qatar museums' collection of public artworks transforms the country

public art from the city to the desert

Qatar Museums announces a program of new public artworks by Qatari, regional, and international artists alike which will be presented throughout Doha and the nation. The country and its public spaces will be transformed into a vast art museum stretching from its desert to the bustling Souq Waqif. The collection includes more than 100 public artworks on view for locals and the 1.5 million visitors who are expected to travel to Doha for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

The initiative introduces more than forty works to the massive collection, curated as part of Qatar Creates — a cultural movement that promotes cultural activities in Qatar. Familiar names include Richard Serra, Damien Hirst, KAWS, Daniel Arsham, Faye TooGood, and Louise Bourgeois.

Damien Hirst, The Miraculous Journey, 2013 | image © Iwan Baan

qatar museum transforms the country’s public spaces

Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums comments: ‘The addition of 40 new, major works of public art this fall is a significant milestone for Qatar’s public art programme. Public art is one of our most prominent demonstrations of cultural exchange, where we present works from artists of all nationalities and backgrounds. From the arrivals at the best airport in the world — Hamad International Airport — to every neighbourhood in our nation, public art is there to make your experience unique.

‘These works vary in size and form, and they encompass a wide range of subject matter, but all further our mission to make art more accessible, engage our publics, celebrate our heritage, and embrace the cultures of others. More importantly, artists from every corner of the world — representing all continents — have been invited to express their artistic creativity with our very own diverse population.

‘Our longstanding commitment to public art is visible across Qatar, and we hope these works will be welcomed by locals and enhance the experiences had by the millions of visitors we expect to welcome to Doha this year.’

KAWS, SMALL LIE, 2018 | image © Iwan Baan

Abdulrahman Ahmed Al-Ishaq, Qatar Museums’ Director of Public Art, continues: ‘Doha is a vibrant destination, and adding more than 40 new public art installations will further transform the city into a dynamic urban canvas that serves to spark conversations and provide sources of inspiration for all.

‘Qatar Museums’ public art programme, more than anything else, serves as a reminder that art is all around us, not confined to museums and galleries, and can be enjoyed and celebrated whether you are going to work, or school, or the desert or the beach.’