Doha, Qatar is set to become a vibrant cultural hub this February, with Qatar Museums presenting a diverse program of events alongside the inaugural Art Basel Qatar (February 5-7). The schedule includes performances, exhibitions, workshops, and tours across multiple venues, offering experiences for all ages and interests. This concentrated period of artistic activity aims to solidify Qatar’s position as a leading destination for art and culture in the Middle East.
The program complements the citywide calendar surrounding Art Basel Qatar, featuring internationally recognized artists and a focus on both established and emerging talent. Events will take place at institutions including Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, the Museum of Islamic Art, ALRIWAQ, Fire Station, Liwan Design Studios and Labs, Tasweer, and Dadu, Children’s Museum of Qatar. Qatar Museums’ “Evolution Nation” campaign, celebrating the nation’s cultural journey, will also be highlighted throughout the month.
Exploring Contemporary Art at Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art
Mathaf will host a series of events centered around its current exhibition, “we refuse_d.” On February 3, 2026, curators Nadia Radwan and Vasif Kortun will lead a tour of the exhibition, providing insight into the works of the 15 featured artists and the curatorial vision behind the show. A curatorial presentation by Radwan on February 4 will delve into the historical and political context informing “we refuse_d.”
Additionally, Mathaf will host a book discussion on February 4 featuring scholar Oraib Toukan and curator Yazid Anani, exploring themes of abstraction and materiality. A “Drawtastic” workshop on February 14 encourages free-form artistic expression, offering participants a chance to create without limitations. These events aim to foster deeper engagement with modern and contemporary Arab art.
Museum of Islamic Art and Family-Friendly Activities
The Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) will continue its monthly storytelling sessions in both English and Arabic. A special story time featuring Natasha Khan Kazi’s “Moon’s Ramadan” is scheduled for February 24, geared towards children aged 5-11. MIA will also offer an art workshop for children aged 8-11 on February 3 and 4, combining storytelling with hands-on creative activities. These initiatives underscore MIA’s commitment to engaging younger audiences with Islamic art and culture.
I.M. Pei and Architectural Exploration at ALRIWAQ
As part of the “I.M Pei: Life is Architecture” exhibition, ALRIWAQ will host a series of activations celebrating the renowned architect. A weekly Literature Salon, beginning February 1, will invite participants to explore fiction, poetry, and essays by Chinese writers in relation to Pei’s work. A curatorial tour led by Zahra Khan on February 2 will explore Pei’s design for the Museum of Islamic Art and his broader architectural legacy. These events provide a unique opportunity to understand the influence of I.M. Pei on Qatar’s cultural landscape.
Further Workshops and Lectures Across Qatar Museums
QM Central Exhibitions will offer workshops focused on storytelling and ink techniques as part of “The Rooted Nomad: MF Husain” programme. Lusail Museum will host a public lecture by historian Mostafa Minawi on February 16, examining the experiences of Arab members of the Ottoman elite. The Fire Station will feature conversations with gallery owners, curators, and artists from its Arts Intensive Study Programme, as well as discussions with international artists Chung Seoyoung and Haroon Mirza. Tasweer will offer a photowalk at Al Areesh village on February 7, inviting photographers to reimagine the historic site. Liwan Design Studios and Labs will host a workshop on Supima cotton, focusing on sustainable textile practices.
The diverse range of events planned by Qatar Museums for February 2026 demonstrates a significant investment in cultural programming. The success of Art Basel Qatar and the associated events will likely influence future cultural initiatives and further establish Doha as a prominent global art destination. Further details regarding registration and ticketing for specific events can be found on the Qatar Museums website. The long-term impact of these programs on Qatar’s cultural sector and tourism remains to be seen, but the initial response suggests a strong level of interest and engagement.
Qatar Museums Website
Art Basel Qatar Website
Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art
Museum of Islamic Art
Tasweer
Dadu, Children’s Museum of Qatar
Liwan Design Studios and Labs
