Museum of Islamic Art

　　The Museum of Islamic Art in Egypt is a true treasure trove of Islamic artifacts and is acclaimed 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 later renamed the Museum of Islamic Art in 1952. Its collection is not limited to Egyptian artifacts but also includes Islamic art and relics from China, India, Iran, Spain, and other countries.

　　By 1954, the museum’s collection had grown to over 60,000 items. During the 1960s and 1970s, it became one of the main attractions for European tourists. In 2003, the museum announced its closure for renovation. 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 exhibition halls, showcasing over 2,500 carefully selected artifacts from a collection of more than 100,000 items as permanent exhibits. Among the exhibits 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 only surviving remnant of the Western Palace of Cairo during the Fatimid period, Iranian and Turkish carpets, Ottoman-era pottery, ancient astronomical instruments, historical seals, and more. With its rich collection—including wooden objects, metalwork, textiles, and stoneware—the museum is hailed as one of the best places in the world for learning about Islamic art.

　　Museum of Islamic Art, Cairo Reason to visit: The world’s largest museum of Islamic art Continent: Africa Country/Region: Egypt Province/State: Cairo Governorate City: Cairo