Art Cairo Returns to the Grand Egyptian Museum for Its Seventh Edition
Art Cairo 2026 brings together the region’s most vibrant artists and galleries once again, celebrating Arab creativity within the walls of one of the world’s most iconic museums
Cairo’s premier international art fair, Art Cairo, is set to return for its seventh edition from 22 to 26 January 2026 at the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), following the museum’s unforgettable re-opening ceremony. The programme begins with an exclusive VIP preview on 22 January before welcoming the wider public.
The 2026 fair unfolds under the annual theme Arab. Art. Here, inspired by the words of Mahmoud Darwish: “This is my language, my miracle, my magic wand.” The theme celebrates the Arabic language as a living art form – a bridge between past and present, and a source of creativity that continues to inspire artists and audiences alike. It reflects the poetic power of words and their ability to translate feeling, memory, and imagination into visual form.
Returning to the GEM for the fourth consecutive year, Art Cairo continues to thrive at the intersection of heritage and contemporary creativity. The museum, which officially opened on 1 November 2025, is the largest in the world dedicated to a single civilization and has quickly become a defining cultural landmark for Egypt. Hosting Art Cairo immediately after the GEM’s grand opening reinforces the fair’s role as a central hub for the region’s art scene, merging one of Egypt’s most important contemporary art moments with its most iconic cultural institution.
Mohammed Younis, Founder and Director of Art Cairo, said: “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.”
Art Cairo 2026 will bring together leading galleries from across the Arab world and beyond. Returning participants include renowned galleries from Lebanon, Jordan, and Egypt, while a diverse selection of regional and international participants will join from Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Turkey, Senegal, and Nigeria.
This edition will also pay tribute to Guirguis Lotfi, celebrating his lifetime contribution to Egypt’s artistic landscape and his lasting influence on contemporary art.
The previous edition of Art Cairo marked a significant milestone, attracting over 15,000visitors across five days at the GEM and generating total sales exceeding USD 1.2 million, cementing the fair’s rising influence in the regional art market.
With its combination of heritage, innovation, and a focus on Arab creativity, Art Cairo 2026 promises to be a highlight of the Middle East’s cultural calendar – a place where tradition and contemporary vision meet in one of the world’s most iconic cultural spaces.
For more information and bookings, please visit artcairo.com.
Images: Supplied