Dedicated to the life and work of one of the most influential figures in the history of modern art, Qatar Foundation has unveiled Lawh Wa Qalam: M. F. Husain Museum—a new addition to the cultural and creative landscape of Qatar and the Arab world.

Housed within Qatar Foundation’s (QF) Education City campus in Doha, the museum—through paintings, films, tapestry, and photography—invites visitors to step into the world of Maqbool Fida Husain, the pioneering Indian artist whose work traversed generations, cultures, and continents, and who lived and worked in Qatar in the later years of his life as he formed a strong bond with the country.

The museum—the design of which is based on a sketch by Husain himself, in which he illustrated his concept for the space which QF, with architect Martand Khosla, has now made a reality—is home to over 150 of Husain’s original works and personal objects that are in the custody of QF. Some of the works it contains have never been publicly displayed before, and stand alongside personal items from Husain’s life as well as interviews and quotes that give visitors an insight into the man behind the art.

Among the artworks within Lawh Wa Qalam: M. F. Husain Museum—which was inaugurated in November by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation—are some of the 35 paintings inspired by Arab civilization that Husain completed before his death in 2011. Seeroo fi al ardh, his final masterpiece which chronicles the progress of humanity and was opened by QF in 2019, now forms part of the museum, bringing Husain’s artistic vision further to life through a specially curated show.

“Lawh Wa Qalam: M. F. Husain Museum reflects Qatar Foundation’s dedication to fostering global dialogue through art, culture, and education,” said Jowaher Al Marri, Manager of Communications Outreach at QF. “It celebrates the life and legacy of an artist whose vision transcended borders, connecting the Arab world, South Asia, and the wider Global South through shared stories, symbols, and ideas.”

“By placing Husain’s work within our ecosystem of knowledge, the museum pays a tribute to his legacy and elevates it onto the global stage, reaffirming his place as one of the world’s most significant modern artists. Whether discovering Husain’s work for the first time or returning to it with fresh eyes, we hope every visitor will find inspiration in the depth and diversity of his artistic legacy.”

Speaking about the museum’s unique design, Khosla explained: “The architectural challenge—one I enjoyed immensely—was to translate Husain’s symbolic vision into a contemporary building that could both house his individual legacy and engage with the context of Education City.” 

“The museum’s architectural language evolved into a series of spaces that invite reflection and exchange, with materials that celebrate our shared cultural histories across South and West Asia.”

Lawh Wa Qalam: M. F. Husain Museum—which Husain envisaged as being an artwork in its own right, reflecting the diversity of his artistic vision and his constant pursuit of innovation throughout his life and career—reflects QF’s belief in the power of art to spark curiosity, inquiry, imagination, and inspiration, to catalyze conversations, and to broaden minds and deepen understanding of the world. 

The museum expands QF’s portfolio of public art, over 100 works from which are displayed across Education City, with Kholoud M. Al-Ali, Executive Director of Community Engagement and Programming, QF, saying: “Husain’s remarkable journey as an artist mirrors the vibrant spirit of Education City, and this museum will provide a space for exploration, discovery, and critical thinking, fostering artistic dialogue and creating meaningful connections with audiences of all ages and backgrounds.”

“Within the multidisciplinary environment of knowledge that is Education City, Lawh Wa Qalam: M. F. Husain Museum will illustrate the power of creativity to inspire, educate, and foster the cross-cultural understanding that connects communities and worlds.”

The museum—which also houses a café, a gift shop, a library and Creativity Hub, and an auditorium for events and lectures—will be open year-round, from 10am-5pm from Saturday to Thursday and from 1:30pm-7:30pm on Fridays; and closed on Mondays and public holidays. Photography without flash being used is permitted within the museum, and guided tours in Arabic and English are available, with audio tours set to be introduced in 2026.

For more information about Lawh Wa Qalam: M. F. Husain Museum, visit https://lawhwaqalam.org.qa/ and follow on Instagram at @lawhwaqalam.