Cairo: Islamic Art Museum Reopens

Within a few weeks, The Cairo Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) will reopen after a 7 year renovation project

. It is the largest collection of its kind and features not only Egyptian works but pieces from all over the Middle East. Opened in 1881, the museum at that time had 111 works gathered from across Egypt. Now the collection contains more than 80,000 objects and the newly re-opened museum will have over 1700 pieces on display from Egypt and other countries.

Until its closing in 2003 for the renovation project, the museum was visited by only a few thousand visitors each month and it is hoped that the facelift and publicity will increase tourist attention. The thorough refurbishing should make the museum more appealing to tourists - there is a new library and children's museum, and the lighting and security has been updated to meet modern standards. There is also a new, state-of-the art conservation laboratory on the premises.

The newly remodeled museum is designed to convey the influence of Islamic Art on the world and to show the evolution of Islamic art in Egypt since Islam arrived there in the 7th century. The building that houses the museum was built by an Italian, Alfonso Manescalo, and was opened in 1903. The building has not undergone a complete renovation since its inception and was becoming cluttered and structurally unsound.

It's easy for the tourist to overlook such "recent" historical places of interest in Cairo, since most are drawn to the ancient sites and monuments which are all part of the collective image we have of Egypt. Of course, the first-time tourist should see the Sphinx and the Pyramids, but don't neglect the treasures other not so trammeled sites have to offer. Set in the heart of Cairo, the MIA is a don't miss opportunity for any Cairo visitor.

While in Egypt, you'll want to remain in touch with friends and loved ones back home and you can utilize the services of one of the many telecommunication services that offer cheap calls to Egypt. If someone needs to call Egypt to contact you, they can rest assured that companies like Briing.com can offer cheap rates that won't make them feel as if they have summoned up the Mummy's curse!

Cairo: Islamic Art Museum Reopens

By: Adrian Fisher

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