Museum of Islamic Art, Cairo
Quick answer
Museum of Islamic Art, Cairo in Cairo, Egypt — founded in 1881 inside the Mosque of Baybars, the Museum of Islamic Art, Cairo moved to its current Mamluk-revival building on Bab al-Khalq Square in 1903. Open daily, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Admission: EGP 240 standard admission. Allow 2–3 hours.
Visitor information last reviewed 30 June 2026. Check the official museum site for current details.
Museum of Islamic Art, Cairo at a glance: hours, tickets and time needed
| Opening hours | Daily: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Admission | EGP 240 standard admission |
| Booking | Tickets usually available on the day |
| Time needed | 2–3 hours |
| Best time to visit | Weekday mornings at 9 AM opening — galleries are quiet and well lit. |
| Getting there | Metro: Ataba or Bab el-Shaariya metro stations — 10-minute walk |
| Address | Port Said St, Bab al-Khalq, Cairo, Egypt |
| Official website | miaegypt.org |
Checked 2026-06-30 against the official website. Prices and hours change — confirm before you travel.
What is Museum of Islamic Art, Cairo known for?
Founded in 1881 inside the Mosque of Baybars, the Museum of Islamic Art, Cairo moved to its current Mamluk-revival building on Bab al-Khalq Square in 1903. It holds one of the world's most important collections of Islamic art, with works from across fourteen centuries.
After damage from a 2014 car bombing, the museum closed for restoration and reopened with refreshed displays of more than 4,500 objects spanning calligraphy, ceramics, textiles, metalwork, woodwork, and glass from the entire Islamic world.
Masterpieces include Mamluk metalwork inlaid with silver, Iznik ceramics, Ottoman tiles, and Quranic manuscripts from the earliest centuries of Islam.
The museum is about a 15-minute drive from the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square and is essential for anyone interested in Islamic civilisation.
Best for: Art Lovers · History Enthusiasts
How long do you need at Museum of Islamic Art, Cairo?
Allow 2–3 hours. A focused route through 4 must-see highlights at Museum of Islamic Art, Cairo without museum fatigue. Follow the stops in order:
- 1
Mamluk Silver-Inlaid Basin
📍 Metalwork Gallery
A brass basin inlaid with silver arabesque and calligraphic bands — the technical pinnacle of Mamluk metalwork.
- 2
Iznik Ceramic Dish
📍 Ceramics Gallery
A large Iznik dish with cobalt blue and turquoise tulip and carnation design — among the finest Ottoman ceramic production.
- 3
Fatimid Rock Crystal Ewer
📍 Treasury Gallery
A carved rock crystal ewer from the Fatimid caliphate in Cairo — rock crystal carving was a specialty of Fatimid court workshops.
- 4
Timurid Qur'an Manuscript
📍 Manuscript Gallery
An illuminated Qur'an with gold chapter headings and marginal floral scrolls from the Timurid court at Herat.
What are the must-see works at Museum of Islamic Art, Cairo?
4 highlights that define the collection: Mamluk Silver-Inlaid Basin, Iznik Ceramic Dish, Fatimid Rock Crystal Ewer and more.
Mamluk Silver-Inlaid Basin
Mamluk metalworkers · 14th century
📍 Metalwork Gallery
A brass basin inlaid with silver arabesque and calligraphic bands — the technical pinnacle of Mamluk metalwork.
Iznik Ceramic Dish
Ottoman potters · 16th century
📍 Ceramics Gallery
A large Iznik dish with cobalt blue and turquoise tulip and carnation design — among the finest Ottoman ceramic production.
Fatimid Rock Crystal Ewer
Fatimid craftsmen · 10th–11th century
📍 Treasury Gallery
A carved rock crystal ewer from the Fatimid caliphate in Cairo — rock crystal carving was a specialty of Fatimid court workshops.
Timurid Qur'an Manuscript
Herat scribes · 15th century
📍 Manuscript Gallery
An illuminated Qur'an with gold chapter headings and marginal floral scrolls from the Timurid court at Herat.
Collections and highlights
- • Mamluk metalwork
- • Iznik ceramics
- • Quranic manuscripts
- • Inlaid wood and ivory minbars
- • Fatimid rock crystal
Tips for visiting Museum of Islamic Art, Cairo
- 1.
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings at 9 AM opening — galleries are quiet and well lit.
- 2.
Crowds & busy periods
Light to moderate; one of the less visited major Cairo museums.
- 3.
Tickets & booking
EGP 240 for foreign adults; photography permit available for additional fee.
- 4.
Food & cafés nearby
Street food near Bab al-Khalq; fuller dining in downtown Cairo.
- 5.
Accessibility
Restored building with elevator access to main galleries.
How do you get to Museum of Islamic Art, Cairo?
- metro Ataba or Bab el-Shaariya metro stations — 10-minute walk
- taxi Taxi from Tahrir Square or Egyptian Museum (15 minutes)
- walk Not walkable from Tahrir — Bab al-Khalq is in historic Cairo, east of downtown
Address: Port Said St, Bab al-Khalq, Cairo, Egypt
Museum of Islamic Art, Cairo: frequently asked questions
Is the museum near the Egyptian Museum?
It is around a 15-minute drive across central Cairo.
Is photography allowed?
Personal photography requires an additional permit purchased at the entrance.
How long should I spend at Museum of Islamic Art, Cairo?
Plan 2–3 hours for the highlights of Museum of Islamic Art, Cairo. Our 4-stop route — Mamluk Silver-Inlaid Basin, Iznik Ceramic Dish, Fatimid Rock Crystal Ewer and more — is designed to fit that time. Add extra time for temporary exhibitions, the shop and the café.
What is Museum of Islamic Art, Cairo best known for?
Founded in 1881 inside the Mosque of Baybars, the museum moved to its current Mamluk-revival building on Bab al-Khalq Square in 1903. Key highlights include Mamluk metalwork, Iznik ceramics, Quranic manuscripts.
How do I get tickets for Museum of Islamic Art, Cairo?
Admission: EGP 240 standard admission. Tickets are usually available on the day, but booking online saves queue time in peak season. Official site: http://www.miaegypt.org/en
Has the museum fully reopened after the bombing?
Yes — the museum reopened after extensive restoration with refreshed galleries and improved security.
Is Museum of Islamic Art, Cairo open on Mondays?
Yes — Museum of Islamic Art, Cairo is open every day of the week, including Mondays and Sundays: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Check the official website for holiday hours.
What are Museum of Islamic Art, Cairo's opening hours?
Museum of Islamic Art, Cairo is open daily, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Hours can change for holidays and events, so check the official website before you go.
Is Museum of Islamic Art, Cairo free to visit?
No — standard admission is EGP 240 standard admission.
