When Qatar’s new Hamad International Airport soft launches tomorrow morning, visitors will see a range of artwork inside the facility, commissioned from local and international artists.

The numerous public art installations are the work of the Qatar Museums Authority, which collaborated with the airport’s steering committee over the past five years to bring several international pieces to Qatar.

Among the most noticeable pieces on display are:

• Lamp Bear by Swiss artist Urs Fischer (located at the center of the airport);
• Oryx sculptures and Playground by Dutch artist Tom Claassen (in the Arrivals area); and
• Desert horse sculpture by Qatari artist Ali Hassan (outside of the airport).

Other pieces will be added to the airport in the coming years, including from artist Adel Adessemed (famous for his “head-butt” statue of two fighting footballers), Damien Hirst (whose enormous bronze statues of “The Miraculous Journey” are displayed in front of the Sidra Medical and Research Center); Dia Azzawi and Jenny Holzer.

In a statement, QMA said:

“In Qatar, culture is at the heart of its human and national development – and there is no better place to creatively welcome visitors and residents than the airport itself. Through this partnership, the NDIA Steering Committee and QMA brings a cultural experience from landing in Hamad International Airport, facilitating access to Qatar’s cultural landmarks in the city. We look forward to continuing this collaboration, bringing more art to our community.”

Work from local artists will be also be featured at the HIA, including winners of a 2012 photography competition. Mohammad Al Misnad, Hussein Mohammad Al Shafei, Sarah Abd Al Majed and Arioseto Kusuma Adi will see their pictures permanently displayed in the departure hall.

Additionally, Qatari artist Faraj Daham has been commissioned to create large-scale murals.

There will also be a QMA store and cafe at the HIA that sells gifts and merchandise.

Tomorrow’s opening is expected to kick off with an 11:15am Fly Dubai flight from Dubai. A press conference will be held at that time time as the first passengers enter the airport.

Thoughts?