A new cultural landmark opened its doors in Doha, Qatar, on November 28, 2025: the Lawh Wa Qalam: M. F. Husain Museum. The 3,000-square-meter museum, located in Qatar Foundation’s Education City, celebrates the life and extensive artistic legacy of Maqbool Fida Husain, one of South Asia’s most influential modern artists. The museum showcases Husain’s diverse range of work, from paintings to films, and his deep connection to both South Asian and Arab cultures.
The inauguration of the museum, a project championed by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, marks the culmination of years of planning and construction. Sheikha Moza has long been a supporter of Husain’s art, particularly his exploration of shared cultural themes and human innovation, and commissioned a series of paintings from him. The opening is expected to draw art enthusiasts and scholars from across the globe, solidifying Qatar’s position as a regional hub for arts and culture.
Inspired by the Artist: Design of the M. F. Husain Museum
The museum’s unique architecture directly reflects the creative vision of M. F. Husain himself. The design is based on a sketch by the artist, interpreted by architect Martand Khosla and his team. This wasn’t simply about constructing a building, Khosla explained, but engaging in an “imaginary conversation” with Husain to understand the underlying ideas and translate them into a functional space.
Four key elements define the museum’s design: a vibrant blue structure, a cylindrical white signal, a bold yellow pathway, and a distinctive tented zone. These elements aren’t merely aesthetic choices, but represent interconnected themes found in Husain’s work, reflecting the cultural links between South Asia and the Middle East. The project, beginning in September 2023, took approximately three years to complete.
A Polymath’s Journey
The museum’s collection features over 150 original artworks and personal artifacts, spanning pivotal decades of Husain’s career from the 1950s through his later works created in Doha. This extensive display provides a comprehensive overview of Husain’s artistic evolution, showcasing his varied techniques and recurring motifs. Additionally, archival materials, films, and sketches offer insights into his creative process.
Integrating Art and Education
According to Qatar Foundation officials, the museum is an integral part of their broader commitment to fostering arts, learning, and community engagement within Education City. Kholoud Al-Ali, Executive Director of Community Engagement and Programming at QF, emphasized that the institution views art as essential for challenging perspectives, stimulating education, and inspiring creativity. This is evident in the over 100 existing public art installations throughout Education City.
The curator, Noof Mohammed, designed the museum’s layout to tell a specific story, emphasizing that the building itself, conceived from Husain’s sketch, is a significant work of art. The museum unfolds across three galleries: one focusing on Husain’s early life, a second on his mastery of various art forms, and a final gallery dedicated to the works he produced during his time in Qatar. A key highlight includes pieces never previously exhibited anywhere in the world.
A Conversation Starter: “Seeroo fi al ardh”
The new art museum complements the existing “Seeroo fi al ardh” installation, also championed by Qatar Foundation, which has already proven popular with the public. Jowaher Al-Marri, Manager of Communication and Outreach at QF, noted the positive impact of “Seeroo fi al ardh,” which explores human progress through land, sea, and air, and its ability to resonate with diverse audiences.
Looking ahead, Qatar Foundation anticipates that the Lawh Wa Qalam: M. F. Husain Museum will become a major intellectual and cultural destination. While the museum is now open to the public, ongoing programming and potential rotating exhibitions are being planned to ensure a dynamic and evolving experience. Further details regarding upcoming events and scholarly collaborations are expected to be announced in the coming months as the museum establishes itself within the regional art scene.
