The museum, titled Lawh wa Qalam. The M.F. Husain Museum, now stands as a permanent home for the artist’s expansive body of work.
At the inauguration ceremony, Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, described Husain’s art as a bridge between cultures and histories, a reminder that creativity knows no borders.
The museum showcases 35 masterpieces from Husain’s celebrated Arab Civilization Series, alongside a multimedia installation that captures the depth and dynamism of his imagination.
Personal belongings including the Indian passport he returned in 2010 are displayed to shed light on the complex journey of a man who reshaped modern art in South Asia and beyond.
Designed by New Delhi-based architect Martand Khosla, the building draws inspiration from Husain’s own sketches.
Its façade features Central Asian style blue tiles, giving the structure a luminous presence that mirrors the artist’s vibrant aesthetic.
Art historians and close friends believe the museum reflects the future Husain always imagined a future where art stands tall, untouched by fear, nurtured by possibility.
Husain left India in 2006 after facing intense criticism and legal challenges from Hindu nationalist groups. He accepted Qatari citizenship in 2010 and passed away in London the following year.
Experts say the new museum will play a pivotal role in preserving Husain’s creative legacy and introducing his work to younger generations across the world.
