National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ)
Generations of integrity, knowledge, and experience.
Tradition, ethics, and family values are at the heart of the Trans Seas narrative.
Where artistry meets opulence — rare natural stone, bespoke wood and brass craftsmanship, and iconic decorative lighting, exclusively produced and supplied by TRANS SEAS USA, LLC.
TRANS SEAS USA has been honored with the prestigious commission to oversee procurement and quality management for an exclusive collection of bespoke restaurant and café furnishings. The scope includes exquisitely crafted custom tables for the Desert Rose Café, Executive Lounge, Nomad Café, and Panoramic Restaurant, complimented with high-performance decorative lighting to elevate each space to a world-class standard.
The National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ)
TRANS SEAS USA LLC was responsible for the purchasing, negotiating contracts, supply chain management and logistics.
Design & Core Project Team
The National Museum of Qatar, inaugurated in March 2019, is a striking architectural building designed by renowned architect Jean Nouvel. Inspired by the desert rose crystal, the museum features a series of interlocking discs that create a unique flowing structure. It welcomes over 1 million visitors annually and serves as a cultural landmark which showcases the rich heritage and history of Qatar through innovative exhibitions and interactive displays. The National Museum of Qatar leads importance to engaging visitors whilst fostering a deeper understanding of the country’s contemporary issues and future aspirations
- Client: ASTAD
- Lead Architect: Ateliers Jean Nouvel (Paris, France)
- General Contractor: Hyundai Engineering & Construction
- Interior Designer: Koichi Takada Architects
- Interior/Fit-Out Contractor: IMAR Trading & Contracting Co
Notable Collaborations
- The highly complex geometry of the museum required continuous presence and close interface management from the architecture and engineering teams.
- The leadership and coordination spanned cultures and disciplines, involving experts and fabricators from Europe, the Gulf region, the USA, and East and South Asia.
The National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ)
The National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ)
The National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) - Photo Gallery
National Museum of Qatar Honors and Awards
The National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) has received significant international acclaim and numerous awards for its unique architecture, innovation, and sustainability efforts. Here are some of its most notable honors and recognitions:
- Aga Khan Award for Architecture (1980): The museum, particularly its incorporation and restoration of the historic Old Amiri Palace, was recognized for its outstanding achievement in architectural preservation and adaptation.
- MIPIM Award — Best Future Project (2018): The museum was recognized at the prestigious MIPIM Awards, underscoring international anticipation and excitement for its design.
- Time Magazine — World’s Greatest Places to Visit (2019): NMoQ was named one of the world’s must-see destinations, celebrated for integrating immersive media with remarkable architecture.
- Wallpaper Design Award for Best Roofscape (2019):* The new building, designed by Jean Nouvel, won this award for its iconic, multifaceted roof inspired by the desert rose formation.
- Interior Design Best of Year, Mixed Retail Category (2019): The museum’s gift shop, designed by Koichi Takada Architects, won for its innovative and immersive interior inspired by Qatar’s natural formation.
- Dezeen Awards Longlist — Architectural Lighting Design (2020): The museum’s dramatic and symbolic lighting design received acknowledgment for its creativity and effectiveness.
- Green Apple Award for Best Environmental Practices (2023): The museum was commended for its pioneering efforts in environmental sustainability within the cultural sector.
- Carbon Neutrality Certificate (2024): NMoQ was awarded a carbon neutrality certificate, further cementing its commitment to sustainability.
These recognitions demonstrate that the NMoQ is not only an iconic destination in Qatar but also a world leader in architectural, experiential, and sustainable museum design.
The National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) - Key Details:
The museum officially opened in its current form in March 2019, replacing the original 1975 structure while preserving the historic Old Amiri Palace at its heart, which was the residence of Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani.
Its architecture features interlocking, disk-shaped forms that provide shade and a unique, sculptural identity, reflecting both Qatar’s geology and cultural ambitions.
Inside, visitors travel through interconnected galleries charting the country’s prehistory, Bedouin life, pearl diving era, modernization, and oil wealth, with more than 8,000 objects and extensive audiovisual installations.
Highlights of the collection include archaeological artifacts, jewelry, manuscripts, photographs, traditional costumes, and the renowned Pearl Carpet of Baroda.
The museum also includes educational and research facilities, an auditorium, shops, family zones, and places to dine.
NMoQ serves as both a symbol of national pride and a platform for dialogue about Qatar’s identity, culture, and the impact of rapid modernization.
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