The Museum of Islamic Art in Doha serves as a vital bridge between historical intellectual excellence and modern cultural dialogue. This discussion with Shaika Al-Nassr & Dr. Mounia Chekhab Abudaya explores the institution's multifaceted role in re-owning regional narratives and challenging global stereotypes through immersive storytelling and collaborative curation. By transforming from a traditional museum into a dynamic cultural space, MIA fosters global connections while deepening the local understanding of Islamic heritage.
The Museum of Islamic Art in Doha serves as a vital bridge between historical intellectual excellence and modern cultural dialogue. This discussion with Shaika Al-Nassr & Dr. Mounia Chekhab Abudaya explores the institution's multifaceted role in re-owning regional narratives and challenging global stereotypes through immersive storytelling and collaborative curation. By transforming from a traditional museum into a dynamic cultural space, MIA fosters global connections while deepening the local understanding of Islamic heritage.
00:00 Introduction
03:50 Architecture and the Core Mission
05:47 Mapping the Growing Collection
07:15 Beyond Chronology: Connecting Contexts
09:34 Travelling Exhibitions and Target Audiences
12:22 Shifting the Curatorial Perspective
16:03 Interactive Student Dialogues
21:46 Formulating a Dynamic Space
26:00 Telling Stories Over Headlines
34:13 Developing the Multi-Faceted Managerial Role
42:24 Challenging the Terminology of the Field
01:00:32 Closing Remarks
Dr Mounia Chekhab-Abudaya is Deputy Director of Curatorial Affairs at the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, where she leads curatorial strategy and exhibition development. She holds a PhD in Islamic art history from Pantheon-Sorbonne University and specialises in the western Mediterranean, manuscripts, and pilgrimage-related materials. She has curated several major exhibitions at MIA, including Hajj — The Journey through Art and Building Our Collection: Ceramics of Al Andalus, and previously contributed to the Islamic Art galleries at the Louvre.
Shaikha Al-Nassr is Director of the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) in Doha, with over 17 years of experience at the museum across curatorial and leadership roles. She previously served as Deputy Director of Curatorial Affairs, overseeing MIA's 2022 relaunch, and earlier as Head of Exhibitions, managing numerous major projects and publications. She holds degrees in English Literature, Islamic Art (SOAS), and Museum Studies (UCL), and has presented widely on Islamic art and museology internationally. Her experience also includes training at leading institutions and internships at Tate Britain and the National Portrait Gallery in London.
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