Immerse yourself in Doha’s waterfront arts hub

Doha is a hub of all things art, culture and impressive architecture. With new infrastructure rising all over the city, the art culture of Doha is constantly evolving.

The National Museum of Qatar, also known as the “desert rose” opened in early 2019, drawing visitors from all over the globe to admire and explore the stunning infrastructure. Built to mimic a rock formation that occurs in the desert and typically looks just like a rose, the building itself is authentic to the country of Qatar - pulling elements from the desert to create a museum experience that isn’t just visual, but also evokes sensory and architectural appeal. Designed by Atelier Jean Nouvel, this mega museum has been over a decade in the making.

Inside the memorizing, waterfront museum lies a one mile circuit that tells the unique story of the nation of Qatar from a non-traditional perspective, utilizing local artists and immersive storytelling to paint a picture of this unique country.

Visitors can also wander through one of the several cultural museums that display Islamic and international art and relics. The Museum of Islamic Art is an iconic landmark that represents the artistic movement entwined in Doha’s culture. Wander through the beautifully manicured park next to the museum whilst you’re there – you can even hire a paddleboat and enjoy an afternoon on the water.

The Sheikh Faisal Museum is another stop for your bucket list, featuring a collection of over 3,000 pieces of Islamic manuscripts, textiles, antiquities and more. 

Admire the wall murals in Penang’s artistic George Town

Penang is not only high on a gourmand’s bucket list, but it is also a hub for art and culture enthusiasts. This colorful cosmopolitan state in Malaysia is rich with cultural heritage and unique landmarks.

Venture to the historic city of George Town for a glimpse of Malaysia’s colonial past and extravagant stately buildings. Not only is the historic architecture admirable, but the streets are also home to many unique and vibrant wall murals. The murals initially popped up around the city as an artist’s contribution to George Town Festival. These artworks have remained, encouraging local and international artists to add their own creative touches to the city’s streets.

We recommend hiring a trishaw driver to take you to the best artist hotspots in Penang, which are mostly in George Town. Be sure to add the Butterworth Art Walk to the map - these incredible public artworks are not only great photo opportunities, but they also tell a story of Penang’s rich history.