Art Cairo is back, and it’s bigger, bolder, and more alive than ever. From 23 to 26 January 2026, the Grand Egyptian Museum transforms into a vibrant hub for contemporary Arab art, welcoming galleries, artists, and audiences from across the MENA region and beyond. This year, under the theme “Arab. Art. Here.”, the fair celebrates Arabic as a living, evolving cultural force, inspired by the words of the late poet Mahmoud Darwish: “This is my language, my miracle, my magic wand.”
Rooted in Cairo, Open to the World
Art Cairo holds a singular place in the global art scene: it is the world’s only art fair dedicated exclusively to Arab artists and Egypt’s first international art fair. Bringing together more than 3000 works from across the region, it showcases both established masters and emerging talents, from Cairo to Beirut, Dubai to Amman. The fair is a space where Arab voices take center stage, telling their own stories on their own terms.
Art Meets History
Art Cairo isn’t just an art fair—it’s an experience. Set against the striking backdrop of the Grand Egyptian Museum, the fair creates a dynamic conversation between Egypt’s ancient heritage and modern creativity. This year marks the first edition since the museum’s full public opening, giving the fair a living, breathing cultural context. Curators and artists engage directly with the museum’s architecture and collections, creating a layered experience where the past and present coexist beautifully.
Conversations That Matter
The Hiwar Programme—Arabic for “dialogue”—returns as a cornerstone of the fair. Panels and talks explore everything from the evolving role of galleries and collectors to art’s power in shaping communities. With voices ranging from artists and curators to academics and entrepreneurs, Hiwar encourages debate, reflection, and cross-generational exchange.
Honoring Legacy, Inspiring the Future
Art Cairo also shines a spotlight on artistic legacy. In 2026, Guirguis Lotfi, a master of Egyptian and Arab iconography, is the Guest of Honor, celebrated for his quietly powerful explorations of everyday life. Additionally, the fair stages a solo museum exhibition dedicated to Inji Efflatoun, a pioneering painter and activist, showcasing her lasting impact on Egypt’s cultural and political landscape.
Arab. Art. Here.
The message of Art Cairo 2026 is clear: Arab art is present, vital, and thriving. It is not peripheral or waiting for validation—it exists, asserts itself, and commands attention. From emerging voices to celebrated masters, from vibrant galleries to the world’s largest museum dedicated to a single civilization, Art Cairo is a platform where history, creativity, and cultural dialogue converge. For anyone looking to understand the richness of Arab art today, consider giving Art Cairo a visit.
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