Wekalet El Ghouri Arts Center

Wekalet El Ghouri Arts Center is a cultural gem nestled in the heart of historic Cairo, within a beautifully restored 16th-century merchant house (wekalet). The center is dedicated to preserving and promoting traditional Egyptian arts, including music, dance, and crafts. Visitors can attend mesmerizing performances of Sufi dancing (tanoura), folk music, and shadow puppetry in the open-air courtyard. The building itself is an architectural marvel, with intricate mashrabiya woodwork and a grand facade. Inside, galleries showcase contemporary and traditional art exhibitions, while workshops offer hands-on experiences in pottery, calligraphy, and weaving. The center also hosts the annual Cairo International Festival for Experimental Theatre. A visit here provides a vibrant immersion into Egypt's rich cultural heritage, away from the typical tourist trail.

Don't miss

• Evening tanoura (Sufi whirling) performances in the courtyard
• Traditional music concerts featuring folk instruments like the oud and tabla
• Art exhibitions of contemporary Egyptian artists
• Hands-on craft workshops (pottery, calligraphy, etc.)
• The historic architecture with ornate mashrabiya and stone carvings

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Wekalet El Ghouri Arts Center

Cheapest way inThe Best of Cairo,Pyramids of Giza,Islamic Cairo &Khan El Khalili4.9★ · 96 travelers7–9 hoursFree cancellationFrom$4 per personSee dates →Best full dayCairo Tour to old Egyptian Museum Citadel and Coptic Cairo4.8★ · 66 travelers~8 hoursFree cancellationFrom$15 per personSee dates →Private & flexiblePrivate 8-hours Egyptian museum , Coptic Cairo and Islamic Cairo5★ · 12 travelers~8 hoursFree cancellationFrom$14 per personSee dates →

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Know before you go

• Photography is allowed, but flash may be prohibited during performances.
• Dress modestly out of respect for the cultural setting; shoulders and knees covered.
• Bring cash for tickets and any crafts you might purchase; credit cards may not be accepted.
• Check the schedule in advance, as performances and workshops vary by day and season.

A bit of history

Built in the 16th century by Sultan Qansuh al-Ghuri as a commercial and residential complex, the wekalet later fell into disrepair. In the late 20th century, it was restored and repurposed as a cultural center by the Egyptian Ministry of Culture, opening in 2001.