Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, officially inaugurated the Lawh Wa Qalam: M. F. Husain Museum at Education City. The new cultural institution serves as a living tribute to Maqbool Fida Husain, widely recognized as one of the world's most influential modern art pioneers.
During the inauguration ceremony, Sheikha Moza praised the legendary artist's global impact. "Maqbool Fida Husain is a legendary artist – a true master whose artistic works transcend borders and connect cultures, histories, and identities," she said. "I am delighted to fulfill the dream of this late, esteemed artist by inaugurating the museum, which will stand as a new landmark in Education City showcasing pages from his life and a collection of his works."
The grand opening ceremony was attended by Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, along with ministers, dignitaries, and art collectors and experts from around the world. The spectacular event took guests on an immersive journey through Husain's remarkable life and artistic career, highlighting the distinctive motifs that characterized his practice and the historical moments that shaped his creative vision.
The museum houses an impressive collection of over 150 original works by Husain, along with personal objects that provide intimate insights into the artist's life and creative process. These artifacts are now part of Qatar Foundation's permanent collection. The ceremony's climactic moment featured the unveiling of a painting containing Husain's original sketch of his vision for the museum – a concept that has now been brought to life by Qatar Foundation and architect Martand Khosla.
Designed as a space for learning and discovery, the Lawh Wa Qalam museum aims to inspire creativity and promote cross-cultural dialogue. Visitors can explore Husain's artistic world through paintings, films, tapestry, and photography, with many works being displayed publicly for the first time. The museum also features personal items from the renowned artist's life alongside interviews and quotes that reveal the person behind the masterpieces.
Among the museum's treasures are some of the 35 paintings inspired by Arab civilization that Husain completed before his death in 2011. The collection also includes "Seeroo fi al ardh," Husain's final masterpiece that celebrates humanity's progress. This significant work was originally opened by Qatar Foundation in 2019 and now forms an integral part of the museum's permanent exhibition.
Following the official inauguration, Sheikha Moza and the distinguished guests toured the museum's various galleries. These spaces trace Husain's life journey and artistic evolution, explore his perspectives on faith and philosophy, and showcase his pursuit of unity and diversity in his work. The galleries also highlight his deep connection to his Yemeni ancestry and the rich heritage of Arab civilization. The evening concluded with a gala dinner held within the "Seeroo fi al ardh" gallery.
The museum represents Husain's vision of creating an artwork in its own right, reflecting the diversity of his artistic perspective and his lifelong pursuit of innovation throughout his career. This cultural institution embodies Qatar Foundation's belief in art's power to spark curiosity, inquiry, imagination, and inspiration while catalyzing meaningful conversations and broadening understanding of the world.
The new museum significantly expands Qatar Foundation's public art portfolio, which already features over 100 works displayed throughout Education City for public enjoyment and interaction. Beyond its exhibition spaces, the facility includes modern amenities such as a café, gift shop, library, Creativity Hub, and an auditorium designed for events and lectures.
The museum will operate year-round with specific visiting hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Saturday to Thursday, and 1:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Fridays. The facility remains closed on Mondays and public holidays. Photography without flash is permitted throughout the museum, and guided tours are available in both Arabic and English. Audio tours are scheduled to be introduced in 2026, further enhancing the visitor experience at this new cultural landmark.
