About the Museum of Islamic Ceramics
Egypt is home to a vast array of museums, each reflecting its rich and diverse historical legacy. With an unparalleled collection of artifacts spanning centuries, Egypt has long captured the world’s fascination. Among its many cultural treasures stands the Museum of Islamic Ceramics, located in Cairo’s charming Zamalek district. Established to celebrate the legacy of Islamic ceramic art, this museum offers visitors a captivating journey through the artistic expressions of various Islamic dynasties.
Housed within the historic Amir Amr Ibrahim Palace, the museum comprises six thematic sections, each representing a distinct artistic period in Islamic history. From intricate Fatimid pottery to elegant Ottoman tiles, the museum offers a sensory feast for those interested in ceramic art and Islamic heritage.
Why a Museum of Islamic Ceramics?
The idea behind the museum's creation within the Gezira Arts Center stems from Egypt’s longstanding relationship with the ceramic arts—a tradition that predates Islam and flourished under successive Islamic dynasties. This museum serves as a repository for showcasing Egypt’s extensive ceramic heritage alongside masterpieces from neighboring cultures.
Location and Architecture
The museum occupies the first two floors of the Amir Amr Ibrahim Palace, an architectural gem built in the 1940s. Located in Zamalek, near central Cairo, the palace is a fine example of eclectic architecture, blending European classical elements with Moroccan, Andalusian, and Ottoman influences—a style prevalent during the Mohamed Ali dynasty.
The palace's main hall features a stunning marble fountain beneath a grand dome adorned with stained glass windows, arabesque motifs, and rich calligraphy. Its spacious galleries, decorated ceilings, and ornamented walls create an ambiance befitting the artistic legacy of Islamic ceramics.
Highlights of the Museum Sections
Fatimid Section
This section, situated to the right of the main entrance, is among the museum’s most historically significant. It showcases 72 rare artifacts from the 10th to 12th centuries, including plates, pots, oil bottles, and flower vases. Three large Mashrabeya windows with Arabic and Turkish calligraphy, Ottoman tiles, and plant-inspired motifs add to the hall’s charm. A central marble table—once part of the palace’s original furniture—displays a collection of 19 Fatimid-era items.
Ottoman Section
Displaying over 100 pieces from the 16th to 18th centuries, the Ottoman section features a rectangular gallery adorned with Mashrabeya windows, Turkish-style red, white, and blue tiles, and a traditional marble-coated fireplace. Items include plates, bowls, cups, pitchers, and ornamental tiles, all reflecting Ottoman elegance and intricate craftsmanship.
Egyptian Section
Intersecting with the Ottoman area, this section presents Islamic ceramics produced in Egypt during the Umayyad, Ayyubid, Mamluk, and Ottoman eras. Over 40 items are showcased here, notable for their simple yet refined decorative styles, incorporating calligraphy, geometric motifs, animals, and plant patterns. This section also features Persian and Turkish influences and highlights a distinctive Parisian-style pitcher with an animal-shaped spout.
Lobby and Dome
The museum lobby, positioned at the heart of the palace, offers an awe-inspiring first impression. A central fountain surrounded by marble and gypsum ornamentation sits beneath a Mamluk-style dome with stained glass sides. A large copper chandelier adds a regal touch. The lobby displays Syrian ceramics from the 12th and 13th centuries, including pitchers, cups, and bowls, welcoming visitors with a rich preview of Islamic ceramic heritage.
Second Floor Exhibits
An interior staircase leads to the upper floor—originally the Haramlek, or private family quarters. This floor is dedicated to Persian ceramic art, showcasing metallic-glazed pitchers, plates, and dishes with elaborate animal and botanical motifs. The Persian collection is known for its brilliance and refined artistry.
The Prince’s Private Section
Once part of Prince Amr Ibrahim’s personal quarters, this section includes an outer room, a main hall, and a bathroom. The outer chamber features original elements such as a marble fountain, mother-of-pearl-inlaid woodwork, and ornamental bookshelves. Five rare pieces are displayed here: one Moroccan plate from the 18th century and four Syrian artifacts from the 12th century.
The inner Prince’s Hall exemplifies a blend of Baroque, Rococo, Turkish, and Islamic design styles, prominent during Egypt’s late 19th and early 20th centuries. The furnishings include a wooden sofa, an exquisite mother-of-pearl jewelry box, and decorative features that reflect the luxurious lifestyle of the Mohamed Ali royal family.
Conclusion
The Museum of Islamic Ceramics is more than just a museum—it is a celebration of history, craftsmanship, and cultural legacy. Whether you are an art enthusiast, a history lover, or a curious traveler, a visit to this hidden gem in Zamalek offers a deep dive into the rich world of Islamic ceramics and the artistic soul of Egypt’s Islamic past.
