In the early 2000s, Qatar also offered few cultural attractions for tourists and residents. However, the Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim al Thani – known as FBQ Museum – Already stood out as an alternative destination to the then modest National Museum of Qatar .
Visiting the museum was an adventure on its own: it was necessary to schedule in advance, drive through the desert (if you lose a few times on the way was almost inevitable), but when you arrive, visitors were received at the lush Al Samriya Farm with tea and cake.
The big attraction was a space backed by shelves and windows stuffed with eclectic artifacts, from swords to coins, as well as some rare carriages and cars scattered throughout the gardens.
It was not a conventional museum, but it was undoubtedly a place that was worth knowing.
Private Car Collection
Today, the FBQ Museum has grown and consolidated as one of the largest private museums in the world, with More than 30 thousand items . Among them, there is a fleet of traditional Dhow sailboats, a multitude of rugs and even an entire house that came directly from Damascus, in Syria .
The collection covers from Jurassic era fossils to old editions of the Quran. There is also a section dedicated to the history of pearl extraction in Qatar and jewelry dating from the 17th century.
More recently, the museum has incorporated items from the 2022 FIFA World Cup such as replicas of trophy, balls used in games, tickets, soccer shirts and even a somewhat peculiar collection of children’s dolls and plush.
Some views can be controversial like a room dedicated to objects of the Third Reich and showcases containing bird identifying rings. There are even rumors that, behind a locked door, there is an exclusive room for few visitors, containing dresses and belongings of Princess Diana. Another space, now closed to the public, houses a collection dedicated to Saddam Hussein.
“For the public enjoy”
The museum began to take shape in 1998, when Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani He decided to open his collection to the public, on the farm about 20 kilometers from Doha.
A distant member of the Royal Family of Qatar, founder of one of the country’s largest conglomerates and one of the world’s most influential Arab entrepreneurs, Sheikh Faisal has always had a passion for collecting historical and curious objects that tell the history of the region.
In an interview with TV Alrayyan in 2018, he revealed that it all started as a hobby: “I collected whenever I had the opportunity. As my business grew, my collection also increased, until I decided to open the museum for the public to enjoy. ”
What started as a small personal collection evolved into a 130 hectares complex. In addition to the museum, the site is home to an ORIX reserve, a riding school, a duck lake and even a mosque with an inclined minaret. There is also a Five Star Hotel from Marriott Network two cafes and the Zoufa restaurant, which specializes in contemporary Lebanese cuisine.
But of course, the museum’s big star is its impressive car collection, which houses from classic rolls to war jeeps and colorful bucks. Outside, peals circulate freely, while signs warn drivers about the presence of horses and even ostriches.
Visitors can explore the gardens and even enter the stables to interact with the horses.
Unmissable ride
Siham haleem the tour guide for 15 years, says that Doha now has several high -level modern museums, with the National Museum of Qatar being his favorite. Still, he considers the visit to the indispensable FBQ Museum.
“For those who want to know the heritage of Qatar and the region, the museum is a mandatory stop. I am fascinated by the collection of cars, the fossils and, especially, by the Syrian house, which was meticulously dismantled and rebuilt piece by piece. ”
Stephanie Y. Martinez Student Mobility Manager at Texas A&M University at Qatar, likes the museum so much that includes the visit in all scripts for students from the main campus in Texas.
“To the Guided tours They are very detailed, and the variety of items in the collection is impressive. There are always new stories to find out. My favorites are cars and furniture embedded with mother of pearl. It is one of my favorite museums in Qatar; Each visit brings a new discovery. ”
Raynor Abreu From India, also praises the diversity of the collection: “Each item has its own history, which makes the experience even more interesting. Knowing that Sheikh Faisal began this still young collection makes everything even more special, because it reflects its passion for history and culture. ”
With so many pieces gathered without detailed explanations, exploring the museum requires time and curiosity. But there is no denying Sheikh Faisal’s effort to create a unique space, capable of telling the story of Qatar and the Middle East in an unusual way.
Sarah Bayley From the United Kingdom, he recently visited the museum with his family, including 16 and 19 -year -old teenagers, and was delighted with his eccentricity. “It’s an amazing place. I loved. It’s just crazy! ”
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Source: CNN Brasil
Johanna Foster is an expert opinion writer with over 7 years of experience. She has a reputation for delivering insightful and thought-provoking articles on a variety of subjects. Her work can be found on some of the top online news websites, and she is currently lending her voice to the world stock market.
