Fire Station in Doha, Qatar, originally built in 1982, served as a civil defense base until 2012 before Qatari architect Ibrahim Al Jaidah renovated it in 2014. Reopened in March 2015 for Qatar Museums' Artists in Residence (AIR) programme, this dynamic cultural hub uniquely preserves its original heritage while fostering modern artistic creation.
You will immediately notice architectural touches like the iconic honeycomb exterior, conserved yellow fire engine doors, and a preserved firefighter pole alongside newly added public facilities. Inside, you can explore diverse gallery spaces hosting high-profile temporary exhibitions from global and local talent, ranging from Picasso, Ai Weiwei, and KAWS to local AIR residency displays like Portals in Flux or Threads of Memory.
Beyond traditional galleries, you can catch film screenings at the Fire Station Cinema, visit the fabrication lab equipped with a laser cutter, browse the art supply shop, or relax at Café 999. Whether you are interested in curatorial events, public gatherings like Garangao night, or viewing cutting-edge contemporary art created in on-site studios, the Fire Station offers a vibrant look at Qatar's evolving creative landscape.
What to see at Fire Station, Doha
- Renovation by Ibrahim Al Jaidah featuring a preserved firefighter pole and honeycomb exterior
- Diverse gallery spaces hosting world-class contemporary art exhibitions and residency showcases
- On-site creative facilities including the Fire Station Cinema and a fabrication lab with a laser cutter
- Convenient public amenities including Café 999 and an art supply shop
Visiting tips
Stop by Café 999 or browse the on-site art supply shop during your visit to the gallery spaces.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Daytime
How to get there & what’s nearby
Fire Station, Doha 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.