Airports are often seen as transient spaces—places of waiting, rushing, and passing through. But every so often, one stumbles upon a moment of stillness, a pocket of wonder that transforms the mundane into the sublime. For me, Hamad International Airport in Doha offers just that—a place where art and architecture converge to elevate the experience of travel. And at the heart of this transformation is Cosmos, a breathtaking installation by French artist Jean-Michel Othoniel.

Transit & Discovery

I often find myself transiting through Doha, and when layovers stretch into a few hours, I make it a point to explore the airport. There’s a quiet thrill in wandering its expansive halls, watching the ebb and flow of travelers from every corner of the globe. A small metro rail glides silently between the north and south sides of the terminal, offering not just convenience but a glimpse into the airport’s futuristic design ethos.

It was during one such layover that I first encountered Cosmos. Suspended from the ceiling of the main hall, this golden globe seemed to pulse with light and mystery, drawing me in like a celestial magnet.

The Artist & the Astrolabe

Jean-Michel Othoniel is renowned for his poetic use of glass and metal, most famously in his transformation of the gardens at the Château de Versailles with shimmering fountain sculptures. In Cosmos, he brings that same sensibility to Doha, crafting a piece that is both monumental and meditative.

The installation is inspired by the oldest Islamic astrolabe in the world—a scientific instrument used for measuring the positions of stars and planets. This particular astrolabe is housed in the Museum of Islamic Art in Qatar, a place I had the privilege of visiting during one of my stays in the city. Seeing the ancient device up close, with its intricate engravings and celestial purpose, deepened my appreciation for the artwork now hanging above me in the airport.

A Globe of Gold, Steel, & Meaning

Cosmos is composed of thousands of golden and steel beads, arranged in swirling patterns that evoke both the precision of astronomy and the fluidity of calligraphy. From different angles, the sculpture reveals new forms: viewed from the side or below, it resembles luminous script drawn in space; from the front, it blooms like a rose—a symbol of beauty, mystery, and unfolding journeys.

The globe doesn’t just represent the physical path of travelers—it embodies the harmony of the universe, the interconnectedness of cultures, and the timeless human desire to understand our place among the stars. It’s a modern homage to ancient knowledge, rendered in materials that catch and reflect the ambient light, creating a dance of shadows and brilliance.

The Astrolabe: A Tool of Time & Faith

To fully appreciate Cosmos, one must understand the significance of the astrolabe. Invented in the Hellenistic world between 220 and 150 BCE, and later refined by Islamic scholars, the astrolabe was used for reckoning time, navigation, and determining the Qibla—the direction of Mecca. It was a bridge between science and spirituality, helping mariners chart their course and worshippers align with the divine.

Its presence in Othoniel’s work is no coincidence. By referencing the astrolabe, Cosmos becomes more than an artwork—it becomes a symbol of orientation, both literal and metaphysical. It reminds us that even in transit, we are part of a larger cosmic rhythm.

A Moment of Stillness Before Flight

Every time I pass through Doha, I make it a point to stop and admire Cosmos. It’s become a ritual of sorts—a moment to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the wonder of travel. In a space designed for movement, this artwork invites stillness. In a place built for departure, it offers a sense of arrival.

If you ever find yourself at Hamad International Airport with time to spare, I urge you to seek out Cosmos. Stand beneath it. Let its golden curves and celestial echoes wash over you. You might just feel, as I often do, that you’re part of something vast and beautiful—a traveler not just across continents, but through time, culture, and the stars.