The Museum of Islamic Art, in Cairo, Egypt, is considered one of the greatest in the world, with its exceptional collection of rare woodwork and plaster artefacts, as well as metal, ceramic, glass, crystal, and textile objects of all periods, from all over the Islamic world.It couldn't be easier to arrange your visit to Museum of Islamic Arts and many more Cairo attractions: make an itinerary online using Inspirock's Cairo online itinerary maker.
In recent years, the museum has displayed about 4,500 artefacts in 25 Halls, but it houses more than 100,000 objects, with the remainder in storage. The collection includes rare manuscripts of the Qur'an, with some calligraphy written in silver ink, on pages with elaborate borders.
The Museum has conducted archaeological excavations in the Fustat area and has organized a number of national and international exhibitions. The museum closed for renovations in 2003, and re-opened 8 years later, in August 2010. The restoration cost nearly US$10 million.
Although recognition of the Egyptian Pharaonic art was signalled in Cairo by the establishment in 1858 of the Egyptian Department of Antiquities and the Egyptian Museum, the appreciation of Islamic Art lagged behind. The Khedive Ismail approved a proposal to establish a Museum of Islamic Art in the Courtyard of the Mosque of Baibars, but this was not carried out until 1880, when Khedive Tawfiq ordered the Ministry of Endowments (ar: الأوقاف - Awqaf) to set it up.
Source
Tours to Museum of Islamic Arts
Museum of Islamic Arts reviews
-
It amazing things inside yhis Museum, we did enjoyed o much , i like to see s deferent civilisations great tour
It amazing things inside yhis Museum, we did enjoyed o much , i like to see s deferent civilisations great tour more »
-
The best museum I've ever been to and I've been to plenty! It's informative, clean and has a vast collection of items. It has many sign posts and plaques sharing the stories of iconic people and...
The best museum I've ever been to and I've been to plenty! It's informative, clean and has a vast collection of items. It has many sign posts and plaques sharing the stories of iconic people and... more »
-
Surprised that such a wonderful building and collection does not have many visitors. It is very well organised and looked after. Very clean throughout with air conditioning,Highly recommend! The shadows from the windows of the museum is another layer of art itself!
-
If you're interested in historical stuff, this is a good place to go. There's a lot of things you can appreciate inside the museum, i loved the art. Unfortunately they closed 30min before the schedule mentioned in the entrance. You will pay the half of the price if you're student, so do not forget to take with you the student card :)
Plan your trip to Cairo
Get a personalized tripA full day by day itinerary based on your preferences Customize itRefine your trip. We'll find the
best routes and schedules Book itChoose from the best hotels and activities. Up to 50% off Manage itEverything in one place. Everyone on the same page.Know more
Popular things to do in Cairo
Side trips from Cairo
Historic Sites in Cairo
Hidden gems in Cairo
Museums in Cairo
Nearby attractions in Cairo
Trips in Museum of Islamic Arts by other users
15 days in Egypt
BY A USER FROM CANADA
Luxor
Marsa Alam
Hurghada
20 days in Cairo
BY A USER FROM FRANCE
The Museum of Egyptian Antiquities
Cairo Tower
Nile River
32 days in Cairo Governorate
BY A USER FROM SAUDI ARABIA
Cairo
19 days in Egypt
SEE PLAN
Cairo
Giza
Sharm El Sheikh
9 days in Egypt
BY A USER FROM UNITED KINGDOM
Giza
Cairo
Sharm El Sheikh
57 days in Cairo
BY A USER FROM CAMEROON
Cairo Tower
The Museum of Egyptian Antiquities
Pyramids of Giza