Attraction Guide: Gayer-Anderson Museum, Cairo, Egypt

Gayer-Anderson Museum Guide

Step Back in Time: Explore Ottoman Grandeur at the Gayer-Anderson Museum Guide

The Gayer-Anderson Museum, also known as Bayt al-Kritliyya ("House of the Cretan Woman"), is a captivating museum housed in two beautifully preserved 17th-century houses. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of wealthy Egyptians during the Ottoman period. The museum showcases a diverse collection of art, furniture, carpets, and artifacts collected by Major Robert Gayer-Anderson Pasha, a British army officer and passionate collector who resided in the houses in the first half of the 20th century. Prepare to be transported to a bygone era as you wander through the intricately decorated rooms and courtyards. The two houses that comprise the museum have a rich history. The larger house, built in 1631 by Hajj Muhammad al-Jazzar, was originally a private residence. The smaller house dates back to 1540 and was owned by a wealthy merchant family from Crete. In 1935, Gayer-Anderson Pasha was granted permission to live in the houses and furnish them with his extensive collection. He meticulously restored the buildings and filled them with treasures from Egypt, the Middle East, and beyond. Upon his departure from Egypt in 1942, he bequeathed the houses and their contents to the Egyptian government, creating the museum we see today. Visitors can explore the various rooms, each decorated in a distinct style reflecting different periods and influences. Highlights include the reception hall, the Turkish bath, and the rooftop terrace offering panoramic views of the Ibn Tulun Mosque. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions and cultural events. Don't miss the opportunity to take photos in the picturesque courtyard and admire the intricate details of the mashrabiya (wooden latticework) screens. While there isn't a specific culinary tradition associated with the museum itself, nearby restaurants offer traditional Egyptian cuisine.