What is the iconic building on the Doha Corniche shaped like a giant clam?

The iconic building on the Doha Corniche shaped like a giant clam is the Museum of Islamic Art.

Opened in 2008, the museum stands on a purpose-built island at the southern end of Doha’s waterfront promenade. Its striking, faceted limestone form is often compared to a giant clam, although architect I. M. Pei drew more directly on historic Islamic geometric architecture, especially the Mosque of Ahmad Ibn Tulun in Cairo. The building’s stacked, angular volumes create a dramatic interplay of sunlight and shadow.

The Museum of Islamic Art houses one of the world’s major collections of Islamic art, spanning roughly 1,400 years and objects from three continents. Its galleries include ceramics, textiles, manuscripts, metalwork, jewellery and scientific instruments. The museum was commissioned by Qatar’s ruling Al Thani family and became a defining landmark in Doha’s cultural development.

A common mix-up is the National Museum of Qatar, whose flower-like structure is inspired by a desert rose. Aspire Tower is the torch-shaped landmark in Aspire Zone, while The Pearl-Qatar is a large artificial-island development rather than a single building.