Foustat Traditional Crafts Center
About This Museum
Believe it or not, this world-class museum isn't housed in a grand, modern building but within a beautifully reconstructed traditional Cairene house. You enter a serene complex that feels like a peaceful village, a stark contrast to the city's chaos just outside its walls. The air is often filled with the gentle sounds of artisans at work—the tapping of tiny hammers on copper and the whir of pottery wheels. It’s less a static gallery and more a living, breathing celebration of Egypt’s craft heritage.
Collection Highlights
You can watch master weavers create intricate textiles on massive looms and see potters throw stunning faience, the same vibrant ceramic used in ancient times. Don't miss the tentmakers' appliqué, where artisans stitch breathtakingly complex patterns by hand, or the gleaming brass and copper workshops.
Visitor Information
It's located in Old Cairo, so it's easy to pair with a visit to the Coptic Museum or the Hanging Church. The best days to go are when all the workshops are buzzing with activity—just be sure to check their opening hours as they can vary.
Architecture & Building
The center is designed as a collection of low-rise, mud-brick buildings with wooden lattice screens (mashrabiya), winding pathways, and shaded courtyards that mimic an authentic historic Egyptian neighborhood.
Contact & Location
Address: VW Garage, 19 The Martyr Corridor, Al Hay Al Asher, Nasr City, Cairo Governorate Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt 11771, محور الشهيد, مدينة نصر, مدينة القاهرة الجديدة, القاهرة, 11771, مصر
Phone: +20 2 23633018
Website: Visit Website
