Wekalet El Ghouri Arts Centre

The 'Wekalet' Sultan el Ghouri, a historic caravanserai built at the command of Sultan Qunsuwah el Ghouri, served as one of the many parking, resting, and traffic hubs for the numerous traders that rode the fabled commercial caravans, which occasionally crossed entire continents. It is situated in Al Azhar, a neighbourhood next to the well-known Khan el Khalili market and home to other important cultural institutions, including Beit el Harawi, Beit el Seheimy, and El Tannoura Performance.



A massive doorway that is ornately embellished with a trilobed groyne vault, stone-carved muqarnas, marble mosaics, and alternate coloured stone serves as the entrance's marker.


The Sultan's mausoleum, a khanqah, a sabil, and a kuttab are located on the complex's eastern side, and a mosque and madrasa are located on its western side. The mosque-madrasa is still operating today as a mosque, and the khanqah-mausoleum is a public historic site.


Today, this wikala is regarded as an on-site museum for the art of mashrabiyya since it is home to 29 of the best examples of these turned-wood lattice window-screens, which together with stone make up the foundation of the structure's architectural design. In reality, the wikala provides a unique illustration of Mamluk mashrabiyya in the context of the structure for which they were created.


The structure has recently undergone renovations by the Ministry of Culture to become a centre for the preservation of traditional handicrafts, particularly the skill of wood turning and coloured glass stucco. Along with the other craftspeople, the centre also contains the studios of contemporary artists, whose presence aids in the efforts of site continuity and preservation as well as the aesthetic and cultural fusion of the old and modern.


With pre-booked entrance tickets to the Al-Tannoura Egyptian Heritage Dance Show, you can also enjoy an enlightening and hassle-free evening of cultural performance from the only Sufi dance troupe in Egypt, incorporating native movements and traditional music.

Address of Wekalet El Ghouri Arts Centre

3 Mohamed Abdo St, Cairo 11511 Egypt

Opening & Closing time of Wekalet El Ghouri Arts Centre

  • Monday
    10:00-22:00
  • Tuesday
    10:00-22:00
  • Wednesday
    10:00-22:00
  • Thursday
    Closed
  • Friday
    Closed
  • Saturday
    10:00-22:00
  • Sunday
    10:00-22:00
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Wekalet El Ghouri Arts Centre

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