The National Museum of Qatar offers educational and enjoyable activities for both children and adult. Aside from the exhibits, the museum features fauna and two new playgrounds. Since the museum opened a year ago, it has strived to show how rich Qatari culture is.
The museum is open from 9 AM to 7 PM from Saturday to Sunday. On Fridays, it opens at 1:30 PM until 7 PM. Ticket prices start at QAR 25 for students.
What to Do when you visit the National Museum of Qatar
The National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) is one of the newest museums in Doha, and is located in Museum Park Street. The museum features different attractions for both adult and children alike. NMoQ also showcases the restored Palace of Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani. Here are the things you can do when you visit the museum:
1. Learn about the history of Qatar
NMoQ has three galleries divided into (a) Beginnings, (b) Life in Qatar; and (c) The Modern History of Qatar. It features films and exhibits that show the beginning and present story of Qatar, as well as the way of life.
In the first gallery, visitors will learn how the country was formed. They will also learn about the indigenous plants and animals such as the Arabian oryx. This gallery also boasts of images of extinct animals and landscapes that realistically appear in footage.
The second gallery shows that the people in Qatar used to move around the land to survive. There are artefacts about the life in the desert and life on the coast, there are exhibits showing coastal activities like boat-mending, fishing and pearling.
The third gallery is a look back of Qatar’s past up to its transformation after the oil industry up to the present. It is also on this gallery that visitors can view the restored Palace of Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassm Al Thani.
2. Know the indigenous Qatari plants
The Heritage Garden features native Qatari plants such as Senna Italica, Blepharis cillaris, plantago amplexicaulis, and heliotropium curravicum among others. There are also Sidra trees, which is also regarded as a symbol of the country.
3. Enjoy the playground
The children’s playground was just recently opened. The younger set can enjoy the Cave of Wonders, where they can experience going into a sinkhole. They will see for themselves how to go under a rocky cave and see rocks, carvings and other animals.
Or they can try the Adventure Ship, which is designed to look like a traditional Qatari boat. Children will learn about the sailing, pearling, fishing and trading
4. Shop and Eat
The gift shops located in the museum offer merchandise and gifts that can interest everyone. The children’s gift shop also offers souvenirs such as educational toys and books.
There are three dining options at the moment. Visitors can go to the Desert Rose Cafe, located on the ground floor; or Jiwan Restaurant, located on the fourth floor, and the VIP Lounge.
Each new year ushers in new offerings; museum openings are among them. 2019 has welcome the opening of the National Museum of Qatar, a museum that gives voice to the unique story of the country. This coming new year is the occasion to have a look at the unforgetable opening night pic.twitter.com/05yGJFgRcU
— National Museum of Qatar (@NMOQatar) December 31, 2019