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Museum of Islamic Art: A Cairo Treasure

Explore a world-renowned collection of Islamic art at Cairo's Museum of Islamic Art, showcasing centuries of cultural heritage and artistic brilliance.

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The Museum of Islamic Art in Cairo, one of the world's greatest museums of its kind, showcases a vast collection of Islamic art from across the globe, spanning various periods and styles. Visitors can explore rare woodwork, textiles, ceramics, and manuscripts, offering a glimpse into the rich artistic heritage of Islamic culture.

A brief summary to Museum of Islamic Art in Cairo

Local tips

  • Allocate at least 3-4 hours to fully explore the museum's vast collection.
  • Visit during the week to avoid weekend crowds.
  • Photography with mobile phones is free.
  • Check the museum's website for information on temporary exhibitions and events.
  • Combine your visit with nearby attractions like Al-Azhar Mosque and Khan El Khalili bazaar.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Museum of Islamic Art is accessible via the Cairo Metro. The nearest stations are Mohamed Naguib (approximately 850m west) and Attaba (approximately 1800m). From either station, you can walk or take a short taxi ride to the museum. A single metro fare costs around EGP 7.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Cairo. Tell the driver you want to go to ' المتحف الفن الاسلامى‎' (Mathaf al-Fann al-Islami) or Bab Al-Khalq. A short taxi ride from downtown Cairo to the museum should cost between EGP 20-50, depending on traffic. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey.

  • Car

    If driving, be aware that the museum is located within Cairo's Congestion Charging Zone, and parking is very limited. The nearest car park is located on Port Said Street, in front of the museum. Parking costs vary, but expect to pay around EGP 10-20 per hour. Consider using a ride-sharing service to avoid parking hassles.

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Discover more about Museum of Islamic Art in Cairo

Located in the heart of Cairo, the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) stands as a beacon of Islamic art and culture. Established in 1881 and inaugurated in 1903, the museum boasts one of the most extensive collections of Islamic artifacts in the world, with over 100,000 objects representing various periods and regions from the 7th to the 19th centuries. The museum's collection includes a diverse range of art forms, including woodwork, plaster artifacts, metalwork, ceramics, glass, crystal, and textiles. Visitors can admire intricate mosaics, beautifully illustrated manuscripts, and stunning examples of Islamic calligraphy. The galleries are organized chronologically and thematically, guiding visitors through the Umayyad, Abbasid, Fatimid, Ayyubid, Mamluk, and Ottoman periods. Special sections are dedicated to science, astronomy, coins, and textiles, showcasing the breadth of Islamic intellectual and artistic achievements. The museum building itself is a work of art, designed in the Neo-Mamluk style by Alfonso Manescalo. Its facade features intricate Islamic geometric patterns, and the interior is designed around a central, open-air courtyard that provides natural light and a sense of tranquility. In recent years, the museum has displayed around 4,500 artifacts in 25 halls, offering visitors a comprehensive overview of Islamic art and its cultural context. The museum also conducts archaeological excavations and organizes national and international exhibitions. The Museum of Islamic Art not only serves as an exhibition space but also as an educational and scientific institution. It houses a specialist library and a restoration center, contributing to the preservation and study of Islamic art for future generations.

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