Richard Serra East West/West East Brouq Nature Reserve GPS COORDINATES: N E

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1 QATAR MUSEUMS SELF-GUIDED TOURS SPRING / SUMMER 2015

2 Richard Serra East West/West East Brouq Nature Reserve GPS COORDINATES: N E

3 WELCOME This guide is a quick overview of Qatar Museums and what we do. It also outlines a number of self-guided tours which provide an opportunity to see a different side to Qatar, a side we hope will interest and surprise every visitor. TAbLE OF CONTENTS About Qatar Museums 3 Self-guided Tours 6 2 HOUR TOUR: Following the past 7 3 HOUR TOUR: Revival of Art 10 4 HOUR TOUR: Legends, Tales, Tradition 11 6 HOUR TOUR: Stepping Back in Time 15 Archaeological and Heritage Sites 18 Culture Pass 23 2

4 AbOUT QATAR MUSEUMS Since 2005, Qatar Museums has helped alter the shape of Qatar s arts and culture scene. Our activities include hosting and curating art and cultural exhibitions; promoting creativity among Qatar society, including the business community; supporting emerging young talent in the areas of art and design; and protecting and restoring heritage sites and artefacts for the enjoyment of all. OUR MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES From traditional Islamic craft and historical objects to contemporary artworks and striking sculptures, our museums and galleries have a vast amount to offer. We provide experiences that motivate local communities, showcase subjects that touch everyday lives, and inspire PUbLIC ART Our public art brings culture to the streets of Doha on a huge scale with high impact and mass appeal. From striking sculpture and specially commissioned photography to visiting shows from renowned artists, our public art pieces are immersive, informal and often outdoors. HERITAGE SITES From Bronze Age settlements to medieval palaces, 19th century forts, villages, towers and mosques, the archeology and conservation team excavate, restore ago. We put local communities, young and old, in touch with their past, reminding them of the skills, wisdom, and struggles of their ancestors. 3

5 Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art 4

6 5 SELF-GUIDED TOURS Take a few hours and explore the cultural side of Qatar. Qatar Museums offers visitors a chance to see some of the most interesting historical places and exhibitions in Qatar. These self-guided tours vary in length, allowing you to choose an experience

7 Museum of Islamic Art 6

8 2 HOUR TOUR: FOLLOWING THE PAST 1 STOP 1: Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art Location: Education City Opening hours: Monday Closed Tuesday to Thursday 11 am to 6 pm Friday 3 pm to 8 pm Saturday and Sunday 11 am to 6 pm Summary, Part 1, Mathaf Collection Summary, Part 1, Mathaf Collection exhibition positions the heritage of Arab modernities within an international context. A selection of works from the twentieth century reconsiders traditional histories of art in the region, looking at the networks of connections between visual, historical, Wael Shawky: Cabaret Crusades and Other Stories March 17 August 16, 2015 (Entry fee: QR 25) literature and historical narratives, using a visual language each inspired by stories and scripts of literature; Cabaret glass marionettes from the Cabaret Crusades, and drawings Mathaf bus The Mathaf bus connects cultures on the hour and operates between the Museum of Islamic Art and Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art. The free shuttle service operates from Wednesday to Sunday from 11am to 5pm. It takes about 25 to 35 minutes to reach either museum. Mathaf bus is kindly sponsored by Occidental Petroleum of Qatar. 7

The Secrets of Karbalaa, Marionette, 2014. Murano glass, fabric, enamal, thread, 40-50 x 20 cm.

9 The Secrets of Karbalaa, Marionette, Murano glass, fabric, enamal, thread, x 20 cm. Courtesy the artist and Sfeir-Semler Gallery, Beirut and Hamburg Wael Shawky, Cabaret Crusades and Other Stories 8

10 (2015), 168cmx148cm, Charcoal on paper. private collection. Ismail Azzam, Mustafa Al-Hauaj,

11 3 HOUR TOUR: REVIVAL OF ART 1 STOP 1: Katara Cultural Village Opening hours: 24 Hours Subodh Gupta, Gandhi s Three Monkeys Public Art Installation Ismail Azzam: For Them April 25 August 31, 2015 Location: Qatar Museums Gallery Katara, Building 10 Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 10 am to 8 pm Friday Saturday Sunday 3 pm to 9 pm 10 am to 8 pm Closed 2 Stop2: Fire Station Artist in Residence Location: Mohammed Bin Thani Street Opening hours: Sunday, Monday and Wednesday am to 5.30 pm Tuesday Closed Thursday and Saturday 12 pm to 8 pm Friday 2 pm to 8 pm 555 Exhibition March 15 July 15, 2015 After the tour of Katara, we suggest the visit to Artist in Residence Fire Station to see the 555 exhibition. took place in the 90s under the patronage of HE Sheikh Hasan and showcases art works of the artist that pass through Doha and left a recognizable presence on its land. In addition to art work, it aims to have visual photographs, videos of the behind the scene of this period. Oxy principal sponsor of the Fire Station. 10

12 4 HOUR TOUR: LEGENDS, TALES, TRADITION 1 STOP 1: MIA Location: Opening hours: Doha Corniche Sunday, Monday and Wednesday Tuesday Thursday and Saturday Friday am to 5.30 pm Closed 12 pm to 8 pm 2 pm to 8 pm The Permanent Collection at MIA The Permanent Collection at MIA represents the full scope and diversity of Islamic art dating from the 7th through to the 19th century and includes manuscripts, ceramics, metal, glass, ivory, textiles, wood and precious stones collected from 3 continents, including countries across the Middle East, and reaching as far as Spain and India. Marvellous Creatures; Animal Fables in Islamic Art March 4 July 11, 2015 The exhibition focuses on the real and mythical animals that appear in the legends, tales, and fables of the Islamic world. Divided into the natural quadrants of introduce timeless stories such as the well-known and beloved classics: Shahnameh, Kalila wa Dimna and The Thousand and One Nights. Qajar Women; Images of Women in 19th Century Iran March 25, 2015 January 30, 2016 This exhibition demonstrates the centrality of women in the artistic expression of 19th century Iran, an era of artistic modernisation in the country, particularly in paintings and photography. Showcasing women at the court, and in private, alongside images of female musicians and aristocratic women, the exhibition explores rarely-told narratives of the Qajar artistic tradition. 11

13 Marvellous Creatures; Animal Fables in Islamic Art 12

14 Richard Serra: 7 MIA Park 13

15 2 STOP 2: Lunch in IDAM IDAM, an Alain Ducasse Restaurant, located on the top floor of the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) with spectacular views of Doha Skyline, is open for lunch and offers a weekly menu based on the market. Reservations: Lunch Times: or idam@qma.org.qa Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday From 12:00-02:00 pm Lunch Price: Lunch menu 3 courses at QAR 200 Dinner Times: Wednesday-Sunday - From 07:00 to 10:30 pm Dinner Price: Experience menu - 7 courses at QAR STOP 3: MIA Park Location: Doha Corniche Opening hours: Daily am to 11 pm Tuesday Closed Richard Serra: 7, Public Art Installation Finally, take a stroll along MIA Park to see Richard Serra s 76-feet high steel sculpture 7. Tour tip: Take in the stunning views of West Bay and the Corniche at the Café Kiosks at MIA Park. 14

16 6 HOUR TOUR: STEPPING back IN TIME 1 STOP 1: Al Zubarah Archaeological site Location: Madinat Al Shamal GPS Coordinates: N E Opening hours: Every day from 9 am to 5 pm Visitor Center & Archaeological site in Al Zubarah Al Zubarah World Heritage Site in Qatar, is approximately an hour s drive (80km) from Doha, heading north. The old pearl-diving town had a turbulent history, which is presented in an exhibition in Al Zubarah Fort and museum close by. This archaeological site is one of the largest and best-preserved examples of an 18th-19th century merchant town in the Gulf. 2 STOP 2: barzan Towers Location: GPS Coordinates: N, E Opening hours: Every day from 9 am to 5 pm On the return journey, just before entering Doha, we suggest a stop at another heritage site, Barzan Towers (10km from Doha centre). The two watchtowers at century and were recently restored to their original glory. They are considered some of the best examples of a unique architectural style in the Gulf region. 15

17 Al Zubarah Fort 16

18 Jaizrat Bin Ghanam 17

19 ADVICE WHEN VISITING ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HERITAGE SITES USEFUL TIPS: 1. Suitable clothing for the outdoors is required (light, comfortable). 2. Suitable footwear must be worn (trainers, walking boots are the best, open toe shoes are not recommended). 3. Protection from the sun and wind is necessary: a hat or head covering, sun glasses, sun block (sunscreen). 4. Take plenty of water. 5. SITE REGULATIONS: 1. Vehicles must be parked at designated parking areas only. Driving on the Site is strictly prohibited. 2. Always look where you walk as the ground is uneven. 3. No running. 4. Stay on designated paths unless otherwise advised. 5. Do not pick up or remove any stones, pottery or any 6. Do not litter. 7. When visiting the site you may only enter an excavated area when permitted and always with an escort, if not otherwise advised. 8. Visitors are permitted to take general photographs of the site for personal use only. Detailed photographs of areas under excavation are not permitted. Photographs must not be used for anything other than personal use. Any infringement will result in being asked to leave the 18

20 Al Jassasiya rock carvings 19 18

21 ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HERITAGE SITES the northern coast of Qatar On the north-west coast of Qatar, lies a small traditional but ruined village of Al Jumail. It was inhabited by the Al Kubaisi family, and even nowadays it is still one of the favorite weekend destinations of local families, since it represents their heritage, history, the roots and origin of their ancestors. The village comprises a set of important traditional buildings, including a small mosque with its minaret still intact. It dates back to the second half of the 19th century and was still inhabited until the beginning of the 20th century. GPS Coordinates: E N Al Jassasiya - Most impressive Qatari site with rock carvings Al Jassasiya is one of a dozen and greatest rock-carving (so called petroglyphs) sites that can be found not only in Qatar but also on Bahrain s Al Hawar Island. First discovered in 1957, these rock carvings consist mainly of cup marks in various arrangements, including rows, rosettes and stars, but also of carvings, such as boats, footprints and enigmatic symbols and signs. It is believed that the cup marks are used for playing ancient board games. One of these board games may have been mancala, known in Qatar as Al Haloosa or Al Huwaila. While it has previously been suggested that the earliest of these rock-carvings might date back to the Neolithic period, new evidence makes it likely that they are not more than a few hundred years old. GPS Coordinates: E N 19

22 Al Rakayat Fort 21 20

23 ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HERITAGE SITES Jaizrat bin Ghanam -Unique example of a purple dye production in Qatar between the bronze Age and the Sasanian period It lies on the east coast of Qatar, in a sheltered location inside Khor Al Shaqiq Bay. Investigations have revealed that while the island was probably never permanently times. It served as a place of transit, a temporary campsite for trade with Bahrain and was used by itinerant the 2nd millennium BCE. Later, it served as a production Period (second half of 2nd millennium BCE), as a camp for pearling expeditions during the Sassanian Period (400 While there are currently no traces of those itinerant residents, the island is worth visiting thanks to its natural heritage, including many mangroves that survive in salty, among others) that travel to the island during the winter months. GPS Coordinates: E N Al Rakayat & Al Thagab Forts - Guarding valuable water resources, wells, for nearby coastal villages Located on the road between Al Zubarah and Madinat Al Shamal, those are one of the few forts that were renovated in the 1980s. It is believed that the forts were built to protect the essential sources of water in this place. The existence of a freshwater well in the fort itself and the scattered remains of a village close to the fort support this assumption. In addition, the forts were a secure place for the nearby population in case of potential The Al Rakayat fort follows the typical plan of a desert fort: it has three rectangular towers and a round one. Aligned around the three sides of the large central courtyard are narrow rooms without windows, but with doors that open to the courtyard. The only entrance to the fort is located in the southern wall. Meanwhile, Al Thagab fort itself also represents a typical desert fort with a rectangular shape, built of rough with three round corner towers and one rectangular tower. GPS Coordinates: E477323N 21 22

24 CULTURE PASS JOIN TODAY TO START ENJOYING YOUR FREE CULTURE PASS MEMbERSHIP benefits YOUR MEMbERSHIP benefits 15% DISCOUNT AT MIA CAFE, MIA PARK CAFE AND KIOSK, QM GALLERY ALRIWAQ CAFE 10% DISCOUNT 10% DISCOUNT 200QR IN MIA GIFT SHOP, MIA PARK GIFT SHOP, MATHAF GIFT ATTEND SHOP, QM ExCLUSIVE GALLERY ALRIWAQ VIP EXHIBITION SHOP OPENINGS PRIVATE TOURS INVITES TO MEMBERS WORKSHOPS be FIRST TO KNOW NEWSLETTER HOW TO ACTIVATE YOUR MEMbERSHIP: 1) Log onto 2) Complete the registration form 3) You ll automatically be given a membership number via 4) Collect your temporary card from any of our participating museums and venues: Museum of Islamic Art (MIA), MIA Park, Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, QM Gallery ALRIWAQ and QM Gallery Katara 5) Enjoy your CULTURE PASS Get access by activating your free membership today. For full terms a nd conditions visit: Call Free number: Culture Pass is kindly sponsered by Vodafone. 23

25 15% ( 2-12) 10% % /culturepass (

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Office Phone: Half Day Desert Safari Full Day Desert Safari Overnight Safari Daily 09:00 15:00 Full Day City tour Start with a panoramic drive, passing the sea-front Corniche at the West Bay district, heading to Katara