Some of the world's most important art collections will come to Qatar starting November 22, when the Museum of Islamic Arts opens its doors. The Qatar Museum Authority in partnership with the British Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of New York, the Louvre, the Royal Collection of Morocco, Egypt's Museum of Islamic Art, and the Cartier Collection of France will bring to Doha world-class exhibitions over a five-year program.
"We are excited to announce the grand opening for the Museum of Islamic Arts on November 22, a world renowned place of learning and a platform for international dialogue," said Abdullah Al Najjar, acting chief executive officer of the Qatar Museum Authority.
The Qatari museum will host a permanent and unique Islamic art collection. Assembled over almost two decades, the works date from the eighth to the 19th century and originate from across the Islamic world and countries influenced by Islamic artistic trends such as Spain and India.
Ceramics, works in metal, jewelry and precious stones, woodwork, ivories, textiles, ancient books, rare examples of Islamic calligraphy, portraits will be on display on an exhibition space of nearly 3,800 square meters.
Designed by architect I.M. Pei, whose works include the Louvre glass pyramid, the Doha museum has been architecturally inspired by Ibn Tulun mosque in Egypt and its ablutions fountain that dates back to the 13th century.
"Pei has embarked on a journey across the Islamic world to draw inspiration from the Islamic architecture. The structure of the museum represents a bridge between past and present, East and West," said Al Najjar.
The museum, whose estimated cost is $800 million is located on an artificial island about 60m off Doha and will be accessible by a pedestrian bridge. In addition to the gallery, the museum features a temporary gallery, a 200-seat auditorium, a library, a conservation laboratory, and presentation areas.
The grand opening in November will feature an inaugural exhibition - 'Beyond Boundaries, Islamic Art Across Cultures' - with a collection of masterpieces from 25 countries, ranging from the United States, Italy, and Syria to Iran, India, and Japan, with each participating with a single artefact reflecting the theme of cultural diversity.
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