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Elsa Exarhu
Right next to Souq Waqif and adjacent to the Emiri Diwan, within the oldest part of the capital, the impeccable Msheireb Museums area has been developed recently. Architects from all over the world, fine art connoisseurs and museum specialists, as well as the public, are all enchanted by this new outstanding development.
It is arty, professional, happily enhancing the transformation of traditional Doha to a futuristic city. Old and new, together they are celebrated with innovative solutions, fine contemporary materials and audio/video effects mixed with old valuable photographs and rare surviving objects from the past.
Touching illustrations of four traditional houses from Qatar's historic heritage are likely to amaze visitors. The restoration of these houses, Bin Jelmood House, Company House, Mohammed Bin Jassim House and Radwani House forms a vital part of the Msheireb Downtown Doha development. They reveal unique and authentic details of Qatar history and the evolution of society in the last century.
Bin Jelmood House charts the history of the global slave trade, particularly in the Indian Ocean region, and the changes that resulted due to the trade being abolished. It is one impressive review of the passage from slavery to freedom. This sensitive subject is very moving. The picture gallery here contains the testimony of survivors of human trafficking and films on topics such as recruitment and exploitation.
The Company House tells the story of the pioneering petroleum industry workers and their families whose work helped transform Qatar. Spectacular destinies, proofs of courage and stories of people who are almost national heroes are revealed.
Mohammed Bin Jassim House's reconstruction focuses on the past, present and sustainable elements of the vast Msheireb site. It also houses the Echo Memory Art Project using objects uncovered during demolition of the site.
Radwani House was first built in the 1920s and shows how everyday family life in Qatar has evolved over the centuries, through pivotal moments such as the discovery of oil and the arrival of electricity.
The Msheireb Museums are situated in the first phase of what is the Heritage Quarter of Msheireb Properties' huge QR20 billion, 310,000 sqm development.
Msheireb Museums Opening Hours:
Sunday: Closed
Monday to Thursday: 9 am - 5pm
Friday: 3pm - 9pm
Saturday: 9am - 9pm
