When the friends and family come to town, it gets embarrassing when they seem to have seen more of the city than you have.
If you’re tired of being clueless (and we don’t mean the 1995 classic), then it’s time to brush up on your Qatar knowledge at these incredible museums in Doha.
Here’s your ultimate guide to the museums in Doha and what to expect at each one. Spoiler: there’s something for every kind of art lover.
3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum
Starting strong with the museums in Doha that’s shining a light on the country’s (and the world’s) sports history. Opened on March 2022, the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum is the largest of its kind in the world, and it’s definitely one of the best museums in Doha.
Inside, there are seven galleries, spanning the globe with sections on the Olympics and the history, and getting far more local with sections on sporting events hosted by Qatar (so far) and the development of sports in the country. This museum has a ton of interactive elements that’ll keep your kids entertained as you go through.
What’s on now: The museum consists of seven galleries, where you start your journey at “World of Emotion” and “A Global History of Sport and the Olympics”, offering a fascinating timeline of athletic achievement. Don’t miss the “Hall of Athletes” — packed with memorabilia from sporting legends across the globe. Dive into “Qatar – Hosting Nation”, a section of this museum highlighting the history of major sporting milestones — from the Asian Games to the FIFA World Cup. And finally, step into the future with “Qatar Sports Culture”, celebrating the nation’s evolving role in the world of sport.
QR50 (adult, non-resident), QR25 (student, non-resident) free (residents, kids under 16, one pass holders). Sun, Mon, Wed, Sat 9am-7pm, Thu 9am-9pm, Fri 1.30pm-7pm, Tuesday closed. Khalifa International Stadium, Aspire Zone, 321qosm.org.qa (4452 5200).
Al Thuraya Planetarium
Science museums are always a must to learn, especially when they can be as fun as this one located by the Katara beach. It’s named for the Seven Sisters cluster of stars, and the museum inside Al Thuraya Planetarium is a must-visit for all stargazers. There are interactive screens where you can learn about famous Arab astronomers such as Al-Battani, as well as historical items such as a hand lens and telescopes that show the evolution of scientific tools on display.
What’s on now: The main reason to visit this museum in Doha is undoubtedly the movie screenings in the dome. There are a number of different astronomy shows, and you can find the full schedule by heading over to althuraya.katara.net. You will need to register in advance, and shows are on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Free. Open daily 8am-8pm. Katara Cultural Village, althuraya.katara.net (4408 2067).
Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art
The collection at Mathaf museum in Doha spans more than 9,000 art works, and the permanent displays are constantly in rotation to ensure each piece gets its moment in the spotlight (and every visit is different). The permanent collection is housed in the upper floors across five galleries, dedicated to different themes: Women in society; portraits of changing societies, witnessing and reading histories; new vocabularies in post-independence contexts; mathematics, mosaics, and universal systems of perception; and the re-invention of materials. Located in Education City, you can combine your trip with a visit to Qatar National Library, or the spectacular Education City Mosque.
What’s on now: The museum reopens on November 1, 2025, making it the perfect time to add it to your plans. Once open, you’ll be able to explore the permanent displays — and plenty more exciting exhibitions.
QR50 (non-resident, adults), free (residents, kids under 16, One Pass holders). Sun, Tues, Wed, Sat 9am-7pm; Thu 9am-9pm, Fri 1.30pm-7pm, Mon closed. Education City, mathaf.org.qa (4402 8855).
Msheireb Museums
Msheireb is full of amazing things to discover, and this museum is a perfect addition to that list. Stroll through the four museums that are split across several heritage homes with a different theme for each. You’ll learn about slavery at Bin Jelmood House; the history of oil in Qatar at Company House; the transformation of Msheireb at Mohammed Bin Jassim House; and traditional Qatari life at Radwani House.
What’s on now: Bin Jelmood House is also home to the fascinating exhibition DNA: Journey to the Heart of Life. Through the displays, you’ll learn about the diversity of Qatar’s origins through prehistoric human migration and genetic heritage, as well as the development of personalised medicine.
Free. Mon-Thu, Sat 9am-5pm; Fri 3pm-9pm. Msheireb Downtown Doha, msheirebmuseums.com (4006 5555).
Museum of Illusions
Okay, we’ll put our hands up and be the first to admit you’re not going to absorb much culture or knowledge on a trip to the Museum of Illusions, but it is still a pretty great museum in Doha. Best enjoyed as a group, you can try illusions like the classic head on a platter or the rotating room.
What’s on now: Cameras at the ready, because the infinity room is destined to make its way onto the ‘gram. And be ready to visit multiple times, because every few months one of their rooms has a new theme (and right now it’s a candy wonderland).
QR80 (adults), QR220 (families), QR60 (kids three to 15). Sat-Thu 9am-10pm; Fri 1pm-10pm. The Gate Mall, West Bay, museumofillusions.qa (4020 6273).
Museum of Islamic Art
One of the most iconic museums in the the country, this spectacular building stands alone on reclaimed land. The architecture will wow you, but so will the new-look galleries, which have improved the visitor experience. You can also explore with your dining through dishes presented at the MIA café located on the ground floor inside the museum, or make your way up to the top floor for a culinary treat with IDAM by Alain Ducasse.
What’s on now: You can explore “A Seat at the Table” exhibit until November, it explores the historical culinary traditions of Islam and it’s impact today through more than 100 objects.
QR50 (adult, non-resident), QR25 (student, non-resident), free (residents, kids under 16, One Pass holders). Sat-Tue 9am-7pm; Thu 9am-9pm; Fri 1.30pm-7pm; Wed closed. Doha Corniche, mia.org.qa (4422 4444).
National Museum of Qatar
If you only have time to visit one museum in Doha, it has to be the National Museum of Qatar. You’ll no doubt have spotted the Jean Nouvel-designed building, which looks like a desert rose, while driving along the Corniche, and that should be reason enough alone to want to nip inside. If it isn’t, the National Museum of Qatar gives you a complete overview of the country’s history, from its geology and wildlife to life in the desert and on the sea. The centre of the museum is also home to Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani’s original palace, which has been restored.
What’s on now: There are three several temporary exhibitions for you to check out right now. Motorheads will want to check out the “A Sneak Peek at Qatar Auto Museum”. But the most iconic exhibition currently will be the 50-anniversary, “A Nation’s Legacy, A People’s Memory: Fifty Years Told” exhibition. Plus, you surely won’t miss the public art display located in the centre of the museum.
QR50 (adult, non-resident), QR25 (student, non-resident), free (residents, kids under 16, One Pass holders). Sat-Thu 9am-7pm; Fri 1.30pm-7pm. Al Salata, nmoq.org.qa (4452 5555).
OliOli Children’s Museum
Driving around Katara, you’ve probably spotted the giant gift box — and inside is the perfect present for a fun day out with your little ones. There’s a good share of museums in Doha, but this one strikes a great balance between fun and imagination. You might not learn much about Qatar’s history here, but your kids will definitely get their creativity and collaboration skills here.
What’s on now: Don’t miss the colourful Sketch Aquarium, where your little one can design a fish and watch it come to life, swimming around with everyone else’s creations. There’s the vibrant slide and the light ball orchestra by teamsLab — which are simply too Instagrammable to skip.
QR135 (standard), QR165 (Standard plus), QR299 (multi-visit). Sun-Thu 1pm-9pm, Fri-Sat 10am-9pm. Katara Cultural Village. olioli.qa (4408 1266)
Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum
A real cabinet of curiosities awaits you at Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum in Doha, which features the private collection of the eponymous Sheikh Faisal. There are more than 30,000 objects on display here, and you could spend all day looking around and still not have enough time at this museum in Doha. There are 11 rooms, focusing on topics such as weaponry, fossils and carpets, spanning the Jurassic age until the modern day, and there’s even a complete Syrian house which was brought over brick-by-brick from Damascus in 2014.
What’s on now: The museum regularly plays host to special activities events and exhibitions, previously hosting the Morocco: Land of Travellers Exhibition and their a scavenger hunts for the little ones.
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