Museum of Islamic Art

Museum of Islamic Art

The Museum of Islamic Art in Egypt is a true treasure trove of Islamic artifacts and is regarded as one of the most important museums in the world. It is located in the capital city of Cairo. Originally established as the Arab Antiquities Museum in 1858, it was renamed the Museum of Islamic Art in 1952. Its collection includes not only Egyptian artifacts but also Islamic art and relics from countries such as China, India, Iran, and Spain.

By 1954, its collection had grown to over 60,000 items. During the 1960s and 1970s, it became one of the main tourist attractions for European visitors. The museum announced its closure for renovation in 2003. After eight years of comprehensive restoration, with a total investment of 85 million Egyptian pounds, it reopened to the public in August 2010.

The renovated Museum of Islamic Art features 25 galleries, showcasing more than 2,500 artifacts selected from a collection of over 100,000 items as permanent exhibits. Among the displays are the golden key to the Kaaba in Mecca, the oldest known Islamic dinar coin (dated 697 AD, 77 AH), various ancient versions of the Quran, a wooden panel from the Fatimid period — the only surviving remnant of the Western Palace of Cairo, Iranian and Turkish carpets, Ottoman-era pottery, ancient astronomical instruments, historic seals, and more. With its rich collection, including wooden, metal, textile, and stone artifacts, it is hailed as the best place in the world for learning about Islamic art.

Museum of Islamic Art, Cairo

Must-visit reason: The world’s largest museum of Islamic art

Continent where the attraction is located: Africa【Africa】

Country/Region where the attraction is located: Egypt[Egypt]

Province/State where the attraction is located: Cairo Governorate [Cairo Governorate]

City where the attraction is located: Cairo [Cairo]