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

Art Cairo is set to return for its seventh edition from January 23 to 26, 2026, taking place once again at the Grand Egyptian Museum. One of the region’s leading contemporary art fairs, Art Cairo continues to serve as a key platform for showcasing established and emerging artists through galleries from across the Middle East and North Africa. Set against the monumental backdrop of the Grand Egyptian Museum, the event creates a rare cultural encounter where modern and contemporary art is experienced within a space shaped by thousands of years of history.

A Platform Built for Regional Growth

Art Cairo was founded with a clear purpose: to support contemporary galleries and artists by providing them with a platform to present their work and connect with a broader audience. Through its gallery participation and expanded fair programmes, the event contributes directly to the growth of the regional art economy, while remaining accessible to both seasoned collectors and curious first-time visitors.

As an integral part of Egypt’s thriving art ecosystem, Art Cairo continues to encourage meaningful collaborations between galleries, artists, and cultural institutions, helping to sustain long-term cultural development across the region.

Arab. Art. Here. A Living Language on Display

The 2026 edition unfolds under the theme “Arab. Art. Here.”, with a curatorial focus on Arabic as a living and evolving art form. Rather than treating language as a static symbol, the fair highlights it as a bridge between past and present, and as a powerful source of creative expression across visual and conceptual practices.

This thematic direction reinforces Art Cairo’s commitment to rooted storytelling, placing Arab identity and expression at the centre of contemporary artistic dialogue.

Galleries From Across the Region and Beyond

This year’s fair will feature galleries from Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Turkiye, Senegal, Nigeria, and other countries, reflecting the diversity and depth of artistic practices across the region. The lineup underscores Art Cairo’s role as a meeting point for different perspectives, disciplines, and generations of artists.

By bringing these voices together in Cairo, the fair continues to position the city as a regional hub for contemporary art exchange.

A Tribute to Guirguis Lotfi

As part of its 2026 programme, Art Cairo will honour Alexandria-born artist Guirguis Lotfi, paying tribute to his contribution to Egypt’s modern art movement and his lasting influence on contemporary practice. The homage offers a moment of reflection within the fair, connecting today’s artists with figures who helped shape Egypt’s artistic foundations.

A Fair With Measurable Impact

Art Cairo’s influence extends beyond exhibition spaces. Organisers reported that total sales at the sixth edition exceeded $1.2 million, reflecting growing confidence from collectors and reinforcing the fair’s role in supporting artists and galleries alike.

Founder and director Mohammed Younis has described the fair as a space where Arab artists and galleries can thrive, while remaining open and inviting to anyone who simply wants to experience art. The mission, he notes, remains focused on nurturing the regional art ecosystem and shaping a locally driven cultural conversation.

Art Cairo at the GEM and the Future of Egypt’s Art Scene

Hosting Art Cairo at the Grand Egyptian Museum adds a powerful dimension to the fair. As the world’s largest museum dedicated to a single civilisation, the GEM has quickly emerged as a defining cultural venue, redefining how art is experienced in Egypt. By opening its doors to contemporary platforms like Art Cairo, the museum bridges ancient heritage with present-day creativity.

This ongoing integration of modern art within such a historic setting has played a key role in revitalising Egypt’s art scene, positioning the Grand Egyptian Museum as an active cultural force rather than a static institution. Art Cairo’s presence within the GEM reinforces this shift, marking a future where Egypt’s artistic past and present continue to inform and inspire one another. Visitors can explore full details and ticketing directly through Art Cairo’s official website at https://www.artcairo.com/, as the fair prepares to welcome local, regional, and international audiences.