Cairo Opera Complex
Gezira Exhibition Grounds, Zamalek
Salah Taher gallery
Tel 02 2739 0132/014
Exhibition by Mona El-Ganzoury (11-13 December).
Ashraf Shaker exhibition (15-21 December).
Demi
The gallery's address is 15 Ahmed Sabry St, Zamalek, Tel 012 05777147/ 02 27369505
Group exhibition by Ahmed Askalany, Karim Farhan, Makki Omran, and Vivian El-Batanony (closing 15 December).
Difaf
37 Mohamed Mazhar, Zamalek, Tel 0102 7365252
“MAKTOOB (Written)” exhibition features artists Walid Taher and Mariem Abutaleb. It explores the use of written signs and symbols in both public and private spaces. Taher's work takes us to the streets to explore makeshift calligraphy in public space, while Abutaleb’s pieces bring us to the intimacy of the self, translating inner thoughts into personal talismans
(closing 12 January).
Duroub
27 Hassan Assem, Zamalek, Tel 010 33552422/ 0100 4252768
“Mosaic Talks” exhibition of mosaic paintings by Romany Samir (30 November- 18 December).
The Egyptian Museum
Tahrir Sq, Sadat Station, Tel 02 2578 2452
First Floor, Hall 13
“Soknopaiou Nesos – The Temple of Sobek and Isis Nepherses” the exhibition highlights more than two decades of excavations at Soknopaiou Nesos, held by the University of Salento (Italy), focusing on the sacred precinct of the temple of Soknopaios, a crocodile-like god with a falcon’s head. Visitors will discover how the temple functioned through a selection of artifacts that reveal aspects of religion, rituals, festivals, and priestly life. Newly excavated objects are displayed alongside pieces from the Graeco-Roman Museum in Alexandria and the Egyptian Museum in Cairo (29 October- until January 2026).
First Floor, Hall 7
“Nefertari: In the Domain of the Beautiful of the Beautiful Ones” a temporary exhibition dedicated to Nefertari, the Queen hailed as 'The Most Beautiful of the Beautiful Ones'. Organised under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, The Egyptian Museum in Cairo, the Italian Archaeological Centre, and the Italian Cultural Institute (IIC-CAI), the exhibition is an exceptional visual journey. Do not miss the opportunity to witness Queen Nefertari’s eternal elegance, as she recounts her captivating story in a temporary exhibition pulsating with magic and history, prepared by archaeological photography expert Francis Amin
(30 November- 28 February 2026).
Italian Cultural Institute
3 El-Sheikh El Marsafy St, Zamalek, Tel 02 2735 5423/2735 8791
“Matilde Festa Piacentini” exhibition showcases works from the private collection of Italian artist Matilde Festa Piacentini. After a first solo exhibition in Urbino in December 2024, high-resolution reproductions of 15 autograph works by Piacentini are now on display. The exhibition is supervised by Francesca Bottacin, Laura Baratin, Veronica Tronconi. It also includes a video featuring documentary and iconographic materials on her life and work, and a touchscreen that allows visitors to explore diagnostic studies and digital documentation of the paintings
(11-18 December).
“Journey of Belonging: Art in Transit” is an exhibition by Sudanese artists living in Egypt, who were selected through an open call. The works on display were carefully chosen by a jury, including the artist Stefania Angarano, and represent a rich diversity of voices and experiences. The exhibition offers a unique opportunity to explore themes of migration, identity, and belonging through contemporary art. Come and immerse yourself in the stories, perspectives, and creativity of these talented artists, and join the conversation about journeys, home, and cultural exchange (opening 18 December).
Italian/Egyptian Centre for Restoration and Antiquities (CIERA)
31 Al Suyuffeya St, Al Helmeya, Cairo, visitors are welcomed by appointments so contact the manager Mr. Salah Ramadan 0100 8716067
Architectural complex of the Mevlevi Dervish “Samaa Khana, Restorations and Restorers” permanent exhibition of the activities of the working/formation sites for the restoration and recovery of the monuments. Visitors are welcomed during the opening hours determined by the Ministry of Antiquities.
Mashrabia Gallery of Contemporary Art
15 Mahmoud Bassiouny St, Downtown, Cairo, Tel 02 2578 4494, open daily from 11am to 8pm except Fridays
“The Knife and the Apple” exhibition by Essam Alaa.
Alaa’s work draws inspiration from Baudelaire’s "Self-Tourmented," reflecting paradoxes, duality, and the tension between submission and rebellion (7 December - 6 January 2026).
Picasso
30 Hassan Assem off Brazil St, Zamalek, Tel 02 2736 7544
Hall I
“Whispers of a New Dawn” exhibition of mixed media on canvas by Britt Boutros Ghali (6 -21 December).
Hall II
“Visions of a City That Never Stops” exhibition of painting by Amani Moussa (6 -21 December).
Place Des Arts
25 Orabi St, off Port Said St, Maadi, Tel 01011111605
“The Villa Showroom” exhibition is dedicated to
showcasing and celebrating the work of Egyptian designers and entrepreneurs. The event will take place in a private villa, offering an intimate and inspiring setting for discovery and connection (No entry fees, one-day event on 12 December, 10am – 7pm).
Passion Art Gallery
23 Yehia Ibrahim St, Zamalek
“Petite” exhibition showcases the largest collection of small sized artworks. An inspiring selection of sketches, paintings, and sculptures featuring a very special group of artists
(closing 25 December).
Safarkhan
6 Brazil St, Zamalek, Tel 012 70169291
Exhibition of painting by French-Syrian artist Katherine Bakhoum, who delivers her 17th collection at Safarkhan in her typically endearing grace on the eve of the New Year. Whilst her last collection explored the mysticism of the Orient; her latest works are the purest reflection of herself in that they marry together occidental charm with the mystique of the orient in her distinctive flair (17 December- 7 January).
Tahrir Cultural Centre (TCC)
Al-Sheikh Rihan St, off Tahrir Square, Tel 02 2615 2694/01280009077
Margo Veillon Gallery of Modern Egyptian Art
“Chafik Charobim (1894–1975): Lightmarks on Vanishing Points” a retrospective exhibition commemorating the 50th anniversary of the artist’s passing. Curated by Sama Wally, the exhibition traces the shifting boundary between mechanical sight and painterly expression. It reveals how Charobim—typically known for his realist landscapes—used his extensive photographic archive as a catalyst for constructing his paintings, often creating idealized scenes that reflect his enduring fascination with daily life in Egypt. On view are 50 oil paintings, special-edition photographic prints, and selections from the artist’s studio archive, shared with the public for the first time (7- 29 December, open daily except weekends, 10am to 8pm).
TAM
KM 28, Cairo-Alexandria Desert Road, Abu Rawash, Giza, Tel 01000773860
“The 11th Cairo Art Fair” is the largest annual celebration of contemporary Egyptian art, it brings the country’s most compelling and visionary artists under one roof. This edition marks a special milestone with the unveiling of the exclusive Grand Egyptian Museum Opening Art Collection, presented for the first time for public viewing and acquisition during the fair. This collection offers an elevated encounter with exceptional works crafted specifically for this historical event
(Opening on 12 December from 12pm to 10pm and will be ongoing until mid-January 2026, regular visiting hours starting Sunday 14 December: Sunday to Thursday: 10am– 5pm, Saturday: 11am – 6pm).
UBUNTU
20 Hassan Sabry St, (entrance from Ibn Zinki St), Zamalek, Tel 0100 2792223
Ground Floor
“Glee” exhibition of painting by Salah Bisar (3 - 30 December).
First Floor
“How to Make Salad at Home” exhibition of painting by Eslam Seif Elnasr (3 - 30 December).
Yassin art gallery
159, 26th July St, Behind Diwan Bookstore, Zamalek, Tel 01271170035
“Details and Identity” exhibition of painting by Tayseer Hamed (9-31 December).
ALEXANDRIA
Bibliotheca Alexandrina
Port Said St, Chatby, Alexandria 21526, Tel (03) 4839999
Archaeological Museum
A permanent exhibition on the results of the Archaeological Mission of the University of Turin in Nelson Island.
* A version of this article appears in print in the 11 December, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly
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