View an astounding collection of Islamic and other art and artifacts when you visit the Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum (FBQ Museum). The museum is housed in a large, flat, sand-colored structure resembling an ancient fort, yet it was opened only recently, in 1998. As you approach the building, notice the corner turrets, arched doorways and arrow slits in the thick stone walls that give it an authentic appearance of an ancient fortification.
Inside, study more than 15,000 pieces. The collection provides a fascinating look at the world from the perspective of the museum’s founder Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani. This Qatari businessman and philanthropist collected artifacts from four continents during his decades of international travel. Some items date back as far as the Jurassic period.
The collection follows multiple themes. Tour the Islamic Art, Qatar Heritage, and Coins and Currency section as well as exceptional visiting exhibitions from around the world.
Watch for the opening of two areas that are in the process of development as separate museums. The Carpet Museum will display more than 700 carpets from the collection, including textiles from different parts of the world, many handmade and quite beautiful. In the Car Museum view more than 600 vehicles, ranging from convertibles to steam cars. Note that all these cars, including some over a century old, are in operating order and are sometimes presented in car shows.
The FBQ Museum is open from mid morning to late afternoon Saturday through Thursday. Friday open hours start in the early afternoon and extend to early evening.
Buy entrance tickets for the museum at the door. Fees are reduced for children, residents and cruise ship guests. Request a guided tour in Arabic, English, French, German, Urdu or Hindi. Visit the café and gift shop too. More information about the museum can be found on the official Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museums website.
Find the FBQ Museum in Al Samriya, about 12 miles (20 kilometers) west of Education City in Doha. While in the area, shop at the Mall of Qatar or watch jockeys, which are actually robots in colorful silk uniforms, as they urge on camels at the Al Shahaniya Camel Racetrack.
