MIA houses one of the most comprehensive collections of Islamic art in the world, with masterpieces from every corner of the Islamic world. Its Gift Shop reflects this diversity and journey across geography and time.
Located on the ground floor of the iconic museum designed by renowned architect I M Pei, the Gift Shop has reopened after an extensive redesign and refit with a new range of bespoke and exclusive curated gifts to complement the reimagined gallery spaces. Its new look and feel helps to ensure that the store remains an integral element of the visit experience, accentuating the beauty of the collection.
Each item at the MIA Gift Shop is an ambassador of the museum, telling the fascinating stories made to illuminate the past and inspire the future. The merchandise includes high-quality replicas, handmade artisan homeware, books, jewellery, stationery, and novelty accessories. The gifts are inspired by museum objects such as manuscripts, metalworks, textiles, Iznik pottery, and masterpieces spanning artworks from three continents and 1,400 years of art.
The product range includes replicas of the fountain head (The Doha Hind) from Madinat al-Zahra in Spain, belonging to the Umayyads of al-Andalus period, around 330-400 AH (940-1010 CE). There will also be gifts with imprints of manuscripts, for example a portrait of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan on the Peacock Throne, attributed to Govardhan India during the Mughal period. The painting is dated c. 1044 AH (c. 1635 CE).
Commenting on the reopening of the Gift Shop, Phil Lawrie, general manager (IN-Q), said: “We are delighted to reopen the MIA Gift Shop, an artful stop after the enriching tour of the museum where visitors can engage, explore, and learn about Islamic art, history, and culture. At IN-Q, we continuously endeavour to offer unique and exquisite products, including many bespoke items exclusively created for the museum to provide visitors with lasting memories of the galleries and exhibitions. With the MIA Gift Shop’s redesign and new range, our customers will be able to take the art of gifting to a higher level.”
Tigest Seifu, Retail & Merchandising director (IN-Q), added: “With the reopening of the MIA Gift Shop, museum lovers can once again enjoy the opportunity to take home a piece of the art and knowledge they have experienced in the museum’s galleries. IN-Q takes great effort to provide high-quality bespoke products at each of the Qatar Museums locations that are inspired by its collections and themes. Our Gift Shop at MIA is no exception, brimming with exclusive curated gifts that represent the museum’s exhibitions and collections to art admirers.”
A “must-go-to” place after the MIA tour, the Gift Shop enriches the museum-going experience. The shop items are also available at the IN-Q online store at inq-online.com/