Qatar Foundation will open a new cultural institution in November 2025. The M. F. Husain Museum, named Lawh Wa Qalam, will be dedicated to the influential modernist artist Maqbool Fida Husain. Located in Education City, Doha, this institution aims to be the first and largest museum globally focused on Husain's extensive body of work. The opening date is set for November 28, 2025, marking a significant addition to Qatar's cultural landscape.
Key Takeaways
- The M. F. Husain Museum, Lawh Wa Qalam, will open in Doha, Qatar, on November 28, 2025.
- It will be the world's first and largest museum solely dedicated to M. F. Husain's art.
- The museum's concept is based on a sketch by Husain himself from 2008.
- The collection covers six decades of the artist's work, including paintings, films, and installations.
- The museum is located within Education City, a hub for research and culture.
A Global Center for Husain's Legacy
The Lawh Wa Qalam: M. F. Husain Museum will offer a comprehensive look at the artist's career. It will feature works spanning over 60 years, from the 1950s until his death in 2011. The museum's collection includes various art forms such as painting, film, tapestry, photography, poetry, and installation art. This diverse range highlights Husain's experimental approach and his desire to blend different artistic disciplines.
The design of the museum itself draws inspiration from Husain. It is based on a sketch he made in 2008, showing his vision for the institution. This direct connection to the artist's personal ideas makes the museum unique. It ensures that the building reflects his creative spirit.
Museum Facts
- Name: Lawh Wa Qalam: M. F. Husain Museum
- Location: Education City, Doha, Qatar
- Opening Date: November 28, 2025
- Size: Over 3,000 square meters
- Focus: Six decades of M. F. Husain's art across multiple mediums
Spanning Six Decades of Artistic Practice
The museum covers more than 3,000 square meters. It will house a permanent collection and immersive displays. These displays will trace Husain's artistic journey. Key pieces include a series of paintings commissioned by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser. These works were inspired by Arab civilization and were completed by Husain during his final years in Qatar.
Another significant inclusion is Seeroo fi al Ardh (2009). This multimedia installation was Husain's last major work. It explores humanity's technological and cultural advancements. Its presence in the museum underscores his commitment to large-scale, thought-provoking projects. The museum aims to present Husain's art as a living legacy, not just a historical archive.
Kholoud M. Al-Ali, Executive Director of Community Engagement and Programming at Qatar Foundation, stated, "The space is designed for exploration and critical engagement, connecting audiences with Husain’s art as a living legacy rather than a static archive."
The Artist: Maqbool Fida Husain's Impact
Maqbool Fida Husain was born in India in 1913. He became a founding member of the Progressive Artists Group in 1947. This group sought to move away from traditional academic art forms. They played a crucial role in shaping a modern Indian visual language. Husain's work explored many themes. These included mythological epics, rural Indian life, postcolonial realities, and religious diversity. He used various techniques, from oil painting and serigraphy to sculpture and cinema.
Husain gained international recognition throughout his career. His work was featured in major exhibitions. These included the Venice Biennale in 1952 and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London in 2014. He described himself as a 'global nomad.' This reflected his strong connections with Europe, the United States, and the Arab world, especially Qatar. He spent his final years in Qatar and became a citizen there.
Husain's Artistic Journey
- Born: 1913, India
- Co-founded: Progressive Artists Group (1947)
- Key Themes: Mythology, rural life, postcolonial issues, religious diversity
- Mediums: Oil painting, serigraphy, sculpture, film, photography, tapestry, poetry, installation
- International Recognition: Exhibitions at Venice Biennale (1952), Victoria and Albert Museum (2014)
- Final Years: Spent in Qatar, where he also gained citizenship
Education City: A Hub for Culture and Creativity
The M. F. Husain Museum will be located within Qatar Foundation's Education City. This area is already home to public art installations, research centers, and universities. Placing Husain's work here allows it to engage with broader discussions about creativity and cultural exchange. The museum will not only showcase his art but also encourage visitors to explore its deeper meanings and connections to global culture.
According to Qatar Foundation, the museum aims to be a dynamic space. It will facilitate critical engagement with Husain's art. This approach ensures that his legacy remains relevant and continues to inspire new generations. The institution reflects Qatar's commitment to fostering a rich cultural environment and supporting artistic expression on a global scale.
The opening of the Lawh Wa Qalam: M. F. Husain Museum represents a major milestone. It solidifies Husain's place as a pivotal figure in 20th-century modern art. It also reinforces Doha's growing status as a leading cultural capital. The museum will serve as a vital resource for scholars, artists, and the public, providing a unique insight into the life and work of a truly global artist.