A five-story museum inspired by Muslim architecture and culture will grace Qatar’s ‘City of the Future’

The skyline of Lusail, Qatar’s futuristic city, is poised to welcome a striking addition: a museum and arts hub characterized by a distinctive circular design. Scheduled to commence construction later this year, the Lusail Museum will soar 30 meters high, spanning five levels with a footprint of 11,000 square meters on a site over ten times larger. It will encompass spaces for art exhibitions and a “think tank” area for discussions on global issues.

Situated approximately 10 miles north of Doha, Lusail earned its moniker as Qatar’s “City of the Future.” Construction began in 2006, and the city has rapidly evolved, boasting iconic structures like the Katara Towers and the renowned Lusail Stadium, which hosted the 2022 FIFA World Cup final. Upon completion, Lusail is projected to accommodate 200,000 residents.

The design of the museum draws inspiration from Islamic architecture, incorporating elements reflective of Muslim culture and the surrounding environment. Architect Jacques Herzog emphasizes the significance of the crescent shape, ubiquitous in Islamic art and symbolizing both identity and fluidity. Inside, visitors will traverse a crescent-shaped “boulevard,” facilitating an immersive journey through the museum.

Herzog & de Meuron, the Swiss architectural firm behind the project, brings extensive experience in museum design, including acclaimed works such as the M+ Museum in Hong Kong and the Pérez Art Museum in Miami. The Lusail Museum aims to seamlessly integrate into its surroundings, situated on Al Maha Island, a reclaimed piece of land off the coast of Lusail.

The museum’s construction will predominantly utilize local materials, aligning with principles of environmental sustainability and connectivity to the land. Green spaces featuring indigenous flora, coupled with initiatives like solar panels and water management systems, underscore its commitment to ecological responsibility.

In addition to showcasing Orientalist art—a genre popularized in the 19th century depicting the Middle East through Western lenses—the museum will feature “anchor rooms” inspired by iconic architectural styles from Islamic cultural hubs. These spaces will serve as platforms for dialogue, fostering discussions ranging from scholarly debates to diplomatic negotiations.

Conceptually, the museum embodies the essence of a “layered souq,” reminiscent of traditional marketplaces found across the Middle East. Herzog envisions the museum as a vibrant nexus, housing eateries, shops, and even a mosque across multiple floors—a microcosm of diversity and cultural richness.

For Herzog, the enduring legacy of the Lusail Museum is paramount. Beyond its architectural magnificence, he envisions it as a beacon for future generations, a space where art catalyzes dialogue and transcends boundaries. Scheduled for completion in 2029, the museum aspires to be more than a mere cultural institution—it aims to redefine the essence of engagement, exchange, and legacy in the heart of Qatar’s burgeoning metropolis.