The Best Public Art in Qatar – Ultimate 41 Art Installations
Last Updated on June 14, 2023 by Molly Egan
The public art in Qatar is impressive due to the quantity of art in public places; the fun for all ages and world-known artists took us by surprise! We’ve collected the best public art in Qatar for your reference when visiting.
Qatar Offering An Artistic Freedom
Qatari Creates was a fun program promoting public art and introduced over 40 public art installations across Qatar.
JEDARIART program was another program that allowed Qatari artists to present their public art murals permanently.
Qatar Museums
There are a lot of fun art installations and Qatar museums in Doha for visitors to explore. Here’s a list of the best things to do in Qatar.
The most popular museums are the Museum of Islamic Art, Qatar National Museum, and Fire Station. Here are the Best Art and Museums in Qatar to make your trip successful!
The public artwork is scattered throughout the city in popular areas such as Katara Cultural Village, Corniche, and Hamad International Airport.
Qatar Museums on the Map
The art in Qatar is impressive, and the number of museums, art in public places, and the fun for all ages and interests are what took us by surprise!
A great way to see a lot of these on a Qatar map overlay – not all public art – review this map of public art installations by Qatar Museum.
Skip to the images and description of the public art installation
Best public art in Qatar
“The Sculptural Group” by Ahmed Al Bahrani
“7” by Richard Serra
“Flying Man” by Sabah Arbilli
“Small Lie” by Kaws
“East-West/West-East” by Richard Serra
“Orry” by Tom Otterness
“Shadows Travelling on the Sea of the Day” by Olafur Eliasson
“Toub Toub Ya Bahar” by Salman Al-Malik
“The Pigeons” by Khalifa Al-Obaidly
“The Miraculous Journey” by Damien Hirst
“White Monument” by Ibrahim Noureddine
“Untitled Lamp/Bear” by Urs Fischer
“The Pearl Monument” by French artist Arman
“Palm Tree” by Ali Hassan
“Hanging Trees” by Ana Tzarev
“Qatar Olympic Committee Tower Sculpture” by Tom Claassen
“Maman” by Louise Bourgeois
“Doha Mountains” Ugo Rondinone
“Dugong” by Jeff Koons
Gekröse” by Franz West
“Al Nehem” Whale Shark by Roberto Cacciapagli
“come together” by Choi Jeong Hwa
“The Golden Thumb Statue” by César Baldaccini
Mural by Myneandyours
“Cosmos” Jean-Michel Othoneil
“A Message of Peace to the World” Ahmed Al Bahrani
“Arctic Nurseries of El Dorado” by Marc Quinn
“Desert Horse” by Ali Hassan
“Falcon” by Tom Claassen
“Untitled Playground” Rudolf Stingel
“Dogong Family” Ahmed Al Barani
“Section of the Berlin Wall” by Germany
“Turquoise City” by Mark Handforth
“Spooning” by Subodh Gupta
“Alfa” by Jean-Michel Othoniel
“Motherland” by Hassan Bin Mohammad Al Thani
“Other Worlds’ by Tom Classen
“they asked me to change it, and I agreed,” by Adel Abidin
“Maqam I, Maqam II, Maqam III” by Simone Fattal
“Gandhi’s Three Moneys” by Subodh Gupta
Woman Side Profile in Abaya, Abdulaziz Yousef Ahmed
“The Sculptural Group” by Ahmed Al Bahrani
Doha
A captivating sculpture showcases unity and diversity, inviting contemplation and reflection.
“7” by Richard Serra
Qatar Museums Park, Doha
Towering steel structures that exude a powerful presence embody strength and exploration of space.
“The Sculptural Group” by Ahmed Al Bahrani
Doha
It is a striking ensemble of sculptures that captures the essence of human emotion and connection and invites contemplation and introspection.
“Flying Man” by Sabah Arbilli
Hamad International Airport, Doha
This mesmerizing sculpture depicts a figure in mid-flight, symbolizing freedom, aspiration, and the spirit of exploration.
“Small Lie” by Kaws
Hamad International Airport, Doha
This playful yet thought-provoking sculpture showcases a larger-than-life character, challenging perceptions of truth and authenticity in our modern society.
“East-West/West-East” by Richard Serra
Zekreet, west of Doha
Four towering steel plates are placed across the Qatari desert, creating a robust visual dialogue between nature’s vastness and human intervention’s presence.
Due to its location in Qatar and unique remoteness, we love that this piece was dubbed “Taking art to the people“.
“Orry” by Tom Otterness
Hamad International Airport, Doha
A whimsical bronze sculpture featuring a cheerful character, Orry, represents the joy and vibrancy of Qatari culture, welcoming travelers with open arms.
“Shadows Travelling on the Sea of the Day” by Olafur Eliasson
Near Fort Zubarah
This exhibit is a fun one to drive to – and see Fort Zubarah since it’s nearby. The mirrored reflection of the underside of the canopies makes for a real unique experience.
This exhibit is a nod to sustainability, “I hope, a space for visitors to resync with the planet and may prompt conversations about climate action on a local scale.”
“Toub Toub Ya Bahar” by Salman Al-Malik
Doha Corniche
A captivating and poetic sculpture capturing the essence of Qatari maritime traditions. It represents the enduring connection between the sea and the local culture of women waiting for sailers and divers.
“The Pigeons” by Khalifa Al-Obaidly
Doha Corniche
A whimsical and lighthearted installation featuring colorful pigeon sculptures, celebrating the ubiquitous birds as animated icons of urban life.
“Force Field” by Richard Serra
Qatar National Convention Centre, Doha
A monumental arrangement of towering steel plates embodying strength, balance, and a sense of architectural grandeur.
“The Miraculous Journey” by Damien Hirst
Sidra Medicine, Doha
A series of colossal bronze sculptures depicting the stages of fetal development, symbolizing the miracle of life and the intersection of art and science.
“White Monument” by Ibrahim Noureddine
Katara Cultural Village, Doha
A minimalist yet powerful white sculpture exudes elegance and serenity, inviting contemplation and reflection on the beauty of simplicity.
“Untitled Lamp/Bear” by Urs Fischer
Hamad International Airport
A whimsical and larger-than-life sculpture featuring a bear holding a lamp, juxtaposing the ordinary with the extraordinary, sparking the imagination of travelers.
“The Pearl Monument” by French artist Arman
The Pearl-Qatar, Doha
A magnificent stainless steel sculpture symbolizing Qatar’s pearl diving heritage and its contemporary transformation into a modern metropolis.
“Palm Tree” by Ali Hassan
Qatar University, Doha
An abstract sculpture resembling a palm tree, it celebrates Qatar’s natural flora and cultural significance.
“Hanging Trees” by Ana Tzarev
Katara Cultural Village, Doha
A unique installation featuring suspended metal trees adorned with colorful flowers creates a surreal and enchanting environment.
“Qatar Olympic Committee Tower Sculpture” by Tom Claassen
West Bay, Doha
A dynamic and energetic sculpture that captures athleticism and the pursuit of excellence is displayed at the Qatar Olympic Committee Tower.
“Maman” by Louise Bourgeois
Education City
A colossal spider sculpture, simultaneously awe-inspiring and unnerving, embodying themes of maternal protection and feminine strength.
“Doha Mountains” by Ugo Rondinone
Al Bidda Park
A series of monumental rock-like sculptures in vibrant colors create a surreal and dreamlike landscape amidst the urban surroundings.
“Dugong” by Jeff Koons
Corniche
A playful and whimsical sculpture of a dugong, showcasing the artist’s signature style and inviting viewers to appreciate the beauty of marine life.
“Gekröse” by Franz West
Corniche
A bright and abstract sculpture that evokes a sense of movement and fluidity, engaging viewers with its playful and interactive nature.
“Al Nehem” Whale Shark by Roberto Cacciapagli
Lusail Plaza
A majestic whale shark sculpture highlights the importance of marine conservation and the beauty of Qatar’s coastal ecosystem.
“come together” by Choi Jeong Hwa
Education City
A colorful inflatable element sculpture that, from afar, looks like a snowflake that represents unity, diversity, and the power of collaboration.
“The Golden Thumb Statue” by César Baldaccini
Souq Wakif
A striking, gleaming golden thumb sculpture symbolizes strength, power, and human achievement.
Mural by Myneandyours
Al Sadd
This is a colorful and playful mural by a British-born artist in Dubai, UAE. This mural was a part of the POW! WOW! which includes local and international artists adding color and thought-provoking murals to the city.
“Cosmos” by Jean-Michel Othoniel
Hamad International Airport
A mesmerizing and ethereal sculpture. It is composed of shimmering glass orbs that reflect light and creates a celestial ambiance.
“A Message of Peace to the World” by Ahmed Al Bahrani
Hamad International Airport
A thought-provoking sculpture conveys a message of peace, harmony, and global unity through symbolism.
“Arctic Nurseries of El Dorado” by Marc Quinn
A thought-provoking installation featuring a collection of bronze sculptures representing diverse and endangered species, raising awareness about environmental conservation.
“Desert Horse” by Ali Hassan
Hamad International Airport
A majestic and spirited sculpture of a galloping horse. It captures the essence of freedom, strength, and the enduring bond between humans and animals.
“Falcon” by Tom Claassen
Hamad International Airport
A dynamic sculpture of a falcon in flight, paying homage to Qatar’s rich falconry heritage and the grace and agility of this revered bird.
“Untitled Playground” by Rudolf Stingel
Hamad International Airport
A playful and interactive sculpture that doubles as a functional playground inviting children and adults alike to engage with art positively and imaginatively.
“Dugong Family” by Ahmed Al Barani
Doha Waterfront
A heartwarming inflatable sculpture featuring a family of dugongs celebrating the beauty of marine life. It echoes the importance of preserving Qatar’s coastal ecosystems.
“Section of the Berlin Wall” donated by Germany Embassy 2017 Year of Culture
Education City
A historical fragment of the Berlin Wall symbolizes unity, freedom, and the triumph of the human spirit, commemorating a significant moment in history.
“Turquoise City” by Mark Handforth
LuSail
A vibrant and dynamic sculpture resembling a cityscape adorned with turquoise elements, evoking a sense of urban energy and exploration.
“Spooning” by Subodh Gupta
M7
A whimsical and humorous sculpture depicting oversized cutlery engaged in a playful act of spooning, exploring themes of intimacy and shared experiences.
“Alfa” by Jean-Michel Othoniel
A mesmerizing and intricate sculpture composed of glass beads resembling an abstract alphabet, inviting viewers to contemplate the beauty of language and communication.
“Motherland” by Hassan Bin Mohammad Al Thani
National museum of Qatar
A powerful and poignant sculpture depicting a mother embracing her child symbolizes love, protection, and the eternal bond between a mother and her offspring.
“Other Worlds” by Tom Claassen
Hamad International Airport
A series of enchanting and surreal sculptures featuring fantastical creatures and whimsical landscapes – A fun playground for children as well.
“They asked me to change it, and I agreed,” by Adel Abidin
A thought-provoking sculpture challenging censorship and conformity, reflecting on the power dynamics between artists, institutions, and society.
“Maqam I, Maqam II, Maqam III” by Simone Fattal
A series of abstract sculptures inspired by traditional Arabic musical structures embodying rhythm, harmony, and the expressive potential of art.
“Gandhi’s Three Moneys” by Subodh Gupta
Katara Cultural Village
A thought-provoking sculpture featuring three larger-than-life bronze coins paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi and his teachings on simplicity, truth, and non-violence.
Woman Side Profile in Abaya, Abdulaziz Yousef Ahmed
Abaya, Al Tarfa Al Khor Interchange
It depicts a woman’s side profile – abaya – with a traditional batoola mask.
Conclusion:
There is so much art in public places in Qatar! As you can see, art installations scattered throughout the city, desert, and public areas is quite impressive.
What is your favorite art piece? Our top favorites are in the international airport.
Do you think Doha is the mecca for art?