10 NEW REASONS TO EXPLORE ASIA
No. 1 National Museum of Qatar, Doha
This newly opened museum takes the architectural and cultural elements from Qatar’s past and reflects upon its transformation into a major global destination. It narrates the story of the country’s evolution with 11 galleries and three themes—the country in its initial phases, the story of its rapid evolution, and its contemporary reality. The museum’s unique architecture—the work of Jean Nouvel—has been inspired by the desert rose crystal and executed using 76,000 disc panels on the roof. Apart from its modern design, the museum draws visitors for its many exhibits, including those by Qatari and Syrian artists. One of the prominent installations is the 19th -century Pearl Carpet of Baroda, which is studded with 1.5 million Gulf pearls and decorated with emeralds and sapphires. nmoq.org.qa
