Background

Baron Empain Palace: A Heliopolis Icon

Explore Cairo's architectural gem: The Baron Empain Palace, a unique blend of Hindu and Art Deco styles in historic Heliopolis.

4.5

The Baron Empain Palace, also known as Le Palais Hindou, is a unique and historic mansion located in Heliopolis, Cairo. Built in the early 20th century for Baron Édouard Empain, a Belgian industrialist, the palace showcases a distinctive Hindu-inspired architectural style. With its intricate details and ornate carvings, the palace stands as a testament to a bygone era of opulence and innovation.

A brief summary to Baron Empain Palace

  • 38PJ+M48 العروبة 38PJ+M48، العروبة، El-Montaza, Heliopolis, Cairo Governorate 11757, Egypte, Heliopolis, El-Montaza, Cairo Governorate, 11757, EG
  • +20227354532
  • Visit website

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
  • Wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking and exploring the palace and gardens.
  • Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, as the sun can be intense, especially during the summer months.
  • Photography with a mobile phone is free; however, there may be a fee for using a professional camera.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From downtown Cairo, take the Metro Line 3 to Kolyet el Banat station. From there, the palace is approximately a 10-minute taxi or Uber ride. The metro fare is approximately 20 EGP. A taxi or Uber from Kolyet el Banat station to the palace will cost around 25-40 EGP.

  • Taxi

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Careem are readily available throughout Cairo. A taxi ride from Cairo International Airport (CAI) to the Baron Empain Palace typically takes around 10 minutes and costs between 30-50 EGP, depending on traffic.

  • Bus

    The bus line 111 goes directly from Cairo Airport to Baron Palace. The ticket costs 1 USD.

Unlock the Best of Baron Empain Palace

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Baron Empain Palace

The Baron Empain Palace, or Qasr El-Baron, is a landmark in Heliopolis, Cairo, celebrated for its unique architecture and rich history. Constructed between 1907 and 1911 by Baron Édouard Empain, a Belgian industrialist, the palace reflects a fusion of Art Nouveau and Orientalist styles, drawing inspiration from Hindu and Cambodian temples. Empain, who arrived in Egypt in 1904 to develop railway lines, envisioned Heliopolis as a modern suburb and commissioned French architect Alexandre Marcel to design the palace. The palace's design incorporates reproductions of human figures, Indian dancers, elephants, snakes, Buddhas, Shivas, and Krishnas. Georges-Louis Claude designed the interior. The palace is built with three floors above ground and a basement level. The building is made of reinforced concrete, which was a symbol of luxury at the time. After Empain's death in 1929, the palace remained with his family until the 1952 revolution. It fell into disrepair but was later acquired by the Egyptian government and underwent extensive restoration, reopening to the public in 2020. Today, visitors can explore the palace's ornate halls, admire its unique blend of architectural styles, and learn about its history. The palace also hosts cultural events and exhibitions, serving as a cultural hub in Cairo.

Popular Experiences near Baron Empain Palace

Popular Hotels near Baron Empain Palace

Select Currency