11 Cairo Art Galleries and Exhibitions Worth Exploring
Egypt has long been a major hub for arts and culture, with a rich and diverse heritage that includes everything from fine arts to literature to film, music and theatre. And while the arts have sometimes taken a back seat to other things, they still play a central role within Egyptian society and culture.
We’re incredibly lucky to have so many beautifully curated galleries and exhibitions in Cairo providing space for the country’s artists to show their work and get the exposure they deserve. We’re even luckier to have access to so much amazing art; there is so much talent to be seen here that it’s hard not to be inspired by it all.
We’ve put together a list of some of the galleries and exhibitions that house amazing collections, all worth exploring, whether you’re interested in buying or not. Of course, Cairo has a great many more stunning art spaces than we could fit into just one list, so we encourage everyone to explore them all if you ever get a chance; the experience is well worth it.
Maadi
Gallery Art-Mazag
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Created ‘by artists, for artists’, Art-Mazag is a beautiful little gallery on Sherifa Dina St that holds regular exhibitions for young and upcoming artists, as well as more established ones. It’s a great option for those looking to buy more affordable pieces and it’s a wonderful space to discover some of Egypt’s growing talent.
Arcade Gallery
Located in one of Maadi’s villas, Arcade is home to not only an exhibition space, but an art school, a small shop and the office of Dr. Omar el Farouk, a well-known Architect famous for his Islamic style. Founded with the intention of acting as a cultural hub and support for the local art community, Arcade is another great place where you can discover some of the country’s young talents.
Gypsum
With more of an international focus, Gypsum offers the chance to gain wider exposure to artists from around the region through cross-disciplinary solo and group exhibitions, art fairs and limited edition collections. The pieces they exhibit are fascinatingly unique and well worth exploring if you get the chance.
Zamalek
Ubuntu
“I am because we all are”; an expression of the gallery’s holistic ethos and the meaning behind the Swahili name, Ubuntu. With a mission to promote the country’s emerging talents and explore Egyptian history and identity, Ubuntu runs regular exhibitions featuring young artists, as well more well-known names from Egypt and abroad. They also hold monthly lectures on different subjects from the world of arts and culture.
SafarKhan
SafarKhan is one of Cairo’s older, more established galleries, dating back to the 1960s when the gallery dealt primarily in Islamic artifacts. They have since grown to become one of the most respected and trusted names in the contemporary Cairene art scene. It’s a wonderfully dynamic space that houses some of Egypt’s finest works of art and is a must-see for anyone living in or passing through Cairo.
Al Masar
Another Zamalek favorite, Al Masar is relatively new to the scene but has been quick to leave its mark; the location doesn’t hurt either. With the historic Baehler Mansion (different to the Baehler Building of Downtown) as its residence, the gallery is beautiful example of what happens when you mix heritage with modern and contemporary arts.
6 October
TAM Gallery (Cairo-Alex Desert Road)
Housing Egypt’s largest collection of contemporary art, not including museum collections, TAM, formerly Arts-Mart, not only has a massive warehouse-turned-gallery full of works by local, contemporary artists, they also have an online gallery to make finding and buying the perfect piece easier and more accessible. TAM is another great option for those looking for affordable art.
Downtown
Access Art Space – Formerly Townhouse Gallery
The Townhouse Gallery has become an icon of the local art scene and of Downtown Cairo since its inception in 1998, serving as a platform for artists to gain exposure and connect with their audience, all on a non-profit basis. But the beloved art space has faced its fair share of challenges, which eventually led to them growing and evolving into something that could withstand the obstacles laid out before them. Townhouse now continues its mission under a new name; Access Art Space.
Mashrabia Gallery
Another must-see Downtown gallery, Mashrabia prides itself on being a ‘cultural incubator’, providing the support and exposure young artists need to find their place in the spotlight. And they’re not limited to gallery exhibitions either, hosting all kinds of performances and talks, and curating collections on a variety of projects that aim to make the arts more accessible.
Cairo International Art District by Art D’Egypte
Through a diverse series of exhibitions and workshops, Art D’Egypte is bringing together artists from around the world to display their work in the heart of Cairo’s historic Downtown district. Art D’Egypte have already made quite a name for themselves bringing historical and cultural landmarks back to life through their unique exhibitions, so this is definitely something to look forward to.
Online
Part With Your Art
With a Facebook page and plans for a website in the future, Part With Your Art is a great option for those who want to browse a beautiful collection from the comfort of their home without getting overwhelmed by too much choice. It’s also a space where people can sell pieces they already own, and where artists can put up work they’re looking to sell.