Monday, 25 May 2026
Egypt's Prince Wahid Selim Museum to undergo cutting-edge revival
Egypt’s Minister of Culture, Dr. Ahmed Fouad Henno, and Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Dr. Amr Talaat, recently toured the illustrious Prince Wahid Selim Museum in Matariya—opening a new chapter in the story of one of Egypt’s most stunning cultural sites.
Their visit marks the beginning of an ambitious partnership designed to transform the museum—originally a palatial residence—into a beacon of artistic and cultural innovation that welcomes the world.
Set across 14,000 square meters, the museum is a magnificent estate, centered around an elegant palace surrounded by sprawling gardens. Marble statues atop bronze pedestals greet visitors, leading to a tranquil lounge supported by five stately marble columns. Inside, a grand library houses rare books, while the grounds feature an open-air theater, a wealth of unique sculptures, and lush gardens accentuated by a graceful fountain and rare botanical species.
The museum’s history is no less captivating: once the countryside refuge of Prince Youssef Kamal, it was gifted to Princess Shewikar—mother of Prince Mohamed Wahid El Din Selim—as a wedding present. After comprehensive renovations in the 1940s, it became the residence of Prince Wahid Selim, who enriched it with rare artworks and classical statuary. Following the revolution of 1952, the palace was nationalized, eventually being transformed into a museum in 1998 under Egypt’s Ministry of Culture.
Minister Henno describes the museum as "an artistic and historical treasure deserving of our utmost care." The upcoming development project, in partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, aims to elevate the museum to global standards. Advanced technology will redefine exhibition methods, offering visitors immersive and interactive experiences that bring Egypt’s rich artistic heritage to life.
"This partnership will transform the museum into a vibrant cultural and artistic hub," said Dr. Hanou. "By embracing cutting-edge technology, we will provide unique experiences for visitors from Egypt and beyond, shining a light on the creativity and heritage that define our nation."
In revitalizing the Prince Wahid Selim Museum, Egypt is not only preserving a historic gem but also opening its doors wider to the world. The project embodies the Ministry of Culture’s vision to make Egypt’s treasures more accessible to both local and international audiences, enhancing Egypt’s standing on the global cultural map.
As these grand halls and gardens are restored and reimagined, the Prince Wahid Selim Museum looks forward to welcoming visitors—both seasoned lovers of art and first-time explorers—offering them a journey through history, artistry, and innovation, all set within the embrace of Egyptian hospitality.