Gayer-Anderson Museum, Art museum in Cairo, Egypt.
The Gayer-Anderson Museum occupies two adjoining houses from the 16th and 17th centuries with characteristic features of Islamic design. The interior spaces preserve their original structure with wooden windows, marble floors, and intricately decorated ceilings.
A British officer obtained permission to reside in these houses in 1935 and opened them as a museum a decade later. This transformation preserved the historic appearance of the buildings for future generations.
The name honors the British officer who unified these houses and brought together his collection in the early 20th century. The rooms reveal how wealthy households once lived, with furnishings, carpets, and everyday objects that shaped daily routines.
The museum sits in the historic quarter and is easily reached on foot, though stairs and narrow passages of older buildings require slow navigation. It helps to wear comfortable shoes and allow time to explore all rooms at a leisurely pace.
The collection brings together pieces from different cultures and periods, including pharaonic, Persian, and Chinese objects that reveal the reach of the region's trade networks. This surprising mix sheds light on how ancient civilizations were interconnected.
Location: Cairo Governorate
Inception: 1945
Accessibility: Wheelchair inaccessible
Address: 27H2+87Q، أحمد بن طولون طولون، As Sayedah, El Sayeda Zeinab
Phone: +20223647822
Website: https://egymonuments.gov.eg/ar/museums/gayer-anderson-museum
GPS coordinates: 30.02838,31.25073
Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:03
Cairo preserves an architectural heritage spanning over fifteen centuries. This collection includes religious buildings, traditional houses, and utilitarian structures that reflect the Fatimid, Mamluk, and Ottoman periods. Mosques such as Sultan Hassan with its 68-meter minaret stand alongside ancient homes with mashrabiya windows, while the 9th-century Nilometer highlights the river's importance in Egyptian society. The route passes through various historic districts, from El Khalifa with its medieval monuments to Ottoman houses from the 16th and 17th centuries like Bayt Al-Suhaymi or those housing the Gayer-Anderson Museum. Aqsunqur Mosque stands out with its Iznik tiles showcasing floral motifs, a legacy of Ottoman influence. The City of the Dead, a cemetery stretching four kilometers, illustrates the continuity between burial sites and inhabited areas. Green spaces like Al-Azhar Park offer views of a dense city where traditions blend with everyday life.
Cairo is home to millennia of history. The Giza Pyramids, built between 2686 and 2494 BC, stand alongside Fatimid mosques like the Ibn Tulun Mosque from 879, and Mamluk fortifications such as Saladin's Citadel from the 12th century. Religious heritage reflects community diversity: Saint Serge Church dates to the 4th century, while Sainte-Marie Church from the 7th century reuses elements of the Roman fortress of Babylon. The Cairo Museum, opened in 1902, displays over 120,000 archaeological artifacts including Tutankhamun’s burial mask. Khan Al-Khalili market, established in 1382, continues traditional trade along its alleys lined with spice and craft shops. The Gayer Anderson House exemplifies 16th-century Ottoman residential architecture. These sites span Egypt’s history from pharaonic antiquity to the Ottoman period.
Al-Sayeda Zainab Mosque
913 m
Sayeda Aisha Mosque
706 m
Mosque of Ibn Tulun
123 m
Muhammad Ali Mosque
867 m
Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan
696 m
Al-Sayeda Nafeesah Mosque
688 m
Al-Rifa'i Mosque
753 m
Al-Gawhara Palace
973 m
Cairo Citadel Clock
837 m
Mausoleum of Sayyida Ruqayya
329 m
House of al-Sinnary
926 m
Qanibay Al Ramah Mosque
812 m
Madrasa of Sarghatmish
230 m
Mosque of al-Mahmudiya
736 m
Mausoleum of Shajarat al-Durr
300 m
Al-Kabsh citadel
554 m
Maristan of al-Mu'ayyad
972 m
Al-Sultaniyya
973 m
Mosque and Khanqah of Shaykhu
325 m
National Police Museum
903 m
Palace of Yashbak
599 m
Mathaf Mustafa Kamil
652 m
Tomb of Salar and Sangar-al-Gawli
377 m
Mosque of Qanibay al-Muhammadi
415 m
Al-Burdayni Mosque
399 m
Sabil-kuttab of Qaytbay
475 m
Mausoleum of al-Ashraf Khalil
518 m
Mausoleum of Fatima Khatun
467 mReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes