Sheikh Hassan bin Mohammed Al Thani is a prominent Qatari collector, artist, scholar, and cultural figure whose extensive collection of modern and contemporary Arab art has played an important role in preserving and promoting the region’s artistic heritage. Built over several decades, his collection brings together thousands of works from across the Middle East, North Africa, Asia, and beyond.
Sheikh Hassan bin Mohammed Al Thani and His Art Collection
Focusing on artists from Qatar, Lebanon, Egypt, Syria, Iraq (the world’s largest Iraqi art holding, supporting Gulf War exiles), North Africa, Turkey, Iran, India, and Asia since the 1840s, it traces modernism’s evolution through abstraction, conceptualism, and cultural heritage, including his own sculptures like Motherland (2002, dhow/battoola tribute).
In 1994, he opened a private museum; by 2004, donated to Qatar Foundation; 2009 transfer formed Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art (opened 2010 in Doha school-conversion, permanent Jean Nouvel building 2012)—the region’s first dedicated Arab modern art institution for conservation, research, education, and exhibitions like Sajjil.
As Qatar Museums Vice Chairperson, Qatar Foundation Cultural Advisor, and Qatar Art Center founder, he fosters regional creativity amid Al Thani’s broader antiquities/Western acquisitions.
Sheikh Hassan emphasizes preservation: his collection “celebrates creativity and the universal power of art,” bridging heritage with innovation for global scholars and publics.
Athmaja Biju is the Editor at Abir Pothi. She is a Translator and Writer working on Visual Culture.