The Collector as Visionary: Sheikh Hassan Al Thani and Arab Modern Art

As Qatar’s art scene was beginning to take shape, Sheikh Hassan Al Thani was creating connections, bringing artists together, collecting their work, and fostering a lively environment around Arab modernism. His encounters with artists across the region helped bring new ideas, practices, and perspectives to Doha, while his growing collection became an important record of the region’s modern art history. In this conversation, Sheikh Hassan looks back on those formative years: the artists he sought out and supported, the relationships and friendships that shaped his collecting, and the energy that grew around this emerging community. The story leads from a passionate pursuit of Modern Arab Art to the creation of Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art—and offers a personal account of how collecting, curiosity, and cultural exchange helped shape Qatar’s art landscape.

Speaker:

• His Excellency Sheikh Dr. Hassan bin Mohamed Al Thani, President of Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, Cultural Advisor for Qatar Foundation

Moderator:

• Dr. Bahaa Abudaya, Senior Curator of Al Riwaq, Qatar Museums

The talk will be held in Arabic. English translation will be available.