Monday, 25 May 2026
Source: Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
Egypt’s Gayer-Anderson Museum celebrates 82 years of heritage and culture
Nestled in the heart of historic Cairo, the Gayer-Anderson Museum—a gem known to locals as “Beit al-Kritliyya”—celebrates its 82nd anniversary today by opening its doors to a world of creativity, heritage, and culture. Visitors from around the globe are warmly invited to join a unique series of exhibitions, workshops, and cultural experiences crafted for all ages and backgrounds, reaffirming the museum’s treasured role as both a guardian of history and a living center for learning and community.
Honoring a living legacy
This year’s anniversary festivities shine a gentle spotlight on the museum’s exceptional collection, weaving together rare antiquities and new artistic perspectives. Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary General of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities, shares:
“These activities are a wonderful opportunity to reveal the museum’s rare treasures, ignite curiosity across generations, and further strengthen the museum’s role as a lively, welcoming space for education and community engagement.”
Three inspiring exhibitions
Leading the program are three exhibitions, each offering visitors a different way to connect with Egypt’s rich, multicultural past:
- Origin & Image – This standout temporary exhibition gathers some of the museum’s most fascinating artifacts: from a statue of the goddess Bastet dating back to Ancient Egypt, to a Quranic-inscribed sword, a head of Queen Nefertiti, and a stunning array of ceramics, manuscripts, and artworks—including evocative oil paintings of Gayer-Anderson himself absorbed in writing and at the piano.
- Creative Marketing – In vibrant collaboration with the museum’s marketing department, this showcase celebrates the imaginative work of young trainees in fields like photography, graphic design, creative writing, and historical documentation. Visitors will discover fresh visual storytelling, including the acclaimed “Secrets of Beit al-Kritliyya” short video series spotlighting the museum’s hidden corners, and the interactive “Your Secret in the Well”—a community art campaign welcoming guests to share their personal reflections tied to the exhibits. Another highlight, “A Night at Beit al-Kritliyya,” beautifully merges artistic photography with the house’s enchanting night-time ambiance, inviting photography and architecture enthusiasts on a journey through time.
- Handcrafted Treasures – The celebration closes with an exquisite display of handcrafted artworks: marquetry, tentmaking, macramé, decoupage, embroidery, modeling, beadwork, gemstone inlay, and traditional canvas bags, all lovingly created by the museum’s workshop team. These pieces underscore the ever-evolving dialogue between heritage and contemporary Egyptian craft.
Discover the Gayer-Anderson Museum: Where stories live
Perched beside the ancient Mosque of Ibn Tulun in Sayyida Zeinab, Cairo, the Gayer-Anderson Museum is a pair of beautifully preserved Ottoman-era houses collectively known as Beit al-Kritliyya. The two homes date back to the 16th and 17th centuries, marvelously blending elements from Mamluk and Ottoman architecture. Their name, “Kritliyya House,” honors the last residents—a family who journeyed here from the island of Crete.
The museum bears the name of Major Gayer-Anderson Pasha, an English officer who, in 1935, proposed to restore and reside in the houses, furnishing them with masterpieces and relics from Egypt, as well as treasures from India, China, Turkey, Persia, England, and Damascus. As part of his generous agreement, all would become the property of the Egyptian people, ensuring the homes’ transformation into a captivating public museum.
With 29 intricately adorned rooms—including Indian, Chinese, Andalusian, Damascene, Persian, Byzantine, and Turkish chambers—every step within the museum feels like a journey across cultures and centuries. You’ll also find enchanting spaces like the haramlik (women’s quarters), grand reception rooms, and the lively celebration hall, alongside modernized galleries such as the Doors of Kritliyya and Masterpieces of Kritliyya.
Whether you are an art lover, a history enthusiast, or simply an explorer at heart, the Gayer-Anderson Museum invites you to experience Egypt’s storied past and its living present in one of Cairo’s most cherished historic homes. Join us this July—and throughout the year—for an inspiring blend of history, artistry, and community spirit.