M.F. Museum in Qatar Opens to Public
Inside the Grand Opening of Lawh Wa Qalam — M. F. Husain Museum in Qatar
When Lawh Wa Qalam: M. F. Husain Museum officially opens its doors on 28 November 2025 at Qatar Foundation’s Education City in Doha, it will mark a major cultural addition to Qatar’s arts landscape — a tribute to the late iconic artist Maqbool Fida Husain and his enduring legacy.
The museum has been envisioned as more than just a gallery — it’s designed to be a space where art meets learning, dialogue, and cultural exchange. Its architecture is deeply symbolic: the building itself draws inspiration from a sketch by Husain, turning his vision into a physical space where visitors can explore his world.
Inside, visitors will encounter a comprehensive collection — over 150 original works and personal items, including paintings, films, tapestries, photography, sketches, and archival materials. Some works have never been publicly displayed before, offering a rare glimpse into Husain’s creative evolution. Among them is his final masterpiece, Seeroo fi al ardh, which celebrates humanity’s journey and now forms a central feature of the museum.
Housed in a more than 3,000-square-metre building, the museum’s layout reflects the artist’s multidisciplinary spirit: it doesn’t merely display art — it invites engagement. The space includes galleries that trace Husain’s early years, mid-career, and his final creative phase in Qatar; the design intentionally mirrors his artistic philosophy, blending bold structural elements — a vivid-blue volume, white cylindrical feature, a bold yellow pathway, and a tented area — into an immersive, symbolic environment.
Beyond static exhibits, Lawh Wa Qalam aims to be a living cultural hub. Visitors can enjoy a café, a library, a gift shop, and a Creativity Hub — places designed to encourage reflection, learning, and creative dialogue. There will also be an auditorium for events and lectures. Guided tours in English and Arabic will be offered, with audio tours planned to roll out in 2026.
The museum’s opening — inaugurated by Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation — was attended by dignitaries, art experts, collectors, and cultural figures, underscoring its significance not just for Qatar but for the regional and global arts community.
With its blend of art, history, culture, and education, the new museum has already been hailed as a landmark — one that embodies the vision of bridging cultures, inspiring new generations, and reinforcing Qatar’s role as a growing hub for creativity and innovation.
For art lovers, students, families, and visitors alike, Lawh Wa Qalam offers a unique chance to step into the universe of M. F. Husain — to witness his creative journey, understand his connection to Arab civilisation and global culture, and experience art in a space designed to provoke thought, dialogue, and inspiration.