National Museum of Qatar & automotive preview
Jean Nouvel’s desert-rose building, Qatar’s history and a small collection of remarkable cars.
01 / The experience
National Museum of Qatar & automotive preview
The National Museum’s interlocking discs are hard to miss. Jean Nouvel’s building wraps around a restored palace, bringing a very modern Doha landmark together with an older part of the city. Inside, the galleries follow Qatar from its geology and natural life through pearling, coastal communities and the growth of the modern state.
There is a reason for car enthusiasts to come inside too. The Mawater Gallery’s Qatar Auto Museum preview includes a 1957 Ferrari 250 GT long-wheelbase Tour de France, a 1965 Mercer-Cobra roadster and a 1970 Mercedes-Benz 600. Three cars make up the display, with one changing periodically. It is a small collection to enjoy alongside the museum’s wider story, and is included in admission.
Allow a morning or afternoon for the galleries and palace surroundings. Some galleries are closed for maintenance during the 2026 race week, but the automotive preview continues until 2 February 2027. Jiwan, upstairs on the fourth floor, gives you somewhere to continue the day over a Middle Eastern lunch.
04 / Before you go
Plan your visit
Cost & admission
Museum admission; automotive preview included. Select the dated ticket and eligibility category.
When to go
Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Wednesday 09:00–19:00; Thursday 09:00–21:00; Friday 13:30–19:00. Closed Tuesday.
Allow 2–3 hours.
Getting there
Old Doha / National Museum
Take the Gold Line to National Museum station, then follow signed pedestrian access to the museum. From the Red Line, change at Msheireb. A taxi can use the museum’s designated arrival area.
Before you book
Reserve the National Museum ticket. Some galleries are closed for maintenance until 30 December 2026; the automotive preview runs until 2 February 2027. Exhibition content can rotate.
Accessibility
The museum has indoor galleries; ask the visitor team for the current step-free route around maintenance closures and assistance between the station and entrance.
Location & nearby places
Continue exploring / Qatar during F1
More to explore
in Qatar during F1
Find another place for your itinerary, or explore all things to do in Qatar during F1.
01RestaurantsSMAT, Orient PearlEstimated food per personQatari and GulfExplore experience →
02Restaurants & fine diningJiwan, National Museum of QatarEstimated food per personContemporary Middle EasternExplore experience →
03Wellness & spaThe Ritz-Carlton Spa, Sharq VillageExplore experience →
04Museums & heritageMuseum of Islamic Art & waterfrontExplore experience →06 / Good to know
National Museum of Qatar & automotive preview: frequently asked questions
01Does the National Museum of Qatar ticket include the Mawater car display?
National Museum of Qatar admission includes the Mawater automotive preview; the future Qatar Auto Museum is a separate project.
02Can I visit the National Museum of Qatar on Tuesday 24 November?
The National Museum of Qatar closes on Tuesdays; choose another day for your visit.