The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

Amid the frenetically bustling Cairo comes a list of arts and culture venues that are trying hard to keep our sanity, reminding us that the city is yet to offer some beauty to its dwellers. Here’s to the winners, who, not only have managed to keep us positively entertained, but also lifted the local artists’ spirits up, by giving them a chance to shine.

Osiris:

Osiris’ may not be the first place that comes on your mind if you’re looking for an arts and culture event to attend, however, it’s the ultimate destination when it comes to performing arts workshop that are given by masters of the trade.

Makan:

Not your average arts and culture venue, The Egyptian Center for Culture and Arts, aka Makan, harbours the authentic sounds of various local folk musicians, including Mazaher, Sayed El Rekaby, and more.  In addition, the place also hosts special nights that sees international folk musician taking to the stage. 

SOMA Art:

SOMA Art is known to host works by local up-and-coming artists, as well as holding regular art talks, and panel discussion. It’s definitely a go-to art gallery if you are a fan of modern Egyptian art.

Zawya:

Possibly the only place in town that’s fully devoted to screening indie movies; Downtown’s Zawya is the place to go if commercial movies is not your cup of tea. Not just that, the place also offers filmmakers a platform to showcase their works by hosting regular open discussions and Q&As.

Zamalek Art Gallery:

For over 20 years, the walls of Cairo’s enduring art gallery has been a faithful host to countless exhibitions by A-list artists; from pioneers like Gamal El Sageny, GazbiaSerry and Abdel Rahman El Nashar, to rising stars like Yasmine El Hazek, and Wael Abdel Sabour.

ROOM Art Space:

Garden City’s ROOM Art Space has managed in no time to become a destination to music lovers with their special music nights that take place every weekend. This year, the venue has taken it up another notch with a new branch in New Cairo, which offers various events on weekdays.

3elbt Alwan:

An old curiosity shop and a cultural centre hub at the same time, 3elbt Alwan delivers a unique artsy experience. Having relocated several times during the past few years, the venue has finally returned to Zamalek, in Taha Hussein Street, with a busy events calendar that brings musicians of all genres to the stage.

Safar Khan:

Swinging between sacred classics by Egyptian pioneering artists, and future masters, Brazil Street’s Safar Khan caters to all tastes. Mind you, the owners of the gallery have an eye for the bests of both world’s, so no matter what your cup of tea is, Safar Khan is definitely worth dropping by.

Picasso Gallery:

One of the very few galleries that hosts exhibitions all year round, Picasso Art Gallery in Zamalek is dedicated to presenting the latest masterpieces by contemporary Egyptian masters, including George El Bahgoury, Mustafa Rahma, and Helmi El Touni, as well as rising artists, like Ahmed Farid, and Amina Salem.

El Sawy Culturewheel:

We believe that any arts enthusiast in town must have been to one of the longest standing cultural hub, at least for once. In addition to a trail of workshops that cover various arts, and the affordable workshops, El Sawy Culturewheel’s music events are diverse, regular, and crowd pleasing.

Darb 1718:

The Egyptian nonprofit organisation, Darb 1718, is the ultimate go-to cultural centre for quality arts and crafts workshops that cater to every knowledge level; we’re talking pottery, leather and wood working. Not just that, the place hosts weekly music events, like MazzikaXElSat7, and film screenings every Sunday on a night called CinemaXElForn.

Gallery Misr:

Ever since its opening in June 2011, Zamalek’s Gallery Misr has always been a home to unique shows that introduces local new blood to the art scene in Egypt. Unlimited to a certain form of fine art; the gallery hosts solo and group exhibitions, like photography, and multimedia installations.

Gypsum Gallery:

While many art galleries in the city play it safe, sticking to exhibits that present fine art in its classical form, Gypsum Gallery comes to break the rule, opening its halls to artists with bolder visions; be it in the context, or the form of art they deliver.

Arts-Mart:

The long-distance travel to Arts-Mart’s in October City totally worth it; the art hub is one of the few places that offers quality artworks at affordable prices that suit every budget. Arts-Mart presents countless of works in an annual group show called Cairo Fair that gathers works by both old and new generations of artists.

 Art Talks:

 One of the galleries that stand out of the crowd in the scene, Zamalek’s Art Talks, is renowned for its unique exhibitions that showcases works by both local, and Arab contemporary visual artists, including Hossam Dirar, Yasser Nabiel, and Yasser Rostom. The gallery also hosts regular panel talks and discussions by Egyptian and international scholars.