Museum of Islamic Art

The Museum of Islamic Art in Cairo houses one of the greatest and most comprehensive collections of Islamic art in the world. Established in 1881 and housed in its current purpose-built neo-Mamluk structure since 1903, the museum contains over 100,000 objects spanning the full geographic and chronological breadth of Islamic civilization — from Spain and Morocco to Central Asia and India.

The collection encompasses a remarkable range of media: carved woodwork from Fatimid Egypt, lusterwear ceramics from Persia, Ottoman textiles, Mamluk metalwork inlaid with silver and gold, glass mosque lamps of extraordinary delicacy, and one of the finest collections of Islamic coins and manuscripts in existence. The calligraphy collection alone is worth the visit, presenting the evolution of Arabic script from Kufic through Naskh to the elaborate Thuluth and Diwani styles.

Following a meticulous restoration after the 2014 bombing that damaged parts of the building and collection, the museum reopened with modernized galleries, improved lighting, and enhanced conservation standards, ensuring that these treasures of Islamic heritage will continue to inspire visitors for generations to come.