Visit
Location: The Qatar America Institute for Culture (QAIC) is located at 1319 18th Street NW, Washington, DC, 20036 (directly southeast of Dupont Circle). QAIC is a short walk away from the Dupont Circle Metro Station (Red Line) and the N6, L2 and 42 bus lines.
Due to COVID-19 health and safety guidelines, QAIC accepts visits strictly on an appointment-only basis. Please register here to schedule a visit.
Hours: QAIC is open to the public from Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm. QAIC is open on the weekends only during special events.
QAIC will be closed on federal holidays and special events, so please check our website and/or social media for announcements on scheduled closures.
Tours & groups information: Please note that certain offerings of the Institute, for example, private exhibitions and group tours, are available by appointment only. Private parking is also available for scheduled visits upon request and availability. For more information, we kindly ask that you contact us using register here to coordinate your intended visit with us.
Accessibility: QAIC is a fully accessible building with ramp access and elevator access to every floor. Please contact us if there is any way we can make your visit more accommodating.
Galleries
The galleries at QAIC provide a public viewing space for short and long-term art exhibitions showcased in two main galleries: one dedicated to fine arts and the other to contemporary arts. By working with various partnering institutions and a network of creatives, QAIC’s goal is to have a rotation of diverse and engaging exhibitions from all across the Arab and Islamic worlds that inspire and inform all those who visit.
The galleries will be open during scheduled work hours with the potential of special weekend hours. Please check for announcements on any special viewing occasions or possible closures.
Importing exhibitions to our space is a collective effort made possible by loyal supporters and art enthusiasts like you. If you are interested in supporting QAIC’s efforts in hosting these wonderful works of art, click here to learn more about sponsorship opportunities with our galleries.
Perfumery Museum
QAIC’s Perfumery Museum is a journey for the senses and an introduction to the history, science, and stories behind the perfumery industry in the Arab and Islamic worlds.
The Museum is a dedicated chamber within the Qatar America Institute for Culture where both an educational museum and interactive exhibit are housed. In partnership with The Perfume Factory in Doha, Qatar, this exhibit provides useful information on the strong cultural ties certain fragrances and essential oils have to Middle Eastern culture, how they were traditionally extracted (and how they are today), and the process that creates the final bottled product. Guests are also able to sample various aromas and even test their senses as they meander throughout the exhibit.
The Museum is open to the public during QAIC’s normal business hours with purchase of an Exhibition Admission pass. Private tours can be arranged by appointment only. The Museum will be closed on federal holidays and during special events, so please look for announcements on any scheduled closures.
QAIC Courtyard & Garden
Upon entering the Qatar America Institute for Culture, you will be immediately greeted by QAIC’s courtyard garden, a diverse collection of plants and herbs that have cultural roots to the many traditions and customs of the Arab and Islamic worlds.