Qatar Museums has announced a full month of cultural, artistic and educational activities this February, complementing the citywide programme scheduled around Art Basel Qatar from February 5 to 7. The line-up includes performances, major exhibitions and a wide range of workshops and guided tours across multiple museum venues.

Art Basel Qatar Highlights

As the city prepares for Art Basel Qatar, Qatar Museums will present performances by Tarek Atoui and Rirkrit Tiravanija, three solo exhibitions by international artists at the Fire Station, and a showcase dedicated to contemporary Ghanaian artists at Liwan Design Studios and Labs.

The February schedule also includes a photowalk at the historic village of Al Areesh, curator-led tours of the we refuse_d exhibition at Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, and several public programmes linked to I.M. Pei: Life is Architecture at ALRIWAQ.

Programmes at Mathaf

Mathaf will host a book discussion, a free-form drawing workshop and multiple guided tours of we refuse_d, which remains open until February 9.

Curator-Led Tour: we refuse_d
February 3, 2026 | 4–5 PM | English
Curators Nadia Radwan and Vasif Kortun lead visitors through the exhibition, which features works from 15 artists and offers insight into its conceptual framework.

Curatorial Presentation: we refuse_d
February 4, 2026 | 4–5:30 PM | English
Radwan and Kortun provide a deeper look at the historical research and political considerations shaping the exhibition.

Book Presentation: Things Bigger Than What Can Be Seen
February 4, 2026 | 5:30–7 PM | Arabic and English
Scholar Oraib Toukan and curator Yazid Anani discuss themes of abstraction, materiality and visual culture, based on Toukan’s essays newly translated into Arabic.

Workshop: Drawtastic
February 14, 2026 | 4–6 PM | English
An open-ended drawing workshop inviting participants to experiment with various styles and media.

Activities at the Museum of Islamic Art

The Museum of Islamic Art continues its monthly storytelling series along with creative workshops for children.

Workshop: An Artist’s Adventure
February 3 & 4, 2026 | 4–5:30 PM | English and Arabic
Designed for children aged 8–11, the workshop introduces young participants to the world of art through storytelling and hands-on activities.

Story Time: Moon’s Ramadan
February 24, 2026 | 8–9 PM | English and Arabic
Children aged 5–11 can enjoy a reading of Moon’s Ramadan followed by interactive activities inspired by the museum’s collections.

I.M. Pei–Themed Events at ALRIWAQ

As part of I.M. Pei: Life is Architecture, several public events explore the architect’s life and work.

I.M. Pei Literature Salon
February 1, 2026 | 5:30–6:30 PM | English
A weekly session featuring readings of fiction and poetry by Chinese writers, linked to themes in Pei’s work.

Curatorial Tour: I.M. Pei: Life is Architecture
February 2, 2026 | 5:30–6:30 PM | English
A guided tour highlighting Pei’s design of the Museum of Islamic Art and his broader architectural legacy.

Workshops Under The Rooted Nomad: MF Husain

Hosted by QM Central Exhibitions, two workshops explore storytelling and artistic technique.

Medium and Movement Workshop
February 2, 2026 | 5 PM | English | Ages 9–14
Participants work with ink and brushes to explore expressive mark-making.

Frame by Frame: A Workshop on Storytelling
February 3, 2026 | 5 PM | English | Ages 13+
A mixed-media session examining narrative techniques inspired by MF Husain’s work.

Lusail Museum Lecture Series

Lusail Museum continues its Conversations series focusing on the Late Ottoman era.

Public Lecture: Arab-Ottoman Imperialists of Istanbul
February 16, 2026 | 5:30–7 PM | English
Historian Mostafa Minawi presents research on Arab elites in Istanbul during the final years of the Ottoman Empire.

Fire Station Special Programmes

The Fire Station will host several discussions featuring gallery owners, curators and artists from its Arts Intensive Study Programme, alongside conversations with international artists Chung Seoyoung and Haroon Mirza.

Tasweer Photowalks and Workshops

Tasweer invites photographers to experience the coastal village of Al Areesh and explore contemporary photographic techniques.

Photowalk: Reimagining Al Areesh Village
February 7, 2026 | 3–5 PM | English
A guided exploration of the historic site, encouraging creative reinterpretation through photography.

Workshop: Photography Painting with Light
February 21, 2026 | 8–10 PM | English | Bayt Al Wakra
A practical session on long-exposure and light-painting techniques.

Portfolio Reviews: The Review Room
February 25, 2026 | 8–10 PM | English | Bayt Al Wakra
Participants receive personalised feedback from leading photography professionals.

Programmes at Liwan Design Studios and Labs

Workshop: Secrets of Supima
February 1 & 2, 2026 | 2–6 PM | English
An industry-focused session introducing designers to Supima cotton, sustainability practices and fibre properties.

Family Activities at Dadu Gardens

Dadu, Children’s Museum of Qatar, offers open-ended play and discovery sessions:

Dadu Gardens
Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday until April 2026
Children under 12 and their parents can explore interactive activities in a nature-themed setting.

Evolution Nation Campaign

This year, Qatar Museums continues its Evolution Nation campaign, marking 50 years of cultural development since the founding of the National Museum of Qatar. Curated by Qatar Creates, the initiative highlights Qatar’s cultural achievements and future aspirations.