Gayer-Anderson Museum

Nestled adjacent to the southern end of the majestic Ibn Tulun’s Mosque lies the Gayer-Anderson Museum, originally known as Beit al-Kritliyya or the House of the Cretan Woman. This enchanting museum takes its name from Major John Gayer-Anderson, a British army doctor and avid collector, who, between 1935 and 1942, meticulously restored the two 16th-century houses that comprise the museum. Gayer-Anderson filled these spaces with an eclectic array of artifacts, motifs, and artworks acquired during his extensive travels across the region.

Before his passing in 1945, Gayer-Anderson bequeathed this treasure trove of history and art to Egypt. Each room within the museum is a distinct universe: the Damascus Room glimmers with lacquer and gold, the Queen Anne Room showcases elaborate furniture, and the Persian Room is adorned with exquisite tiling.

One of the museum’s highlights is the beautifully crafted mashrabiyya gallery, overlooking the reception hall with its ornate ceiling beams, a marble fountain, and cozy carpet-covered cubicles. This interior has even graced the silver screen, featuring in the James Bond film “The Spy Who Loved Me.”

Recent renovations have rejuvenated the museum’s rooftop terrace, offering visitors a breathtaking view, particularly of the intricate mashrabiyya. This vantage point provides a unique perspective of Cairo’s architectural splendor.

Just across the street, the Khan Misr Touloun bazaar offers an array of beautiful handcrafts, while the nearby Sayyida Zeinab neighborhood, with its metro station, is a mere 750 meters to the west, making the museum easily accessible for those eager to delve into the depths of Egypt’s cultural heritage.

The Gayer-Anderson Museum is more than a collection of artifacts; it’s a journey through time, capturing the essence of Egyptian art and history in each meticulously curated corner.

For further exploration of Egypt’s rich museum offerings, delve into the world of Egyptian Museums, each a gateway to the country’s storied past.