Cairo’s Stunning Contemporary Art Galleries and Museums
Cairo, land of sands, myths, legends and bustling markets. Whether you take a ride through the narrow streets stuffed with heavy traffic or slink down a back alley into a cafe, the intoxicating mayhem masks a city of deep-seated history and hidden gems. The Culture Trip delves into the city’s tantalizing culture scene and unveils 10 of the finest contemporary art galleries and museums in Egypt’s historic capital city.
Zamalek Art Gallery
This contemporary art gallery hosts differing exhibitions each month, showcasing the work of the most renowned and exclusive artists in Cairo and beyond. There is a permanent collection of work inside the Gallery, courtesy of established Egyptian artists and up-and-coming young talent. There is also a spacious exhibitor area, creating ample opportunity for both visitors to appreciate the works on display. Zamalek Art Gallery is located in the trendy Zamalek area of the city, a cultural hub. The Gallery has been involved with many notable projects, including the extensive six-month art festival commemorating 100 years of the Aswan Old Cataract Hotel in 1999-2000.
Cairo Opera House
The original opera house that stood on this spot was commissioned in 1869, a beautifully neoclassic masterpiece, which unfortunately burned to the ground in 1971. The Royal Opera House of today has become known as a cultural landmark and is a popular centre for exercising creativity and imagination. The Cairo Opera House offers some of the finest productions of ballet, opera and symphonies in Egypt. Talented young individuals from across the country study and develop their talents, giving breathtaking performances to audiences on a regular basis. Visitors can enjoy music and gallery images as well as the charming opera museum.
Townhouse Gallery
This gallery in downtown Cairo is host to a collection of contemporary fine art. The Townhouse Gallery was established in 1998 and, as the first independent art space in the country, its goal was to bring contemporary art to the general populace while encouraging creativity among new and existing artists. The Townhouse works on a non-profit basis and assists in raising the profile of gifted artists by hosting exhibitions, educational platforms and outreach programmes. The Gallery works tirelessly to forge strong relationships both nationally and internationally to build greater levels of creativity and an appreciation, growth and understanding of contemporary art in Egypt and the Middle East.
Al Masar Gallery
A relative newcomer to Cairo, the impressive Al Masar Gallery opened in late 2008. This stylish venue showcases the work of renowned Egyptian artists, the ‘stars of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th generation of the 20th Century Egyptian Art Movement’. The Gallery puts a focus on vibrancy and uniqueness both in the works shown and in the gallery’s historic location of the Baehler Mansion. The Gallery defines itself as ‘both the path and the trace as a cultural nexus of exhibitions and documentation to define the genuine value of modern and contemporary Egyptian art.’
Al Masar Gallery
A non-profit organisation in operation since 2008, the Darb 1718 Contemporary Art and Culture Centre has indoor and outdoor areas that can hold different art displays and cultural events. There are two exhibition areas, plus stages and an outdoor cinema area for film screenings. Visitors can enjoy a number of exhibitions, concerts, festivals and events from national and international artists. There is also a variety of performance workshops being regularly held, giving emerging artists the chance to exhibit exciting new works alongside more established artists.
