Act of faith

The Museum of Islamic Art, Doha is a breathtaking building by I M Pei with galleries designed by Jean-Michel Wilmotte.

Built on a man-made island, this imposing white building is a powerful expression of Pei's vision.

Working together for the first time, ClickNetherfield and Wilmotte & Associés have created an environment of light and transparency. The project was described by our Technical Director Mike Chaplin as "the largest we have undertaken, involving complex logistics and electromechanical opening systems for some of the biggest cases ever made".

The results are stunning, with each of the diverse and exquisite Islamic treasures clearly able to tell its own story. And these remarkable stories are diverse and imposing: from room sized silk tapestries and carpets, to an exquisite Indian Jade pendant belonging to Shah Jahan (the builder of the Taj Mahal) which he wore to help soothe his broken heart.

Fragile manuscripts on display include one of the earliest Qur'ans to survive - possibly written within decades of the death of the Prophet Muhammad and a page from a colossal Central Asian Qur'an created for the Emperor Timur. All these wonderful exhibits can be viewed, read and enjoyed in comfort and clarity thanks to the use of low reflective glass throughout.

The Museum of Islamic Art provides a stunning environment in which to showcase its extensive store of treasures. With nearly 5,000 square metres of exhibition space, in addition to generous education, conservation and presentation areas, it takes the visitors on a magical journey across cultures and through time.

The artefacts are displayed within their own sacred space and framed by showcases engineered to minimise their visual impact.

Jean-Michel Wilmotte