Overview

Often overlooked, this extensive collection of Islamic art was the brainchild of Khedive Tawfeek, son of Mohammed Ali Pasha, who in the late 19th century sought a museum to protect Islamic artefacts from destruction. The museum occupies the ground floor of a neo-Mameluke building and the entrance around the back can be easy to miss. Its quiet rooms contain a surprisingly good collection of art, ceramics, calligraphy, metalwork and woodwork. Some of the displays, such as heavy wood doors and Ottoman fountains, are quite large. Sadly, many of the exhibits are decaying and the baksheesh-hungry guards show little respect for them. See these treasures now before they disappear forever.