Richter pavilion to light up Doha’s art scene

Doha’s famous MIA Park will soon be home to a groundbreaking new landmark: a permanent pavilion designed by renowned artist Gerhard Richter. The announcement was made by Her Excellency Chairperson of Qatar Museums, Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad al-Thani, in Berlin on Thursday. The unveiling of the Doha Pavilion is scheduled for November 20, preceding Qatar’s inaugural contemporary art quadrennial, Rubaiya Qatar.

The striking hexagonal structure, crafted in collaboration with Selldorf Architects, will incorporate patterned exterior panels featuring Richter’s signature Strip paintings and Mirrors inside. At its core will stand the monumental Strip Tower. The concept for the pavilion originated during Richter’s visit to Doha in 2013, where he was captivated by the city’s architectural charm and historical significance. Richter expressed his belief that "Doha is the right place and the only place for my pavilion."

Sheikha Al Mayassa emphasized that the project symbolizes a lasting legacy of the Qatar-Germany 2017 Year of Culture, providing a new space for introspection and interaction. The Rubaiya Qatar exhibition, set to open on November 21 and run until April 30, 2027, will showcase over 50 artists, 25 fresh commissions, and six engaging public art installations.