A Timeless Home of Art and Memory in Old Cairo

 Gayer-Anderson Museum

In the shadow of the ancient Mosque of Ibn Tulun, just off a quiet alleyway in Islamic Cairo, lies one of Egypt’s most atmospheric museums. The Gayer-Anderson Museum is not just a house frozen in time, it is a rich fusion of Ottoman domestic architecture, Islamic artistry, and the eccentric, cultivated life of a British officer who fell in love with Egypt.

More than a museum, it feels like someone still lives there. Every room tells a story. Every corner holds secrets. This is one of Cairo’s most personal historic treasures. Check our day tours offers!



A Historic House with Deep Roots

The museum is actually composed of two adjoining houses: Beit el-Kritliyya (The House of the Cretan Woman) built in 1632, and a neighboring structure built in 1540. Both are fine examples of Ottoman and Mamluk-style domestic architecture, with mashrabiyas, marble floors, fountains, and wood-inlaid ceilings.

These houses were originally built by wealthy Cairenes and were among the finest residences of their time. By the early 20th century, however, they had fallen into disrepair, until an unlikely resident arrived. Check our travel packages offers!

Who Was Gayer-Anderson?

Major R.G. Gayer-Anderson was a British army doctor, Orientalist, and passionate collector who lived in Egypt in the 1930s and 40s. In 1935, he was granted special permission by the Egyptian government to live in and restore the historic houses next to the Mosque of Ibn Tulun.

Gayer-Anderson meticulously refurbished the homes, filling them with Islamic art, antiques, rare manuscripts, carpets, and decorative pieces from Egypt, Persia, Syria, Turkey, and beyond. He lived in the house until 1942, when illness forced him to return to England.

Before leaving, he gifted the house and its entire collection to the Egyptian government. In recognition, King Farouk named it the Gayer-Anderson Museum. Check our Nile Cruise offers!

Inside the Museum: A House of Many Worlds

Visiting the Gayer-Anderson Museum is like stepping into a carefully curated, living museum. Each room is designed around a theme or purpose, blending authentic Ottoman architecture with objects collected from across the Islamic world.

Highlights Include:

  1. The Reception Hall (Qa’a): The grand centerpiece of the house, with intricate mashrabiya screens, stained glass windows, and richly decorated ceilings. It showcases traditional hospitality practices and elite Cairene style.
  2. The Persian Room: Inspired by Persian aesthetics, with ornate carpets, miniature paintings, and wall tiles from Iran.
  3. The Harem: A private area featuring personal belongings, antique furniture, and intimate decorative details, offering a glimpse into gendered space in Islamic homes.
  4. The Roof Terrace: A quiet spot with panoramic views of the Mosque of Ibn Tulun, the Citadel, and Old Cairo’s skyline. It includes a small fountain and seating area once used by Gayer-Anderson and his guests.
  5. The Secret Passage: The museum includes a few surprises, like a concealed corridor between rooms and a hidden room for observing guests unseen — reflecting both traditional house design and Gayer-Anderson’s own creativity.
  6. The Ancient Artifacts: In addition to Islamic objects, the museum contains Pharaonic pieces, Coptic icons, and classical antiquities, all curated in a way that reflects Gayer-Anderson’s eclectic but thoughtful vision.


Cinematic Fame

The unique ambiance and historical detail of the Gayer-Anderson Museum have made it a popular filming location. It appeared in the James Bond film “The Spy Who Loved Me” (1977) and several Egyptian productions. Its combination of authentic architecture and curated interiors creates a cinematic, almost theatrical atmosphere. Check our website for booking special vacation offers!

A Personal and Cultural Legacy

What makes this museum special is the deep personal touch of its creator. Gayer-Anderson wasn’t simply a collector; he was someone who studied, respected, and lived within the culture he admired. He documented much of his time in Egypt through writing and drawings, which add depth to the museum’s presentation.

Visitors often comment on how intimate the space feels. It is not like walking through a formal gallery. It is more like being a guest in a home — one that opens a window into the lives of those who lived in Cairo centuries ago, as well as one European who tried to preserve that past.

Visiting Information

  • Location: Adjacent to the Mosque of Ibn Tulun, Sayyida Zeinab district, Islamic Cairo
  • Opening Status: Open daily; hours may vary during holidays and Ramadan
  • Tickets: Available at the entrance; separate from the mosque ticket; reduced rates for students and Egyptian nationals
  • Facilities: Basic amenities on-site; small bookstore and guide services available
  • Accessibility: Limited wheelchair access; upper floors accessible by stairs only

Tips for Visitors

  • Combine your visit with the Mosque of Ibn Tulun next door for a rich historical experience
  • Take your time in each room, there are details in every corner worth observing
  • Ask about guided tours in English or Arabic to understand the stories behind the collections
  • Visit early or late in the afternoon to enjoy the light filtering through mashrabiyas
  • Photography is allowed but often restricted in certain areas, check with staff

Why Visit the Gayer-Anderson Museum?

The Gayer-Anderson Museum is one of Cairo’s most immersive and human-scale museums. It tells not just the story of architecture or art, but of cultural memory, personal passion, and historic preservation. Through its preserved rooms, unique collections, and quiet beauty, it brings to life the Cairo of centuries past.

This is not just a visit. It is a conversation with a city, held in the language of art, history, and the enduring warmth of a house made into a home. Reserve now with Egypt trips package and check our travel packages, day tours and nile cruises special offers!


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