Qatar National Library
مكتبة قطر الوطنية
A white, origami-like library designed by Rem Koolhaas's OMA, with tiered bookshelves and a sunken heritage library that makes a dramatic impression.
The Qatar National Library opened in 2018 in Education City. It was designed by Rem Koolhaas's OMA studio. The building looks like a sheet of white paper with two corners folded up, and inside is one vast open space with no dividing walls. White marble bookshelves rise in tiers and can hold more than a million volumes. At the center, the sunken Heritage Library holds Arabic manuscripts, ancient maps and manuscripts by early travelers. Entry is free, and smart dress is appropriate. Getting there: the Green Line metro to Qatar National Library station is right at the exit. It can be combined on the same day with the Education City Mosque and Mathaf.
Opening hours
Approx. 8:00–20:00 (Fridays open in the afternoon; check website)
Nearby sights
- Education City Mosque (Minaretein)
- Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art
- 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum
- Aspire Park & The Torch Doha
- Villaggio Mall
- Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque (State Grand Mosque)
- Fire Station: Artist in Residence
- Al Bidda Park