The Ministry of Culture announced that the Naguib Mahfouz Museum will be offering free entry to its visitors for one week starting 30 August.

The museum, which opened in July 2019, contains the works and possessions of the famed Egyptian Nobel prize-winner in literature.

The museum consists of two floors on an area of ​​1,600 square metres. The first floor hosts a number of libraries, including a general one displaying 165 books, a literary library with 119 books, Mahfouz’s personal library with 1,091 books on art and literature, and some 266 books penned by Mahfouz in Arabic along with their translated copies.

The second floor is divided into several halls, including the Nobel Hall that is dedicated to displaying Mahfouz’s Nobel medallion and certificate along with the other certificates, medallions, and awards he obtained over the course of his life; and the Biography Hall, which displays his personal belongings, such as clothing, glasses, pens, papers, and letters, together with manuscripts in his handwriting and his desk.

The Literature Hall displays the old and new editions of Mahfouz’s works along with his translated works. There is also the Alley Hall containing an exhibition on Mahfouz’s life and a film on the neighbourhood he lived in and its impact on his writings. Additionally, there is a Filmography Hall containing footage from the movies that were made out of his books.

The museum is in the Mohamad Bek Abu Al-Dahab Complex, which was built in 1774 under Ottoman rule and is located beside the main entrance of Al-Azhar Mosque.

The free entry to the museum will begin on 30 August and continue for one week until Sunday 5 September.

Also, during this week of celebration, the culture ministry will organise a few events showcasing the literary wealth of the Egyptian novelist. An exhibition titled ‘Naguib Mahfouz through the Caricaturists’ Eyes’ will showcase over 40 artistic pieces presenting the novelist created by artists from all around the world. The exhibition — which will continue until Thursday 9 September — will be organised in cooperation with the Egyptian Caricature Society.

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