Art Cairo 2026: A Celebration of Arab Creativity and Cultural Heritage

Held under the theme “Arab. Art. Here.”, this year’s edition draws inspiration from the words of renowned Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish: “This is my language, my miracle, my magic wand.” The theme underscores the Arabic language as a living, expressive art form — one that bridges history, identity, and innovation. Through this lens, Art Cairo 2026 aims to explore how language, memory, and visual expression intersect across generations of Arab artists.

Returning to the Grand Egyptian Museum for the fourth consecutive year, Art Cairo continues to thrive at the crossroads of heritage and modern creativity. The GEM, which officially opened on 1 November 2025, stands as the world’s largest museum dedicated to a single civilization, housing Egypt’s unparalleled collection of ancient treasures. Hosting Art Cairo within its monumental halls not only highlights Egypt’s deep cultural legacy but also reinforces the nation’s position as a dynamic center for regional art and creative exchange.

Mohammed Younis, Founder and Director of Art Cairo, commented:

“We are delighted to welcome back Art Cairo for its seventh edition, building on the growing success of previous years. This fair was created as a platform for Arab artists and galleries to thrive, and to offer a space that feels accessible and inspiring to everyone — from loyal and young collectors to visitors who simply love to experience art. Our mission has always been to nurture the regional art ecosystem and continue shaping a homegrown dialogue around creativity and culture.”

This year’s fair will feature an impressive lineup of leading galleries from across the Arab world and beyond, including returning participants from Lebanon, Jordan, and Egypt, as well as new exhibitors from Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Turkey, Senegal, and Nigeria.

Art Cairo 2026 will also pay special tribute to Guirguis Lotfi, honoring his lifetime contribution to Egypt’s artistic heritage and his lasting impact on contemporary visual culture.

The previous edition of Art Cairo attracted over 15,000 visitors and achieved sales exceeding USD 1.2 million, establishing it as one of the most influential events in the Middle East’s art market.

With its compelling blend of heritage, innovation, and Arab creativity, Art Cairo 2026 promises to once again redefine the region’s cultural landscape — where tradition meets modernity within the awe-inspiring setting of one of the world’s most iconic museums.