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Historic house · Ottoman
Bayt Al-Sinnari
An Ottoman house tied to Description de l’Égypte
In Monge Lane near Sayyida Zeinab, Bayt al-Sinnari preserves a late-eighteenth-century Cairene house, made especially important by its association with members of the French expedition’s Commission of Sciences and Arts.
About this place
Ibrahim Katkhuda al-Sinnari built the house in the late eighteenth century, and it is an important example of Ottoman domestic architecture in Cairo. During the French expedition, members of the Commission of Sciences and Arts—especially artists and engineers—used the building. Today the Bibliotheca Alexandrina operates it as a cultural centre.
It is not a conventional museum with an identical daily programme; much of its current life comes from workshops, talks and performances. Check the programme before visiting.
A relatively intimate house brings together three stories: Ottoman Cairo, the French expedition and an active contemporary cultural programme.
Visitor information
- Opening hours
- Sunday — 09:00 – 17:00
Monday — 09:00 – 17:00
Tuesday — 09:00 – 17:00
Wednesday — 09:00 – 17:00
Thursday — 09:00 – 17:00 - Amenities
- Toilets
| Tickets | Price | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Egyptian | 0 | 2026-09-06 |
| Egyptian student | 0 | 2026-09-06 |
| Foreign | 0 | 2026-09-06 |
| Foreign student | 0 | 2026-09-06 |
Highlights
- The courtyard, mashrabiyyas and Ottoman domestic architecture
- The connection to the scientific commission and Description de l’Égypte
- Current talks, workshops and cultural performances
Tips from the visit
- Check the Sinnari House/Bibliotheca Alexandrina programme before going.
- Official working hours are Sunday–Thursday, 9–5, but events can run in evenings or weekends.
- Combine it with Sayyida Zeinab or Ibn Tulun.
Worth knowing
- Office hours do not guarantee that every part of the house is open for free wandering; access varies with events and installations.
- Some workshops and events require registration or separate fees.
Location & getting there
Monge Lane, Sayyida Zeinab, Cairo
Nearest landmark: مسجد السيدة زينب
Nearest metro: السيدة زينب
From Sayyida Zeinab metro station, head toward Monge Lane near the mosque; the final section is easy on foot or by a short taxi.
30.0325, 31.2494
Open in Google Maps ↗Nearby
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