Welcome to Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, a major cultural attraction in Doha, Qatar. Established in 2010, this 5,500-square-meter institution is located in a former school building transformed by French architect Jean-François Bodin within Qatar Foundation's Education City. You will discover one of the largest collections of Arab-produced art in the world, featuring over 9,000 objects that offer a comprehensive overview of modern and contemporary Arab art spanning from the 1840s to the present day.
Inside, you can explore major artistic movements represented across the museum's design. The permanent collection occupies seven galleries on the upper floor, displaying works by celebrated artists such as Etel Adnan, Yousef Ahmad, Manal AlDowayan, Farid Belkahia, Saloua Raouda Choucair, Shirin Neshat, Wael Shawky, and Chaibia Talal. Downstairs, the spacious atrium and five additional galleries host dynamic temporary exhibitions, solo shows, and international artistic dialogues.
Beyond paintings and sculptures, Mathaf serves as a vibrant educational hub complete with a library, university student-led tours through the Mathaf Voices program, and interactive Artist Encounters workshops. Whether you are admiring groundbreaking modern masterpieces or exploring cutting-edge contemporary commissions, visiting Mathaf gives you a rare, authentic perspective on creative expression from the Arab world.
What to see at Mathaf
- World's largest collection of modern and contemporary Arab art with over 9,000 objects
- Seven upper-floor galleries dedicated to the permanent collection spanning from the 1840s to today
- Atrium and five ground-floor galleries hosting dynamic temporary exhibitions and solo shows
- Architectural transformation of a former school building by Jean-François Bodin
- On-site library and educational programs like student-led Mathaf Voices tours
Visiting tips
Take advantage of the Mathaf Voices program to join an exhibition tour led by local university students for a fresh, personal perspective on the collection.
How long: 2-3 hours · Best time: Morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
Mathaf is easy to reach on Doha’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Museum of Islamic Art and National Museum of Qatar. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Doha travel guide.
See the full Doha travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.