The Gerhard Richter Pavilion will debut on November 20 in MIA Park outside Doha’s Museum of Islamic Art, establishing a permanent venue dedicated to the German artist’s work. The building was conceived by Richter and realized in collaboration with Selldorf Architects, the New York firm led by Annabelle Selldorf, whose art-sector portfolio includes major museums and galleries.
According to Qatar Museums, the Gerhard Richter Pavilion has been devised as a freestanding artwork and architectural space that brings together a focused selection of the artist’s paintings and sculpture. The opening coincides with the launch of Rubaiya Qatar, a new contemporary art quadrennial.
Inside the Gerhard Richter Pavilion
Richter said his 2013 visit to Doha, two years into developing his Strip paintings, inspired the idea for a pavilion that could unify themes from that series. He noted that the exterior is clad in decorative tiles derived from his Patterns, which informed the Strips, while the interior presents Strip paintings alongside Mirrors and the sculpture Strip Tower. “Doha is the right place and the only place for my Pavilion,” the artist said.
Project materials describe the exterior patterns, generated through mathematically oriented digital processes, as evoking the geometric rigor of Islamic art, where interlaced motifs and repeating tiles create visually intricate, contemplative effects. Inside, two large Mirrors are positioned among Strip works to offer what the organizers call a direct reflection on painting and image-making.
Selldorf Architects’ collaboration
Annabelle Selldorf said it was an uncommon honor to help realize Richter’s vision and to contribute to Doha’s growing collection of contemporary architectural landmarks. Selldorf Architects collaborated with Richter to execute the design and spatial presentation of the pavilion.
Rubaiya Qatar schedule
Rubaiya Qatar opens to the public on November 21 and runs through April 2027. Organizers say the first edition will include 25 new commissions and six public art installations, with particular attention to artists from outside the Western Hemisphere.