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| Gayer Anderson Museum |
If you want to visit a place in Cairo that feels like stepping into the past, the Gayer-Anderson Museum is the perfect choice. Hidden in the quiet Sayyida Zeinab district, this museum is set inside two old houses and filled with rare and unusual treasures. It was once the home of Major Gayer-Anderson, a British officer who fell in love with Egyptian culture and collected artifacts from all over the world. His passion for history turned his home into a fascinating museum that offers visitors a glimpse into different civilizations.
Two Old Houses Full of History
The Gayer-Anderson Museum is housed within two historic residences:
•Bayt al-Kritliyya: Constructed in 1631 AD by Hajj Muhammad ibn Salem al-Gazzar.
•Bayt Amna bint Salim: Built in 1545 AD by the scholar ’Abd al-Qadir al-Hadad.
In 1935, Gayer-Anderson received permission from the Egyptian government to reside in these adjoining houses. Over the next several years, he meticulously restored the buildings and filled them with an extensive collection of artifacts from various cultures. By 1942, due to health issues, Gayer-Anderson returned to England, bequeathing the furnished houses to Egypt. The Egyptian government subsequently transformed them into a museum, preserving their unique collection for future generations.
What makes the museum truly special is what’s inside. The museum includes 29 rooms, each of which has a different theme, displaying objects that tell stories from many different cultures. The moment you step inside, it feels like traveling through time, moving from one part of the world to another.
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| The two houses |
Step inside the themed rooms
Walking through the museum feels like exploring different countries and periods. Each room has its own theme, decorated with objects from across the world:
•Chinese Room: A peaceful space filled with delicate porcelain vases, paintings, and wooden screens from China.
•Indian Room: A colorful room with silk fabrics, small statues, and decorative items from India.
•Arabian Room: A space filled with Arabic calligraphy, brass lamps, and finely carved wooden furniture from the Arab world.
•Ottoman Room: A grand space showcasing richly embroidered textiles, decorative tiles, and elegant furniture from the Ottoman Empire.
•European Room: A collection of old maps, paintings, and antique furniture from different parts of Europe.
•Napoleonic Room: A special room featuring a bed believed to have belonged to Napoleon Bonaparte during his campaign in Egypt!
Each of these rooms is like a small world of its own, filled with unique items that take visitors on a journey through history.
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| The indian room |
Strange and Rare Objects
The museum isn’t just about beautifully decorated rooms. Major Gayer-Anderson had a passion for collecting rare and unusual objects, many of which are surprising and mysterious.
•Anatomical Collection: One of the strangest parts of the museum is a small collection of preserved body parts and anatomical pieces.
•Ancient Egyptian Artifacts: The museum also houses a collection of small statues, jewelry, and everyday objects from ancient Egypt, giving a glimpse into the lives of people from thousands of years ago.
•Islamic Art Collection : Throughout the museum, there are beautiful ceramic plates, brass lanterns, and intricately designed doors showcasing the beauty of Islamic art.
•Antique Weapons: A variety of swords, daggers, and firearms from different historical periods can also be found, showing the craftsmanship of ancient weapon makers.
•Everyday Treasures: The museum is also filled with jewelry, carpets, coins, and personal belongings from different cultures, making it feel like a treasure chest of history.
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| Some ancient Egyptian artifacts |
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| A part of the Anatomical collection |
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| A coptic item |
The Museum’s Beautiful Spaces
Beyond the themed rooms, the museum has open spaces that add to its magical atmosphere:
•The Central Courtyard: A charming garden with plants, a peaceful fountain, and elegant archways, offering a quiet escape from the busy city.
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| The central courtyard |
•The Balcony View : A stunning panoramic view over the rooftops of Cairo, showing the contrast between the city’s historic and modern sides.
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| One of the roof 's views |
These spaces allow visitors to pause and take in the beauty of the surroundings, making the experience even more immersive.
Plan Your Visit
Before heading to the Gayer-Anderson Museum, here’s what you need to know:
•Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily (Last ticket sold at 4:30 PM, so make sure to arrive before then!)
•Ticket Prices:
•Egyptians: EGP 10
•Egyptian Students: EGP 5
•Foreign Visitors: EGP 100
•Foreign Students: EGP 50
•Free Entry: Children under 6 years old and Egyptian seniors over 60 with a valid ID can enter for free.
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| The ticket prices |
How to Get There
The Gayer-Anderson Museum is located in Sayyida Zeinab, right next to the Mosque of Ibn Tulun. The exact address is:
4 Ahmed Ibn Tulun Square, Sayyida Zeinab, Cairo, Egypt.
•By Metro: Take the metro to Sayyida Zeinab Station, then walk about 15 minutes or take a short taxi ride.
•By Taxi/Uber: Simply enter the Gayer-Anderson Museum into your ride app, and most drivers will know the location.
•On Foot: If you’re visiting the Mosque of Ibn Tulun, the museum is just next to it, making it easy to visit both places in one trip.
The location on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/GPYUJ8isqGVqEQcr9?g_st=iw |
| The location on the maps |
Why You Should Visit
The Gayer-Anderson Museum is more than just a place to see old objects, it’s a journey through history, culture, and art. With its beautifully designed rooms, rare collections, and peaceful atmosphere, it offers a one-of-a-kind experience in Cairo.
Whether you love history, admire art, or simply want to explore something unique, this museum is a hidden treasure worth discovering. Unlike larger museums, it feels personal and intimate, giving visitors a chance to connect with history, especially.
So next time you’re in Cairo, don’t miss the chance to step into the Gayer-Anderson Museum and travel through time. It’s an experience that will leave you with unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for the past.
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| A portrait of Gayer Anderson |