The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

If cities could be shapeshifters, then Cairo would be the most legendary of them all. Like the Wizard of Oz, Cairo is whatever you want to see, as it simply has it all. It doesn’t stop at its unending night buzz, pouring streams of restaurants in every corner, or its bustling markets. Cairo also houses some of the best art galleries out there, showcasing the talents and skills of Egyptians that are constantly on the rise. It could be overwhelming to figure out where to start, and this is why we’ll guide you through five of the best!

Gezira Center for Modern Art

You might also know it as the Museum for Modern Egyptian Art. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, just discovering your taste for art, or simply looking for something different to do, the gallery has it all for you. Because of its location in the Opera House grounds, and the over 1000 pieces on display, there’s certainly something for everyone! The paintings and statues displayed offer an incredible overview of the development of styles and themes across Egyptian art history.

Safarkhan

Another of the older, more established galleries with an interesting history is Zamalek’s Sfarkhan. Primarily dealing with Islamic artefacts from the 1960s up until 1989, its then-owner, Sherwet Shafei, decided to shift the focus of the gallery to modern Egyptian art. Since then, the gallery has been the most prominent in the art dealing scene as well as in promoting and strengthening the variety and development of Egyptian art. It’s a “can’t miss”!

Zamalek Art Gallery

It hardly needs to be announced, but it would be a disgrace not to mention it. Zamalek’s Art Gallery has been running beautifully for longer than two decades, establishing itself as the hub for contemporary art in Cairo. Not limited to Egyptian artists, it’s dedicated to supporting and representing the best art and artists all over the Arab Region. 

Each month it runs two types of exhibitions; one for its permanent collection of established and renowned works and another for up-and-coming artists. Failing to neglect either, Zamalek Art Gallery is the best place to discover both celebrated artists in the area and everything new in the art scene.

Access Art Space

Previously known as Townhouse from 1998 until 2019, this Downtown Gallery is best known for its place in both the local and international cultural scene. Since its beginning, its aim has been to open a platform for varied artists to connect with audiences and educate and promote the art scene to the maximum. This remains true with the various film screenings, cultural saloons for conversations, and the collection of art pieces it houses. 

Picasso Art Gallery

True to its name, Picasso Art Gallery is all about openness to the new and the different in art, and it shows beautifully in the variety of its collection and various exhibitions. Between the ancient and the modern, the abstract and the realistic, you’ll not only find something that will cater to you, but you’ll also get nudged into widening your taste and discovering a new favourite!