Museum of Islamic Art
NileGuide Expert Says:
The Museum of Islamic Art has the most varied collection of Islamic artefacts in Egypt, and is worth visiting for this reason alone. It is situated in an interesting area of Cairo, where Downtown is merging in to Islamic Cairo proper, and is a fascinating place to stroll around. Take a map, and enjoy getting lost!User Rating:
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+20 2 390 9930Description:
The Museum of Islamic Art was first approved by Khedive Ismail in the mid 19th Century, though nothing happened until 1881 when a small collection was established in the then-ruined al-Hakim Mosque. Over the years the collection slowly grew, until in 1902 an entirely new museum was built on the outskirts of Islamic Cairo.The Museum of Islamic Art is hosted in a beautiful neo-Mamluk building, which also contains the National Library. It is considered to be one of the most important museums of Islamic Art in the world, with thousands of artefacts on display, covering all Islamic eras. As well as exquisite ceramics, woodwork, metalwork and calligraphy, the Museum of Islamic Art contains some stunning examples of Iranian and Turkish carpets. Make sure to check out the delicately carved boxes for holding the Quran, and spare a few minutes to relax next to the fountain in the central courtyard.
The Museum of Islamic Art is situated in Bab el Khalq square, and is a short walk from both Mohammed Naguib and Ataba Metro stations. Abdeen Palace is also a few minutes walk away.
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