View source for Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum

{{Short description|Museum located in Qatar}}
[[File:SheikhFaisalMuseumEntrance.jpg|thumb|Entrance to the museum.]]
'''Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum''' is a privately owned [[museum]] located in the municipality of [[Al-Shahaniya]] in [[Qatar]]. Encompassing an area of 530,000 m<sup>2</sup>, the three-building museum was opened in 1998 by Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani.<ref>Al-Kuwari et al. (2013), p. 19.</ref>
==Location==
The museum is located in [[Al Samriya]], a locality of [[Al-Shahaniya]] that is approximately 20&nbsp;km westward of the capital [[Doha]]. It is accessible through Dukhan Road.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oryxinflightmagazine.com/24-hours/24-hours-in-doha-2011.html|title=24 hours in Doha|publisher=Oryx Magazine|author=Fran Gillespie|date=26 November 2011|access-date=25 December 2015|archive-date=8 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160408170939/http://www.oryxinflightmagazine.com/24-hours/24-hours-in-doha-2011.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
==History==
[[File:CourtyardSheikhFaisalBinQassimMuseum.jpg|thumb|left|Museum courtyard.]]
In 1998, Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani opened the museum to the public. The museum, consisting of three buildings, was built over a historic fort in Al Samriya.<ref name="onlineq">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineqatar.com/attractions/Sheikh-Faisal-Bin-Qassim-Al-Thani-Museum.aspx|title=Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum|publisher=Online Qatar|access-date=25 December 2015}}</ref> Sheikh Faisal has stated that his intent was to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of Qatar by housing traditional artifacts and artworks within the museum.<ref>{{cite journal|author1=Karen Exell |author2=Trinidad Rico |title='There is no heritage in Qatar': Orientalism, colonialism and other problematic histories|journal=World Archaeology|volume=45|issue=4|pages=670–685|year=2013|doi=10.1080/00438243.2013.852069|url=http://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/1400161/1/00438243%252E2013%252E852069.pdf}}</ref>
From 2017 to 2021, [[Kees Wieringa]] was the director of the museum,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-01-17 |title=New director at Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum |url=https://thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/17/01/2017/New-director-at-Faisal-Bin-Qassim-Al-Thani-Museum |access-date=2023-07-07 |website=thepeninsulaqatar.com |language=en}}</ref> before being followed by Claudio Cravero.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Turqueza |first=Lalaine |date=2021-03-09 |title=FBQ Museum Welcomes New Director, Opens New Carpet Museum |url=https://www.marhaba.qa/fbq-museum-welcomes-new-director-opens-new-carpet-museum/ |access-date=2023-07-07 |website=Marhaba Qatar |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Aguilar |first=Joey |date=2022-02-21 |title=QM plan to make Qatar outdoor art museum hailed as 'outstanding' |url=https://www.gulf-times.com/story/710311/qm-plan-to-make-qatar-outdoor-art-museum-hailed-as-outstanding |access-date=2023-07-07 |website=Gulf Times |language=en}}</ref>
==Collections==
There are 15 halls in the museum which accommodate a total of over 15,000 artifacts.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2014-03-25/hidden-qatar-billionaire-al-thani-seen-with-hotel-empire|title=Hidden Qatar Billionaire Al-Thani Seen With Hotel Empire|publisher=Bloomberg|author=Devon Pendleton|date=25 March 2014|access-date=25 December 2015}}</ref> All of the artifacts in the museum were collected by Sheikh Faisal over a span of 50 years. The artifacts are grouped into four main categories: [[Islam]]ic art, vehicles, coins and currency, and traditional Qatari artifacts. Objects of each category are housed in separate rooms with distinct themes.<ref name="onlineq"/>
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===Islamic art===
There are eight designated halls displaying Islamic artworks. Included in this category is a hall for Islamic textiles, a hall for Islamic manuscripts, a hall for Islamic paintings and a hall showcasing verses of the [[Qur'an]].<ref name="p20">Al-Kuwari et al. (2013), p. 20.</ref>
=== Vehicles ===
[[File:AutomobilesFaisalBinQassimMuseum.jpg|thumb|205px|A collection of automobiles and artifacts in the museum.]]
Several types of vehicles from varying periods are displayed in a number of halls. Automobiles dating from 1885 onward are displayed, as well as former automobiles used by government officials. Furthermore, a number of different motorcycles and bicycles are showcased.<ref name="p21"/>
==== Car museum ====
An additional car museum was opened in 2022 containing 300 classic, sport, and vintage vehicles ranging from the early 1900s to the modern times, displaying the evolution of cars over their 120 years of history.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-12-04 |title=Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum opens Car Museum |url=https://www.gulf-times.com/article/651000/qatar/sheikh-faisal-bin-qassim-al-thani-museum-opens-car-museum |access-date=2023-07-07 |website=Gulf Times |language=en}}</ref>
==== Vintage Sports Car exhibition ====
In 2023 the museum collaborated with the City Center Doha Mall and showcased 11 cars from the collection.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2023-11-29 |title=City Center Doha unveils spectacular Vintage Sports Cars Exhibition in collaboration with FBQ Museum |url=https://thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/29/11/2023/city-center-doha-unveils-spectacular-vintage-sports-cars-exhibitionin-collaboration-with-fbq-museum |access-date=2024-07-05 |website=thepeninsulaqatar.com |language=en}}</ref>
===Coins and currency===
The coins and currency halls put on display ancient currencies, silver and gold coins used during and before the emergence of Islam in the [[Middle East]], and contemporary currencies of many countries.<ref name="p20"/>
===Qatari heritage===
Traditional Qatari artifacts in the museum vary widely in theme, ranging from [[Pearl hunting|pearling]] equipment, [[dhows]], and [[Bedouin]] handicraft.<ref name="p21">Al-Kuwari et al. (2013), p. 21.</ref>
=== Azerbaijani exhibition ===
The "[[Azerbaijan]]: Crafting a Cultural Network along the Silk Road" exhibition consists of a display of items representing Azerbaijan's local heritage, including [[Azerbaijani rug|traditional carpets]], [[Azerbaijani traditional clothing|dresses]], [[Azerbaijani musical instruments|musical instruments]], bowls and Arab [[mashrabiya]], hoping to give visitors a chance to learn more about Azerbaijan's history.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Aguilar |first=Joey |date=2022-02-17 |title=Azerbaijan section opens at FBQ Museum |url=https://www.gulf-times.com/story/710012/azerbaijan-section-opens-at-fbq-museum |access-date=2023-07-07 |website=Gulf Times |language=en}}</ref>
=== Georgian exhibition ===
Made to show of the history of [[Georgia (country)|Georgia]], the exhibition displays various rugs, coins and artifacts, as well as the Mandili, a traditional headscarf. Georgian cotton and silk textile inspired stained glass paintings reflecting the 18th, 19th and 20th century are also available for visitors to see alongside a specially for the exhibit made replica of the King's Clothes.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-06-25 |title=Georgian Exhibit at FBQ museum inaugurated |url=https://thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/25/06/2022/georgian-exhibit-at-fbq-museum-inaugurated |access-date=2023-07-10 |website=thepeninsulaqatar.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Georgian historical exhibits open at Qatari Museum |url=https://agenda.ge/en/news/2022/2365 |access-date=2023-07-10 |website=Agenda.ge}}</ref>
=== The Majlis - Cultures in Dialogue ===
This touring exhibit, which was part of a larger project, was intended to connect people, beliefs and cultures through the availability of dialogues that are respectful yet incisive and included approximately 50 objects.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-09-19 |title=Sheikh Faisal Museum tour to spread Arab culture in Europe |url=https://thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/19/09/2018/Sheikh-Faisal-Museum-tour-to-spread-Arab-culture-in-Europe |access-date=2023-07-11 |website=thepeninsulaqatar.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Alagos |first=Peter |date=2018-05-21 |title=FBQ Museum pieces to be displayed in European tour |url=https://www.gulf-times.com/story/593523/fbq-museum-pieces-to-be-displayed-in-european-tour |access-date=2023-07-11 |website=Gulf Times |language=en}}</ref> It began its 2-year European tour in September 2018 with its first stop in [[Valletta|Valetta]], [[Malta]]. The exhibit then moved to the [[UNESCO Headquarters|Unesco Headquarters]] in [[Paris]] from November until December. Then it went on to the [[Institut du Monde Arabe]] also in Paris<ref>{{Cite web |title=Qatar- 'The Majlis' exhibition ends its Paris journey |url=https://menafn.com/1098263431/Qatar-The-Majlis-exhibition-ends-its-Paris-journey |access-date=2023-07-11 |website=menafn.com |language=en}}</ref> and to the [[Museum of Ethnology, Vienna|Weltmuseum]] in [[Austria]]. In January 2021, the exhibit opened at its fifth location, the [[National Archaeological Museum (Madrid)|National Archaeological Museum]] in [[Madrid]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Qatar- FBQ Museum continues Europe tour with Spain {{as written|exib|ition [sic]}} |url=https://menafn.com/1100898972/Qatar-FBQ-Museum-continues-Europe-tour-with-Spain-exibition |access-date=2023-07-11 |website=menafn.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-10-04 |title=FBQ Museum continues Europe tour with Madrid stop |url=https://thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/04/10/2020/FBQ-Museum-continues-Europe-tour-with-Madrid-stop |access-date=2023-07-11 |website=thepeninsulaqatar.com |language=en}}</ref> followed by the sixth and final stop at the [[Palace of Charles V]] in [[Granada]], [[Spain]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-10-03 |title=*The Majlis – Cultures in Dialogue touches down in Spain |url=https://www.gulf-times.com/story/701605/the-majlis-cultures-in-dialogue-touches-down-in-spain |access-date=2023-07-11 |website=Gulf Times |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Turqueza |first=Lalaine |date=2021-10-03 |title='The Majlis – Cultures in Dialogue' Now in Granada, Spain |url=https://www.marhaba.qa/the-majlis-cultures-in-dialogue-now-in-granada-spain/ |access-date=2023-07-11 |website=Marhaba Qatar |language=en-GB}}</ref>
=== Leaning mosque and minaret ===
The [[Minaret]] and [[Mosque]] are leaning to the right and are made out of locally sourced stones. They took two years to complete and were designed by Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani. Being opened to the public in spring of 2023, both the minaret and mosque are meant to reflect the importance to preserve Qatar's heritage. Ensuring the safety of the structures are 30 sensors monitoring the buildings to discover potential safety concerns in advance.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-08 |title=Qatar’s Leaning Mosque and Minaret: Preserving tradition, embracing innovation |url=https://thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/08/06/2023/qatars-leaning-mosque-and-minaret-preserving-tradition-embracing-innovation |access-date=2023-07-12 |website=thepeninsulaqatar.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Salari |first=Fatemeh |date=2023-05-19 |title=Have you spotted the 'leaning mosque' in Qatar? |url=https://dohanews.co/have-you-spotted-the-leaning-mosque-in-qatar/ |access-date=2023-07-12 |website=Doha News {{!}} Qatar |language=en-US}}</ref>
== Events and temporary exhibitions ==
=== The ‘Collectibles’ exhibition ===
The exhibition was a cooperation between the FBQ museum, the Arab Postage Stamps Museum and the [[Qatar National Library]] (QNL). The QNL hosted the exhibition in its Heritage Collection area, and is made up of various books and tools pertaining to horses and [[Equestrianism|equestrians]] as well as historical documents from the first pedigree horse of highest degree ever registered in Qatar.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-02-03 |title=‘Collectibles’ exhibition witnesses large turnout |url=https://thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/03/02/2023/collectibles-exhibition-witnesses-large-turnout |access-date=2023-07-17 |website=thepeninsulaqatar.com |language=en}}</ref>
=== QatarIndia Cultural Exhibition ===
As part of the Qatar [[India]] 2019 Year of Culture, the QatarIndia Cultural Exhibition was opened to display the history between the two countries and their similarities, as well as the diverse [[Culture of India|Indian culture]] by focusing on trade, arts, incense, foods and the Indian community. The exhibition opened in April 2019 and remained opened until July that year.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Qatar–India Cultural Exhibition opens at Sheikh Faisal museum |url=https://menafn.com/1098326952/QatarIndia-Cultural-Exhibition-opens-at-Sheikh-Faisal-museum |access-date=2023-07-14 |website=menafn.com |language=en}}</ref>
=== 'Artists in Qatar' exhibition ===
In 2020 the FBQ Museum hosted the fifth BigBMeetUp, a Qatari outreach initiative founded in 2018, in the white Majilis. The event consisted of a panel discussion held by the artist Othman Kunji and a six-week long exhibition with artworks by Qatari artists.<ref>{{Cite web |title="Artists in Qatar" Art Exhibition at Sheikh Faisal Museum |url=https://www.iloveqatar.net/events/artsCulture/art-exhibtion-at-sheikh-faisal-museum |access-date=2023-07-19 |website=ILoveQatar.net |language=en}}</ref>
=== 'Artists in the time of COVID-19' exhibitions ===
In September 2020 the first of three 'Artists in the time of [[COVID-19]]' exhibition was opened after the FBQ Museum reached out to local artists to create and submit artworks. The exhibition was made up of sixty varying artworks from more than 30 Qatar-based artists displaying how they coped during the [[COVID-19 pandemic|pandemic]]. The second exhibition was opened in October and the third in November.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-09-05 |title=FBQ Museum launches ‘Artists in the time of COVID-19’ exhibition |url=https://thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/05/09/2020/FBQ-Museum-launches-%E2%80%98Artists-in-the-time-of-COVID-19%E2%80%99-exhibition |access-date=2023-07-19 |website=thepeninsulaqatar.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Qatar- FBQ Museum launches second exhibition of three-part series |url=https://menafn.com/1100928249/Qatar-FBQ-Museum-launches-second-exhibition-of-three-part-series |access-date=2023-07-19 |website=menafn.com |language=en}}</ref>
=== Qatari Businesswomen Association celebration ===
On the occasion of [[National Day (Qatar)|Qatar's National Day]] 2021, the Qatari Businesswomen Association (QBWA) held a celebration under the name of 'The Ancestors' Land...is a Trust' at the FBQ Museum. The event featured a speech by the vice president of the QBWA, a tour of the museum as well as discussions between the participants.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-12-15 |title=QBWA celebrates Qatar National Day at Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Museum |url=https://www.gulf-times.com/story/706322/qbwa-celebrates-qatar-national-day-at-sheikh-faisal-bin-qassim-museum |access-date=2023-07-14 |website=Gulf Times |language=en}}</ref>
=== World Cup 2022 ===
In preparation for the [[2022 FIFA World Cup|World Cup]], the museum added an additional children's museum, various activities, halls and a theatre that held 500 people for events and lectures.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-09-02 |title=Sheikh Faisal Museum preparing for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 |url=https://www.gulf-times.com/story/723611/sheikh-faisal-museum-preparing-for-fifa-world-cup-qatar-2022 |access-date=2023-07-20 |website=Gulf Times |language=en}}</ref>
==See also==
*[[Collecting practices of the Al-Thani Family]]
==References==
{{reflist}}
==Bibliography==
{{commons category|Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum}}
*{{cite web|author1=Mohammed Hassan Al-Kuwari |author2=Maryam Khulaifi |author3=Jamila Abdulla Ahmed |author4=Sawsan Al-Haddad |url=http://www.moc.gov.qa/Arabic/publications/Documents/%D8%AF%D9%84%D9%8A%D9%84%20%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D9%88%D8%B3%D8%B3%D8%A7%D8%AA%20%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AB%D9%82%D8%A7%D9%81%D9%8A%D8%A9.pdf|script-title=ar:دليـل المؤسسات الثقافية في قطر |trans-title=Directory of Cultural Institutions in Qatar |website=Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage|language=ar |year=2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222111458/http://www.moc.gov.qa/Arabic/publications/Documents/%D8%AF%D9%84%D9%8A%D9%84%20%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D9%88%D8%B3%D8%B3%D8%A7%D8%AA%20%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AB%D9%82%D8%A7%D9%81%D9%8A%D8%A9.pdf|archive-date=2015-12-22}}
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[[Category:1998 establishments in Qatar]]
[[Category:Museums established in 1998]]
[[Category:Museums in Qatar]]