Located in Al Samriya, Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum (FBQ Museum) is one of Qatar’s most unique museums with a marvellous and diversified collection of carpets, cars, coins and artefacts from the region and specifically, the Islamic period.
The Quran Room
This rich Quran Room includes a kiswah, the cloth that covers the Kaaba in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, as well as a copy of the key of the Kaaba. You’ll also find some of the world’s smallest Qurans as well as a ‘Travelling Quran’, which is a rolling horizontal Quran Muslim travellers used to take with them during their long travels across the region.
The Religions Room
Learn about Islam, Christianity, Judaism and even Buddhism in the region, in this inclusive Religions Room.
The Fossils Room
Here, find fossils that are thousands to millions of years old, including a dinosaur head, as well . as fossils of extinct insects and animals. You will also see various types of stones and rocks including the famous desert rose.
The Syrian House
This beautiful traditional Damascus house was bought by Sheikh Faisal from Syria, dismantled and put together again inside the museum. This fully furnished home includes a courtyard and two aligned living units. You are welcomed with beautiful traditional Syrian music in the background, surrounded by the richness of the Syrian architecture with concrete floors and walls.
The Qatari Home
There are two examples of a Qatari home, a smaller one at the beginning of your tour, and a bigger one towards the end in the main hall. Both include some of Sheikh Faisal’s original home items such as photographs, home and kitchen appliances, and home decor.
The Weaponry Collection
Here, find weapons that are thousands to millions of years old from across the region, from Asia to Africa. Guns, knives, swords and more!
The Textile and Clothing Hall
This is for the ones interested in fashion. The museum has a massive Textile and Clothing Hall giving us a glimpse of what men, women and children wore decades to centuries ago – variegated and colourful thobes, dresses, jalabiyas, veils, scarves, shoes, jewellery and more.
The Carpet and Car Collection
The FBQ Museum is known for its car and carpet collections. Throughout the museum, you’ll be walking on oriental carpets as well as see some hung up on the museum’s walls. There are over 700 carpets, from magnificent hand-woven rugs to the most exclusive acquisitions. Featuring patterns, threads and dyes from around the world, across centuries and continents, the museum has some of the finest carpets on display.
Spanning over a century, the breathtaking car collection consists of more than 600 cars – all located at the museum. However, only a few are on view to the public in the main hall. The Car Museum will be open soon. All the vehicles are in working condition and are frequently loaned for motor shows and displays. From trucks to convertibles, steam cars to limousines, they have them all!
The Artwork
Make sure to admire the paintings, pictures and other forms of artwork that can be found throughout the museum.
The Gift Shop and Cafe
Stop by The Gift Shop for some locally made products and souvenirs such as mugs, cups, bags, scarves, clothing and stationary. The beautifully designed cafe offers your favourite hot and cold coffee brews and quick bites.
Opening times:
Sunday 9 am – 4 pm
Monday – Thursday 9 am – 4:30 pm
Friday 2 pm – 7 pm
Saturday 10 am – 6 pm
Entry fees:
Residents: Adults QAR50; Students QAR25; Children under the age of 6 enter for free
Tourists: Adults QAR75; Students QAR50; Group of 15 and more QAR60
QAR15 per person for a tour guide
For more information, visit fbqmuseum.org or call 4486 1444