Doha 4) Museum of Islamic Art

After walking 2 hours in the morning outside visiting the Old Port etc, its nice to go inside of the Museum of Islamic Art to cool off.

The Museum of Islamic Art Doha is one of the cultural highlights of Doha. Designed by architect I. M. Pei, the building itself is a work of art. It sits on its own man-made island just off the Al Corniche Doha, giving it a sense of quiet separation from the city. Pei drew inspiration from traditional Islamic architecture—especially the play of light, geometry, and symmetry. The structure looks simple at first glance, but as you walk around it, the shapes shift and reveal new angles, almost like a modern interpretation of ancient design principles.

Inside, the museum houses an extraordinary collection of Islamic art spanning over 1,400 years and three continents: intricately decorated ceramics, metalwork, textiles, manuscripts, and glass—from places like Persia, Egypt, Turkey, and Central Asia. 

One of the highlights is the central atrium, where a grand staircase and soaring ceiling create a sense of openness and calm. Light filters in carefully, echoing the architectural theme you see outside.

The museum is also surrounded by MIA Park Doha, a beautiful waterfront park that offers some of the best views of Doha’s skyline—especially around sunset.

On a special note, I had a chance encounter with Robert Polidori in the central atrium of the Museum of Islamic Art Doha. He was there working, carefully photographing the space, yet he was incredibly gracious—taking the time to speak with me and even posing for a photo together (Robert is a highly respected architectural and documentary photographer known for capturing spaces with deep historical and emotional layers).

First Floor

From upper floor over looking the central atrium

With Robert

Paris Day 2- Louver Museum (continued)

After lunch, we wandered through the museum, making our way to the room where the Mona Lisa is displayed. As always, the line to see her was ridiculously long. Since we had both seen it up close on previous visits, we decided to skip it this time.

It is not possible to see everything in Louver museum in couple of hours.  Enclosed here are couple of more photos besides the fashion statement pieces.  

Walking out of the museum is a challenge because the direction is confusion.  It was a long walk passing many stores underground before you come out on the ground.  Of course,  like all the other museums, they want the visitor to spend some money before they leave.

When we finally on the ground, it had finally stopped raining and sun peaked out.  For couple of golden minutes, we enjoyed the blue sky and white clouds in the background for some obligatory Instagram photos (The museum set a stool for you to take photos with the pyramid).

Hagerstown City Park and Washington County Museum of Fine Arts- The Best of Hagerstown

My unplanned visit to Hagerstown on a beautiful fall day allow me to discover a hidden gem:  Hagerstown City Park and Washington County Museum of Fine Arts (I was on the way to visit West Virginia and decided to take a detour to see Hagerstown. Boy, I am so glad I did!).

Located in Hagerstown, Maryland. Hagerstown City Park is a popular recreational area that offers a variety of amenities and attractions for both locals and visitors to enjoy. The park is known for its scenic beauty, including a picturesque pond with waterfowl. Visitors can enjoy walking, jogging, picnicking, and birdwatching. The paved pathways make it a great place for leisurely strolls.

The park is home to the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, which is an integral part of the park and a cultural gem in Hagerstown. The admission is always free.

Washington County Museum of Fine Arts houses a diverse collection of art, including paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and more. The collection spans various time periods and artistic styles, making it an appealing destination for art lovers. One of the special exhibit I enjoyed most is the dresses designed by Claire Mccardell who is considered the pioneer of American Fashion.  Also, "the Treasures of State, Maryland's Art Collection" is one of kind and especial for someone live in the state of Maryland".

Hagerstown City Park 

Washington County Museum of Fine Arts

Claire Mccardell's dress  collection

A Portrait of George Washington, America's first president

Maryland flag consists of 74,592 beads and was created by Bearclaw, of the Cherokee Nation, from Harford County.

The Council of War, by John Rogers:  President Lincoln (center) is reading a map of the Overland Campaign of 1864. On the left is General Ulysses S. Grant and to the right is Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of War.\

Glenstone Museum II

Glenstone is a private contemporary art museum located in Potomac, Maryland, USA. Founded by Emily Wei Rales and Mitchell Rales, it opened its doors to the public in 2006 but underwent significant expansion and renovation, culminating in a major reopening in 2018. The museum's mission is to integrate art, architecture, and landscape into a seamless and immersive experience for visitors.

One of Glenstone's unique features is its extensive outdoor sculpture garden, which showcases a wide range of contemporary sculptures in a beautiful natural setting. The museum's grounds cover approximately 230 acres, and they are carefully landscaped to create a harmonious environment for both art and nature.

Glenstone offers nearly 300 acres of landscape integrated with the architecture and art. The landscape includes paths, trails, streams, meadows, forests and outdoor sculptures throughout the grounds which showcases a wide range of contemporary sculptures in a beautiful natural setting. The museum's grounds are carefully landscaped to create a harmonious environment for both art and nature.

I have first visited this place in February, here are the photos taken from second visit in September when the grounds are decorated with colorful wildflowers and grasses; clouds hang higher in the blue sky! It was truly a special experience to enjoy art, architecture and landscape all in one place!