There is an old building on a busy highway in Doha that just oozes cool vibes. A place where fire trucks used to hang out, but now it's all about art. In case you didn’t guess it, we’re talking about the Doha Fire Station.
This 43-year-old building, a former fire station, has transformed into a vibrant hub for art lovers, and it's been making waves in Qatar's art scene for over a decade.
You'll find the Doha Fire Station on Mohammed Bin Thani Street, conveniently located next to Al Bidda Park. Getting there is a breeze, whether you're driving, taking a taxi, or hopping on the metro. If you are a team public transport, then the Corniche Metro Station (Red Line) is your best bet.
In December 2012, after the last fire engine was pulled out, this once bustling fire station got a new lease on life. It joined the Qatar Museums network and in 2014, the Qatar Museums’ Creative Hub gave it a fantastic makeover inside by Qatari architect Ibrahim Al Jaidah keeping its cool industrial chic vibe.
In 2015, under the guidance of Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, it opened its doors as an art gallery.
Since 2016, Khalifa Al Obaidly has been leading the charge as its director.
The Doha Fire Station is a hotspot (pun intended!) for both up-and-coming and established artists.
It is now known for some of its sought-after public programs, workshops, and events.
Their flagship program, the Artist in Residence, is a nine-month immersive experience for Qatar-based artists. Think studio space, mentorship, and connections to the global art world.
The program now includes three-month residencies at the prestigious Cite International des Art in Paris and Studio 209 NY in New York City, part of the International Studio and Curatorial Programme (ISCP). Talk about a dream opportunity for an aspiring artist!
They also run an International Curator in Residence program twice a year, where curators from outside Qatar get to hang out at the Doha Fire Station for three months. They get their own workspace, connect with local artists and curators, and participate in Open Studio events and exhibitions.
The Fire Station boasts several gallery spaces, including the impressive Garage Gallery, Galleries 3 and 4, and the Al Markhiya gallery. These spaces have showcased some seriously big names, like Virgil Abloh, Picasso, and the one and only KAWS (Brian Donnelly).
Don't miss the Doha Fire Station Museum, housed in a beautifully restored building – perfect for snapping some Insta-worthy pics. And when you need a break, grab some delicious Italian food at Café #999 or stock up on art supplies at their shop.
The gallery is open Saturday to Thursday, 9am to 7pm, and Fridays from 1:30pm to 7pm.
Good news for residents of Qatar and GCC countries (Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait)! Entry is free with a valid ID, and kids 16 and under can always visit free of charge. For everyone else, tickets are QAR100.
Exhibition: The Voyager is the Narrator II New York & Paris Residency: From February 5 to March 25 2025, check out the amazing work from artists who participated in the Fire Station’s New York and Paris Residency program in 2024. You'll find this exhibition in Gallery 4.
Open Studios: On February 19 2025, from 5pm to 8pm, explore the Fire Station and meet the Artists in Residence, Curators, and Ruwad Artists. It's free and a fantastic way to experience the creative energy of the place.
Visit: www.firestation.org.qa
Evangeline Elsa is a Dubai-based journalist with 15 years of experience. She enjoys telling success stories and writing on lifestyle, arts, interiors, F&B, and Korean culture. A homebody at heart, she paints, sings, reads Substacks, and dotes on her rescue dog, Pepper.
