Masterpieces from three continents and 14 centuries celebrate the dazzling diversity of Islamic Art
First temporary exhibition “Beyond Boundaries: Islamic Art Across Cultures runs through 22 February
Free Admission to Museum and first Exhibition

Doha, Qatar, 1 December 2008:

The much anticipated opening of the world’s largest dedicated Islamic art museum has finally arrived, and on Monday 1 December Qatar’s Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) throws open its doors and welcomes public visitors for the first time.

Awaiting visitors inside the 382,000 sq ft, five-storey masterpiece on the Doha Corniche is a treasured collection of over 800 priceless exhibits that represent the full scope of Islamic art, many on public display for the first time.

Covering 1,400 years of Islamic creativity in all forms, the collection showcases books, manuscripts, ceramics, metal, glass, ivory, textiles, wood and precious stones from three continents as visitor’s journey through time and across regions, inspired by the finest Islamic artistic heritage from as far as Spain and India.

The Museum of Islamic Art is the flagship project of the Qatar Museums Authority, which under the leadership of its Chairperson, Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, is transforming the State of Qatar into the cultural capital of the Middle East and an international centre for the arts.

“We have aspired in this project to create an architectural masterpiece and a premier collection of art,” says H.E. Sheikha Al Mayassa. “But, more than this, the Museum of Islamic Art will also be a place of learning and a platform for international dialogue.”

Visitors to the ‘place of learning’ will discover the Gift Shop, the retail facility of the Museum of Islamic Art, on the ground level. Catering to all visitors, the Gift Shop stocks a range of books and products based around the Museum's collection, the Beyond Boundaries exhibition catalogue, postcards and gifts, as well as original goods designed by local and international artists.

The MIA’s world class visitor facilities include two floors of permanent collection galleries, a temporary exhibition gallery, two spectacular outdoor courtyards with centrepiece water features, prayer halls for men and women, and a gift and bookshop.

The Museum of Islamic Art's opening hours are Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Friday from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The Museum is closed on Tuesdays, December 25 and the first day of Eid. Admission to the museum and the exhibition Beyond Boundaries: Islamic Art Across Cultures is free.

“Qatar’s long tradition of cultural diversity is a powerful inspiration to all people as we work together to shape the 21st century," says Abdulla Al-Najjar, Chief Executive Officer of the Qatar Museums Authority. “The Museum of Islamic Art will be the starting place for the Qatari cultural experience. Visitors will discover that, while the museum exterior is truly magnificent, the collection inside is equally inspirational.”

At the Information Desk, visitors can pick up an audio guide and take a multimedia tour of the museum in Arabic and English.

On display will be the museum’s inaugural exhibition, Beyond Boundaries: Islamic Art Across Cultures which runs until 22 February 2009. Leading cultural institutions around the world have loaned artworks which reflect the theme of cultural diversity in the Muslim world, displayed side-by-side highlights of the MIA’s permanent collection.

Complete Museum of Islamic Art visitor information can be obtained by visiting the museum’s website www.mia.org.qa or by telephone +974 422 4444