Museum of Islamic Art, Cairo

Established in 1881, Cairo’s Museum of Islamic Art now houses over 102,000 artifacts in its 25 galleries and storage spaces. Its extensive collections spans over 1,200 years of Egyptian and Islamic history, from the 7th century Umayyad administration to 19th century Ottoman Empire.

	Religious crafts Many of the museum’s collections originate from old Egyptian mosques, mausoleums and hospitals. From illuminated pages from the Qu’ran and decorated mihrabs to ornamental lamps and chandeliers, these enchanting artifacts present the high craftsmanship and religious piety of the era. See more images
The way they were From everyday household items, including candlestick holders, spindles and mirrors, to dramatic duels painted on vellum, daily life in Old Cairo is immortalized in these beautifully crafted objects. See more images
	Architectural Elements Fragments from long-lost buildings, carved in wood, marble and ivory, have been carefully preserved in the museum’s collections. Transport yourself into another world with these exquisitely-carved doors, windows and garden fountains.   See more images

Safeguarding history

On January 25, 2014, the museum was devastated by a car bomb attack on the Cairo governorate police headquarters nearby, blasting out all the windows and bursting the water pipes. Many priceless artifacts suffered breakages and water damage.

It is not known if these objects can be mended, or when the museum will reopen. Until then, you can still continue researching this significant collection with images from our archive. Our detailed, high-resolution photographs provides all the quality you need in place of the real object.

See all images from the Museum of Islamic Art collection

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