Msheireb Museums | Doha

Msheireb Museums – Doha, Qatar

The Msheireb Museums are a set of four beautifully restored heritage houses located in Msheireb Downtown Doha, the oldest part of Qatar’s capital and now a center of urban regeneration. These museums are more than just exhibition spaces—they serve as living memorials to the country’s rich social history, cultural legacy, and economic transformation. Together, they preserve the architecture and soul of old Doha while exploring themes of heritage, trade, family, oil, and social justice.

Overview

Located near Souq Waqif and Doha’s Corniche, Msheireb Museums are a focal point of Qatar’s efforts to preserve and reflect on its cultural heritage. Each of the four houses tells a distinct story, offering immersive and often deeply personal exhibitions that resonate with locals and visitors alike.

1. Bin Jelmood House

Theme: The history of slavery and its lasting impact on society

Bin Jelmood House addresses the sensitive and often unspoken topic of slavery, not just in Qatar but across the Indian Ocean and Arabian Gulf regions. It highlights how enslaved people contributed to building the societies we live in today.

Exhibits Include:

Documentaries and testimonies from descendants of enslaved people

Historical maps and trade routes

Modern-day human trafficking awareness

Cultural contributions of African and Asian communities in the Gulf

Key Message:
This museum promotes dialogue and education on human dignity, tolerance, and inclusion.

2. Company House

Theme: Qatar's oil industry and the lives of the early Qatari oil pioneers

Company House was once the headquarters of Qatar’s first oil company. It now honors the stories of the Qatari men who worked under extremely harsh conditions to bring the oil industry to life—an industry that transformed the nation.

Exhibits Include:

Personal stories of Qatari oil workers

Vintage photographs, tools, and oil exploration maps

Interactive displays that detail the discovery of oil and its impact on society

Key Message:
Company House is a tribute to Qatar's working-class heroes and a recognition of how oil shaped modern Qatar.

3. Mohammed Bin Jassim House

Theme: Urban development, memory, and sustainable living

This house belonged to Sheikh Mohammed bin Jassim Al Thani, the son of Qatar’s founder. It explores the history and evolution of Msheireb, and how urban life in Doha developed over time.

Exhibits Include:

Models and photographs showing the transformation of Doha

Traditional Qatari architecture and its adaptation to modern needs

Focus on sustainability and urban planning principles used in Msheireb Downtown Doha

“Echo Memory” exhibition linking past and present

Key Message:
Understanding the importance of sustainable growth and the preservation of cultural identity in the face of modernization.

4. Radwani House

Theme: Daily Qatari family life in the early 20th century

Radwani House is a traditional Qatari family home that shows how domestic life was structured in pre-oil Qatar. It's fully restored and furnished as it would have been in the 1920s.

Exhibits Include:

Traditional majlis (sitting rooms)

Kitchenware and household tools

Central courtyard design showing passive cooling and natural lighting

Reconstruction of early Qatari gender roles and family dynamics

Key Message:
A close-up look at ordinary life before the oil boom, reflecting the values, resilience, and simplicity of Qatari families.

Visitor Information

Opening Hours:

Monday – Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Friday: 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Sunday: Closed

Admission: Free for all visitors

Location: Msheireb Downtown Doha (near Souq Waqif and Msheireb Metro Station)

Metro Access: Msheireb Metro Station (Gold, Green, and Red Lines)

Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible; assistive services available

Contact:

Phone: +974 4006 5555

Email: [email protected]

Website: msheirebmuseums.com

Additional Features

Guided Tours: Available for individuals, schools, and institutions with customized themes on request.

Educational Programs: Workshops, public lectures, and school collaborations are held regularly.

Mobile App: Offers audio guides, venue maps, and tour highlights.

Gift Shop – Sogha: Located inside Bin Jelmood House, featuring traditional Qatari crafts and souvenirs.

Summary

Msheireb Museums are not just about the past—they are about understanding the present and shaping the future. Each house adds a chapter to the complex story of Qatar’s evolution. Whether it’s learning about slavery, oil, urban design, or family life, the museums offer deeply reflective and interactive experiences that enrich your understanding of Qatar’s cultural journey. They're a must-visit for anyone looking to go beyond the surface of Doha’s skyline and into its heart.