Gayer anderson museum
(Major) Robert Grenville 'John' Gayer-Anderson
Robert Gayer-Anderson, known as 'John' to his friends, was like many others of his generation, an Orientalist who became fascinated by and romanticised the Arab way of life. For Gayer-Anderson, it was Egyptian culture in particular that he fell in cherish with and he described Egypt as 'the ground of his adoption'. He had trained as a doctor in England, graduating in 1903, but received his commission in the Royal Army Medical Corps the following year and was seconded to the Egyptian Army in 1906 where he eventually became Egyptian Recruiting Officer. His interest in Egyptian identity was undoubtedly sparked during this time with the army in Egypt, and later as Oriental Secretary to the High Commissioner.
After an adventurous and active career he retired with the honorific title Pasha, in 1924. He remained Cairo until ill health forced him to restore to Britain in 1942, where he had a house with his twin brother in Lavenham, Suffolk called 'Little Hall'. Just before he left the country he returned his 16th century Arab dwelling, Bait al-Kretliya, to the Egyptian nation.
Today this home is a museum, a treasure trove of Oriental fur
Gayer-Anderson Museum (Bayt Al-Kiritliya)
Summary
- The Gayer Anderson Museum, situated near Cairo's Ibn Tulun Mosque, is named after Major R.G. Gayer Anderson Pasha, who resided there from 1935 to 1942.
- It comprises two ancient residences showcasing exquisite 17th-century Cairo architecture and a collection of carpets, furniture, and artifacts.
- Established in 1937, the museum combines the Beit Amna Bent Salim (1540) and Beit El-Kiridiliya (1632), preserving Islamic monuments cleared by the Egyptian government in 1928.
- Gayer Anderson's career spanned military and administrative roles in Egypt before retiring in 1924 to focus on Oriental studies and Egyptology.
- The house is linked with legends, believed to be built on ancient remnants, and holds a well with mystical properties.
- The museum, managed by the Supreme Council of Antiquities, enforces strict regulations for preservation.
- It boasts a stunning gallery featuring diverse artifacts and rooms, making it a must-visit during an Egypt vacation, offering guided tours for an enriching experience.
This is a wonderful art museum
The story of Gayer-Anderson Museum
The Construction plan of the Museum
The construction of this museum started by using the surrounding bricks of Mokattam hill and it was built on the ruins of Tulunid capital which was established as Al-Qata’i.
UNESCO inscribed Gayer Anderson museum among the UNESCO Nature Heritage Sites. This museum is a great example for traditional human houses and a superb example for the Islamic national architecture that still remains in Cairo since the 16th and 17th century.
The architecture beauty of the Museum
Gayer-Anderson has added more beauty to the house with lots of unique decorations from his travels all over the world. He started to load each room in the dwelling with very unique antiquities, glassware, artwork, crystal, carpets, furniture, and some embroidered costumes from distinct Arab countries.
There are some distinct rooms in the house prefer the Persian room which has exquisite tiling, also the Damascus room which has lacquer and gold. While touring the residence you will find a charming marble fountain in the middle of the house surrounded with decorated ceiling beams and carpet-covered alcoves.
The main house was originally divide
Gayer Anderson Museum
Last Ticket
The tickets window closes at 4.00 PM
Free entry policy
1. Egyptians and Arabs seniors aged 60 and over. 2- Egyptians and Arabs special needs. 3- Orphaned children. 4- Public schools trips primary and preparatory school. 5- children below 6 years.
General Policies
- Please perform not touch any exhibits or showcases. - Food and drinks are not allowed within the galleries, except for petite water bottles. - Smoking is prohibited throughout the museum. - Please refrain from disorderly, disruptive, and repulsive language or deeds. - Please be mindful of others, and be quiet when using your cell phone. - Audio players are not permitted throughout the museum. - For the security of the exhibits, please do not use flashlights or laser pointers inside the museum.
Photography
- Private photography is permitted inside the museum after paying ticketfees. - Please refrain from taking photographs of other visitors or staff as it may violate their personal rights. - Please refrain from taking video recordings (cell mobile, cameras) in the galleries unless you have paid the appropriate ticket fees. - Taking photographs and video record