ART IS ALL AROUND: QATAR’S CULTURE SCENE
There’s not much more that gets us excited than visiting a city with an abundance of arts and culture. While we’ve enjoyed the street art of Lisbon, Miami and Philadelphia, explored the brilliant independent galleries in Istanbul and ticked off the big-name institutions of Paris, London, New York and Amsterdam it appears there’s a new contender to add to our list.
With the eyes of the World on Qatar for the first Arab World Cup in December 2022 the rapidly expanding and growing Gulf country has been adding to its site-specific art installations and sculptures with an impressive commissioning programme.
Since 2011 the Qatari government have been spending a huge amount of money getting big names to make new work for the country’s collection. On display in parks, significant outdoor sites and venues, hotel facades and foyers, bustling souks, and even the desert, there are impressive large-scale works being unveiled at an eye-popping rate.
Alongside established names in the art world, the Qataris have also made waves in the architecture world, commissioning the design and building of some of the most beautiful structures to host art and exhibitions.
Beyond the galleries and museums creativity is at the foundation of the mass expansion of the capital. Everywhere you visit in Doha you’ll see examples of design flair – buildings are full of curves with architects using the natural environment as inspiration or the region’s history and culture as key design features.
The newly built World Cup stadiums were influenced by Qatari culture with inspiration taken from nature and heritage. The sails of traditional dhow boats were the inspiration for the late Zaha Hadid who designed the Al Wakrah Stadium. The Al-Bayt Stadium takes its name and design form from the historic bayt al sha’ar mobile home tents of the Bedouin tribes traditionally used in Qatar. While the patterned Gahfiya headpiece was used as inspiration for the intricately woven facade of the Al Thumama stadium.
The investment in culture is mainly due to the overwhelming wealth through oil and gas production (Qatar is the third largest producer after Russia and Iran) and is currently one of the fastest-growing countries in the world. The population is mainly made up of ex-pats who are helping to build the infrastructure (much of which made was talked about during the World Cup) meaning that Qataris make up less than a quarter of the population.
Once you get past the obvious flashy hi-rise skyline of downtown, the seven brand new built World Cup stadiums, the new road and metro network, the continuous workforce popping up to help build the biggest name hotel resorts (including the soon-to-open 6-star Raffles), there’s plenty more to explore in the country’s art offering.
Art is all around
The amount of money currently being spent on public art in Qatar would be enough to support a small country (a reported estimate of $1 billion on art purchases and commissions was recorded in 2014) and will certainly be the envy of any developed nation’s art infrastructure.
Contemporary art has continued to flourish firming up the country’s status as a global leader in the art market. This has been led mainly by Her Excellency Sheikha Al-Mayassa, the sister of the Emir of Qatar. As the chairperson of Qatar Museums – and with that sizeable budget – is clearly one of the most influential people in the art world, investing heavily in the development of the arts sector and consequently attracted many international galleries and artists.
Here are a few of the public artworks that caught our eye
Richard Serra – 7
On the recommendation of architect I.M. Pei, Richard Serra was commissioned by Qatar Museums to create his largest-ever sculpture. At 80ft high ‘7’ is set adjacent to the Museum of Islamic Art. Pei had wanted an artist that would complement the structure and ‘connect the aesthetic content of the museum to the possibility of building a public space for the people’.
The project took around three years to complete and was unveiled in 2011. “What I think is interesting about this piece is that you don’t have to know anything about art – you’re just going to get an experience that’s different from most other sculptures. Then, you can digest how or why it’s different.“ Said Serra of the piece.
Richard Serra – East-West/West-East
This sculpture, in the Brouq nature reserve, spans over a kilometre and comprises four steel plates, each over fourteen metres in height. To guarantee perfect alignment, Serra examined the topography of the land and beautifully enhanced the vast, desolate space in the heart of the desert. Depending on the time of day the strong sunlight casts shadows across the sand but going at sundown certainly makes for a magical visit.
César Baldaccini – Pouce (Thumb)
In the heart of the hustle and bustle of the busy Souq Waqif, as people sit to eat grilled meats and sip on tea outside the numerous cafes, the huge and highly polished bronze thumb protrudes from the street helping to act as a prominent meeting spot.
Jeff Koons – Dugong
The world’s second-largest population of dugongs live in Qatar and an inflatable version by Koons (standing at a height of over 21 metres and stretching across a length of 31 metres) is a larger-than-life imagining of the creature. Qatar Museums commissioned this site-specific installation for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
Martin Creed – 1361
Creed’s 1361 (commonly known as Everything is Going to be Alright), originally executed in 1999, was newly created and installed within the context of the one-year anniversary of Qatar’s blockade and installed outside Sheraton Grand Doha Hotel.
Mark Handforth – Turquoise City
A site-specific piece, Turquoise City is a response to the artist’s visit to Msheireb Downtown Doha (the newly built multi-purpose destination). Inspired by the brightly coloured ceramics found in the Museum of Islamic Art, Handforth has adapted this blue sculpture as a focal point in recognition of Doha’s emerging growth.
Shua’a Ali – Tawazun
Constructed from various materials including granite, sandstone and limestone, Tawazun is a pillar that symbolises the progress of Qatar. The geometric interaction of elements in the sculpture juxtaposes the difficulties posed by the crisis of the blockade in 2017, with the stability Qatar was able to create for itself.
Sarah Lucas – Perceval
Sarah Lucas’s only piece of public art was previously exhibited in New York on the south-eastern entrance to Central Park and now has its home in Qatar’s biggest Park. The piece is a homage to British culture and a replica of an ornament that adorned many mantelpieces in the UK.
Simone Fattal – Gates to the Sea
Marking the entrance to the National Museum of Qatar Fattal references the petroglyphs found at various archaeological sites across Qatar, which depict boats, fish and scales, as a reminder that the history of Qatar is inseparable from the sea that surrounds it.
Museums and Galleries to visit
There are a number of notable spaces to take in on a visit to Qatar so whether you’re an avid architecture buff or just looking for a new experience, here is an introduction to some of the cultural landmarks that you won’t want to miss.
The outstanding – National Museum of Qatar
If you only have time to do one, do this one. With its striking architecture (by French architect Jean Nouvel who was inspired by the desert rose crystal, which can be found in Qatar) this museum is one of the most iconic landmarks making it a popular tourist attraction for its stunning design alone. The museum features several notable and unique architectural features and houses over 4,500 permanent exhibits. You can take self-guided tours through different galleries (which are beautifully curated) or attend interactive lectures on specific pieces or topics. Set a day aside for this one.
The emerging – M7
M7 is Qatar’s epicentre for innovation and entrepreneurship in design, fashion and tech. To help nature talent M7 includes comprehensive incubation programmes, co-working and learning spaces, thought-provoking talks, world-class exhibitions and engaging events. There is also a concept store ‘Studio 7′ on the ground floor that ‘is devoted to empowering emerging designers by showcasing their work’. You can buy items from furniture, homewares and clothing to art prints and small gifts produced by the talented cohort.
The sporty – 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum
If you’re a fan of sporting heritage and achievements or want to get more hands-on with interactive activities then this is one for you. Set over a sprawling seven galleries you’ll start at the top with the origins of sport to the present day. Once at the bottom, there’s an opportunity to expend some energy by taking part in some fun games.
The contemporary – Fire Station
Alongside the big hitters in the public art sphere, the Qataris are also supporting emerging creatives with a public programme of murals called JEDARIART. You’ll find a good selection of them at Fire Station, a contemporary art space that includes creative residencies and galleries.
The lifestyle – The Katara Cultural Village
This sprawling, manmade cultural hub is spread over 42 acres along the waterfront and incorporates art galleries, a library, a cinema and an amphitheatre. There are also a number of cafes and restaurants dotted around the outdoor cobbled alleys. If you are looking for some high-end shopping then the iconic French department store Galeries Lafayette can provide that and if it is a particularly hot day/night in Doha (and when isn’t it?), then the outdoor air con will keep you cool.
The outsider – Sheikh Faisal Museum
This private museum collection owned by Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani showcases an overwhelming and eclectic collection from his travels across the globe. The Sheikh has amassed some 35,000 items with vintage cars stacked next to handmade carpets, Jurassic-age artefacts and a recreated home from Damascus. There is so much to see, including a collection of some strange outsider art, you may leave feeling a little confused as to how it all fits together.
The historical – The Museum of Islamic Art
The Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) houses one of the most comprehensive collections in the world, with masterpieces from every corner of the globe representing the diversity found in Islamic heritage. The collection features metalwork, ceramics, jewellery, woodwork, textiles, coins and glass. The spectacular waterfront museum reopened in October 2022 with a new visitor-focused layout and gives visitors a beautiful view of the downtown skyline.
Where to stay – Souq Al Wakra Hotel Qatar by Tivoli
Set in Al Wakra, an up-and-coming seaside district near central Doha, the hotel is integrated into the local souq sitting directly on the beach blending Qatari tradition and top-end contemporary leisure. The property is made of former heritage houses where the original character has been preserved. The rooms and suites feature classic thatched roofs (helping keep rooms cool) as well as sea and sand motifs, inspired by Al Wakra’s history as a pearling and fishing village. See more here.
Where to eat
Food is certainly an important part of the Arabic culture with cafes and restaurants very easy to come across. Our particular favourites were:
Jarnen Restaurant – Souq Al Wakra Hotel Qatar by Tivoli
The Levantine and Arabic mezze was delicious. Grilled meats, fresh fish, dips and bread were great to pick through.
Saasna at Msheireb Downtown
Saasna serves up authentic Qatari cuisine set within the new and sustainable downtown regeneration project. Try the Chicken Mashkool.
Naua at the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympics and Sports Museum
Located on the eighth floor of the Museum Michelin-star chef Tom Aikens’s menu offers refined dishes made from high-quality, seasonal ingredients. Everything we ate was delicious but make sure you add the Spinach & Feta Pastries to your order.
Café #999 at the Fire Station
The taste of Italy served up in the cool surroundings of the Fire Station. Try the mushroom risotto.
Curiosa at the Four Seasons
It’s based at the Four Seasons. It’s Latin. It’s delicious. Order the sharing menu and enjoy a bit of (almost) everything on the menu.
What you need to know
Visit Qatar – For further information and to plan your visit to Qatar, head to www.visitqatar.com.
Qatar Airways – Qatar Airways flies seven times a day from London’s Heathrow and Gatwick airports direct to Doha’s Hamad International Airport, and onwards to more than 140 destinations globally. For further information and to book a flight, visit www.qatarairways.com.
Hotel – Souq Al Wakra Hotel Qatar by Tivoli. Doubles from £76 per night.
