Museums is a project by Msheireb Properties which celebrates the histories of four historic heritage houses in the heart of Msheireb Downtown Doha, a planned city in the Qatari capital Doha.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Al-Shahaniya (city)</span> City in Al-Shahaniya, Qatar

Al-Shahaniya City is a city in Qatar, located in the similarly named municipality of Al-Shahaniya.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">China–Qatar relations</span> Bilateral relations

China – Qatar relations are the bilateral relations between the People's Republic of China and the State of Qatar. China has an embassy in Doha, while Qatar has an embassy in Beijing. With diplomatic relations first formed in 1988, Qatar is a strategic ally of China, and the two countries maintain a strong relationship.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kosovo–Qatar relations</span> Bilateral relations

Kosovan-Qatari relations are foreign relations between Kosovo and Qatar. Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia on 17 February 2008 and Qatar recognized it on 7 January 2011. Since then, the two countries have developed a relationship with mutual recognition and shared interests, in political and economic areas.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Qatari literature</span>

Qatari literature traces its origins back to the 19th century. Originally, written poetry was the most common form of expression, but poetry later fell out of favor after Qatar began reaping the profits from oil exports in the mid-20th century and many Qataris abandoned their Bedouin traditions in favor of more urban lifestyles.

The Fire Station in Doha, Qatar, is a former base for the Qatari Civil Defense Authority repurposed for the Artists in Residence programme of the Qatar Museums. Khalifa Al Obaidli is the director and Saida Al Khulaifi is the head of programmes and exhibitions. On 4 April 2023, the Fire Station held its first public event for Garangao night which was open to people of all ages.

The 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum is the first sports-related museum in the Middle East. It focuses on the history of both domestic and international sports and officially opened to the public on 30 March 2022 with inauguration by the Qatari Emir, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The museum was designed by Spanish Architect Joan Sibina, measures 19,000 square meters and is connected to the Khalifa International Stadium. The museum is partners with the International Physical Literacy Association and Accessible Qatar. It received over 100,000 visitors in its first 8 months after opening.

References

  1. ↑ Al-Kuwari et al. (2013), p. 19.
  2. ↑ Fran Gillespie (26 November 2011). "24 hours in Doha". Oryx Magazine. Archived from the original on 8 April 2016. Retrieved 25 December 2015.
  3. 1 2 "Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum". Online Qatar. Retrieved 25 December 2015.
  4. ↑ Karen Exell; Trinidad Rico (2013). "'There is no heritage in Qatar': Orientalism, colonialism and other problematic histories" (PDF). World Archaeology. 45 (4): 670–685. doi:10.1080/00438243.2013.852069.
  5. ↑ "New director at Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum". thepeninsulaqatar.com. 2017-01-17. Retrieved 2023-07-07.
  6. ↑ Turqueza, Lalaine (2021-03-09). "FBQ Museum Welcomes New Director, Opens New Carpet Museum". Marhaba Qatar. Retrieved 2023-07-07.
  7. ↑ Aguilar, Joey (2022-02-21). "QM plan to make Qatar outdoor art museum hailed as 'outstanding'". Gulf Times. Retrieved 2023-07-07.
  8. ↑ Devon Pendleton (25 March 2014). "Hidden Qatar Billionaire Al-Thani Seen With Hotel Empire". Bloomberg. Retrieved 25 December 2015.
  9. 1 2 Al-Kuwari et al. (2013), p. 20.
  10. 1 2 Al-Kuwari et al. (2013), p. 21.
  11. ↑ "Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum opens Car Museum". Gulf Times. 2022-12-04. Retrieved 2023-07-07.
  12. ↑ "City Center Doha unveils spectacular Vintage Sports Cars Exhibition in collaboration with FBQ Museum". thepeninsulaqatar.com. 2023-11-29. Retrieved 2024-07-05.
  13. ↑ Aguilar, Joey (2022-02-17). "Azerbaijan section opens at FBQ Museum". Gulf Times. Retrieved 2023-07-07.
  14. ↑ "Georgian Exhibit at FBQ museum inaugurated". thepeninsulaqatar.com. 2022-06-25. Retrieved 2023-07-10.
  15. ↑ "Georgian historical exhibits open at Qatari Museum". Agenda.ge. Retrieved 2023-07-10.
  16. ↑ "Sheikh Faisal Museum tour to spread Arab culture in Europe". thepeninsulaqatar.com. 2018-09-19. Retrieved 2023-07-11.
  17. ↑ Alagos, Peter (2018-05-21). "FBQ Museum pieces to be displayed in European tour". Gulf Times. Retrieved 2023-07-11.
  18. ↑ "Qatar- 'The Majlis' exhibition ends its Paris journey". menafn.com. Retrieved 2023-07-11.
  19. ↑ "Qatar- FBQ Museum continues Europe tour with Spain exibition [sic]". menafn.com. Retrieved 2023-07-11.
  20. ↑ "FBQ Museum continues Europe tour with Madrid stop". thepeninsulaqatar.com. 2020-10-04. Retrieved 2023-07-11.
  21. ↑ "*The Majlis – Cultures in Dialogue touches down in Spain". Gulf Times. 2021-10-03. Retrieved 2023-07-11.
  22. ↑ Turqueza, Lalaine (2021-10-03). "'The Majlis – Cultures in Dialogue' Now in Granada, Spain". Marhaba Qatar. Retrieved 2023-07-11.
  23. ↑ "Qatar's Leaning Mosque and Minaret: Preserving tradition, embracing innovation". thepeninsulaqatar.com. 2023-06-08. Retrieved 2023-07-12.
  24. ↑ Salari, Fatemeh (2023-05-19). "Have you spotted the 'leaning mosque' in Qatar?". Doha News | Qatar. Retrieved 2023-07-12.
  25. ↑ "'Collectibles' exhibition witnesses large turnout". thepeninsulaqatar.com. 2023-02-03. Retrieved 2023-07-17.
  26. ↑ "Qatar–India Cultural Exhibition opens at Sheikh Faisal museum". menafn.com. Retrieved 2023-07-14.
  27. ↑ ""Artists in Qatar" Art Exhibition at Sheikh Faisal Museum". ILoveQatar.net. Retrieved 2023-07-19.
  28. ↑ "FBQ Museum launches 'Artists in the time of COVID-19' exhibition". thepeninsulaqatar.com. 2020-09-05. Retrieved 2023-07-19.
  29. ↑ "Qatar- FBQ Museum launches second exhibition of three-part series". menafn.com. Retrieved 2023-07-19.
  30. ↑ "QBWA celebrates Qatar National Day at Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Museum". Gulf Times. 2021-12-15. Retrieved 2023-07-14.
  31. ↑ "Sheikh Faisal Museum preparing for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022". Gulf Times. 2022-09-02. Retrieved 2023-07-20.

Bibliography

25°20′57″N51°15′33″E / 25.349204°N 51.259114°E / 25.349204; 51.259114

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.