I.M. Pei's Temple on the Gulf

At a Glance

Museum of Islamic Art in Doha opened November 2008 on an artificial island in the Gulf. I.M. Pei's last major project, designed after he personally toured Islamic architecture at age 91. 10,000 objects spanning the 7th to 19th centuries.

Pure Geometry on the Sea

Pei concluded that Islamic architecture's essence is geometry. The exterior stacks pure geometric volumes inspired by Cairo's Ibn Tulun mosque.

Highlights

• Persian miniatures including Shahnameh folios.
• 1,500 years of Islamic calligraphy.
• Ceramics, metalwork, Alhambra tiles.
• Ottoman, Mughal and Persian textiles.
• Central atrium dome.

Visiting Tips

20-min cab from airport. Free. 2.5–3 hours. Closed Tuesdays. Alain Ducasse's IDAM for dinner.