Qatar museums are among the richest and best museums in the world. Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum houses a wide collection of unique and extraordinary works from more than 4 continents. Sheikh Faisal Museum has great cultural importance in Qatar and internationally.
The world-class collections reflect Sheikh Faisal Museum’s travels to other countries as well as his passion to create an engaging experience for the public to enjoy and a valuable resource for education. This personal collection includes pieces from the Jurassic period to the early Islamic period and until today, this collection is active in four areas: Islamic art, Qatari heritage, vehicles and coins, and currency.
Introduction to Sheikh Faisal Museum in Doha
Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum was established in 1998. This museum houses Sheikh Faisal’s private collection and aims to preserve and explore Islamic cultural heritage. This museum is made of three buildings in a historical castle and is made of Al-Samriya stone. The collection has been developed over five decades and includes more than 15,000 works in the four themes of Islamic art, Qatari heritage, vehicles, and coins and currency. Sheikh Faisal Museum designs educational programs to promote knowledge and share the extensive collection with the local community as well as regional and international visitors.
History of Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum
Sheikh Faisal Museum was established in 1998 at Al Samriya Farm, in the Grand Fort of Qatar. In terms of architecture, this museum has a magnificent view. Sheikh Faisal, the museum’s designer, is one of the most significant recognized business figures in the Middle East. It is interesting to know that he is very interested in collecting works of art and important world works. So, Sheikh Faisal’s Museum collection is a precious collection of all his trips to different countries in the last 50 years.
In this museum, Sheikh Faisal’s view of authenticity, history, tradition, and culture in preserving Islamic custom and Qatar is visible in the works and collections of the Sheikh Faisal Museum. In 2012, with the support of the League of Arab States, the Arab Center of Tourism Media awarded him the title of “Heritage of Identity”.
Sections of Sheikh Faisal Museum Doha
Sheikh Faisal Doha Museum is divided into several sections. The first part is the Qur’an room, which contains a large number of Qur’ans as well as a cloth case covering the Ka’bah of the holy place. Another part showcases 700 hand-woven carpets from all around the world in a variety of hues and designs. A separate section has an auto museum with more than 600 vintage and antique cars, including steam engines, trucks, and convertibles. Finally, a portion of a garment hall exhibits accessories from various regions of the region. This collection is complemented by antique furniture and musical instruments, and the walls are covered with paintings and pictures.
The museum is a great mine of Arabic manuscripts, beautiful artwork, rare fossils, prehistoric sculptures, Bibles, antique automobiles, Islamic fabrics, rare coins, and also the largest private military collection in the world worldwide. Each collection includes more subcategories. As part of the 2010 “Cultural Capital of Qatar” events, the Ministry of Art, Culture, and Heritage chose this museum as one of Qatar’s cultural monuments.
Who is Sheikh Faisal?
Sheikh Faisal, who was born in Doha in 1948, evolved into one of the Middle East’s enormous businessmen. Sheikh Faisal’s passion and commitment to collecting works of art and artifacts of international importance through his travels have been very successful in creating this museum.
He started his business selling auto parts in the 1960s. Now he owns Al-Faisal Holding, one of the largest Qatari companies.
The company owns buildings including JW Marriott Marquis Downtown and Al Doha Residences. Sheikh Faisal is an affluent entrepreneur with properties throughout the globe. This museum shows that he is passionate about collecting antiques. The objects that make up the Sheikh Faisal Museum were collected during his travels around the world.
Sheikh Faisal has collected these objects in several countries over the past 50 years. Sheikh Faisal’s constant view of tradition, culture, history, and legitimacy, especially in preserving Islamic and Qatari customs, is clearly established in the museum’s exceptional collections.
Sightseeing places near Sheikh Faisal Museum
Sheikh Faisal Museum is located in Al-Samriya Estate. It has a date farm, a riding school, and an Oryx Sanctuary, which aims to preserve the endangered species, which is also the state symbol of Qatar. The property includes a race track where camel riding competitions are held.
The horse stable is located inside the museum. Horseback riding lessons for adults and children are offered by highly skilled instructors, and qualified visitors also have the chance to ride a horse on their own.
Objects inside Sheikh Faisal Museum
Sheikh Faisal’s extensive collection includes vintage vehicles and a historic steam engine from the late 19th century. There are Desoto models from the 1940s, valuable Ford Model Ts, Buick models from the first half of the 20th century, and Dodge utility vehicles.
A house from the old city of Damascus, a fossilized dinosaur head, an old model airplane, old cars and Formula 1, and a 2 cm Koran are among the fascinating objects of this collection. Among the most prominent parts of this museum is the pearl section, which includes disposable equipment and photos from the past.
Throughout the museum, there are spectacular carpets from around the world. And this is only part of the collection of the Sheikh Faisal Museum, which is filled with 600 carpets.
How to go to Sheikh Faisal Museum?
This museum is located in Al-Samriya, Qatar, which is about 20 kilometers from the city of Education to the Dukhan highway. To get there by car on Qatar Tour, you need to go to Dukhan highway first, and then turn right at the fourth road exit sign that shows the full name of the museum. The museum is approximately 1 km from a wide road with trees on both sides.
What are the subjects of the Sheikh Faisal Museum in Doha?
The Sheikh Faisal Museum contains more than 15,000 works in four themes: Islamic art, Qatari heritage, vehicles, and coins and currency.
What are the most prominent parts of the Sheikh Museum?
The most prominent part of the Sheikh Faisal Museum includes pearls and photos from the past.
Conclusion
One of Qatar’s most stunning and fascinating museums is the Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum. 23 kilometers west of Doha is where this museum is situated. Sheikh Faisal Bin Qasim Al Thani, one of the nation’s emirs, assembled his own collection for this museum.
