Doha, Qatar
April 12, 2017

A design of Pritzker Price-winning architect I.M. Pei, the Museum of Islamic Art became an iconic landmark in the Doha landscape. The edifice comprises of a main building with an education wing linked together by a large central courtyard, mainly rooting its design influence from ancient Islamic architecture, particularly the Ibn Tulun Mosque in Cairo, Egypt.

Located along a reclaimed area, the five-storey main building is crowned by a high-domed atrium within a tower. Inside the museum, at the centerpiece of the atrium floats an ornate circular metal chandelier alongside the curved double staircase that leads down to the first floor.

In its interiors, Islamic geometric patterns festoon spaces, ceilings, and elevators. The building is enveloped with an assortment of textures and materials made from wood and stone, creating a unique museum atmosphere for its stunning displays.

For researchers, a library and a gift shop can also be found inside, where several books about the history and architecture of the museum are available.

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