Art Cairo 2026 returns to the Grand Egyptian Museum
From 22 to 26 January 2026, Art Cairo returns for its seventh edition, taking place once again at the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), a setting that has become synonymous with the fair’s growing cultural stature. This year’s edition opens with an exclusive VIP preview on 22 January, before welcoming the public for five days of exhibitions, talks and regional showcases.
Under the annual theme Arab. Art. Here, Art Cairo 2026 celebrates Arabic language as a living art form, inspired by the words of poet Mahmoud Darwish, “This is my language, my miracle, my magic wand”. The theme explores the poetic power of words and their ability to translate feeling, memory and imagination into art.
Now in its fourth year at the Grand Egyptian Museum, Art Cairo continues to flourish within one of the world’s most iconic cultural spaces. The museum, which officially opened on 1 November 2025, stands as the largest institution dedicated to a single civilisation, an architectural and cultural milestone that embodies Egypt’s renewed global presence. For Art Cairo, hosting its new edition in this landmark venue marks both continuity and evolution, a dialogue between the ancient and the contemporary, between Egypt’s past and its creative future.
“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.”, says Mohammed Younis, Founder and Director of Art Cairo.
This year’s edition will bring together leading galleries from across the Arab world and beyond, including returning names from Lebanon, Jordan and Egypt, as well as new participants from Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Turkey, Senegal and Nigeria. Art Cairo 2026 will also pay tribute to Guirguis Lotfi, honouring his lifetime contribution to Egyptian art and his enduring influence on generations of painters.
Following a record-breaking 2025 edition that drew over 15,000 visitors and achieved USD 1.2 million in sales, Art Cairo’s return signals a maturing market and a confident new era for the region’s creative landscape.
Visit: artcairo.com
Mariam Khawer is a Dubai-based writer and PR professional whose work spans food, art, and travel across the region. When she isn’t chasing deadlines, she’s likely at a gallery opening, testing out a new restaurant, piecing together one of her mixed-media art projects or at home with her four cats, who keep her on her toes.
