These four heritage houses in the heart of Downtown Doha are great places to learn about the social and cultural development of the region.
The Msheireb Museums are four separate houses offering insights to Doha’s history and evolution to modern times and beyond. Each house has a different focus. Visit one or all four of the Msheireb Museums to get a good understanding of the region at the start of your stay in Qatar.
Begin in the Mohammed Bin Jassim House to review the history of the original Msheireb quarter that is now Downtown Doha. The house was built by the son of the founder of modern Qatar. Come here to learn about the past, present and future of the area, with insights on how traditions and heritage are preserved while the neighborhood moves forward with a contemporary lifestyle.
In the Bin Jelmood House, study the history of slavery. The focus is on thousands of years of enslavement in the Indian Ocean World, including the Arabian Gulf. Follow the evolution of slavery from its origins and daily conditions to final abolition and ultimate freedom. Other forms of human exploitation across the globe are also reviewed.
Tour the Company House to learn about how the discovery of oil and its development as a major component of Qatar’s economy came about. The house was once the headquarters for the first oil company in the country.
The Radwani House was originally built in the 1920s. Open to the public today as a museum, the courtyard house features exhibits focused on family life. Learn from excavations revealing daily activities in ancient times and see how life has changed with modern conveniences. Transformations to family life after the discovery of oil and the use of electricity are particularly interesting.
Many exhibits in the museums have signage with Arabic and English text. Expect to see kids here, as the museums are popular for local school group field trips.
Travel to Downtown Doha to find the Msheireb Museums just west of Al Koot Fort and the Souq Waqif. The four museums are separate houses within short walking distance of each other. The museums are generally open during normal business hours, except on Fridays when hours are from mid afternoon into the evening. Admission is free.
For further information about each of the houses and what's on, visit the officialMsheireb Museums website.
