Prince Mohammad Ali Palace in Manial, Museum of Islamic Art celebrate their 117th anniversary on December 24, 28

CAIRO – 23 December 2020: To celebrate the 117th anniversary of Prince Mohammad Ali's Palace in Manial, Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Khaled el-Enany, is granting Egyptians free entry to the palace on December 24.

He is also granting Egyptians free entry to the Museum of Islamic Art in Cairo on December 28, on the occasion of the 117th anniversary of the museum’s opening.

Photo via Egypt's Min. of Tourism & Antiquities

A number of archaeologists will be present to explain the artifacts to visitors. All hygiene safety and  precautionary measures will be implemented.

Photo via Egypt's Min. of Tourism & Antiquities

This comes as part of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities’ efforts in promoting domestic tourism and encourage Egyptians to visit museums and archaeological sites, and raise tourism and archaeological awareness.

Director of Manial Palace Walaa Badawi said that on the occasion of the 117th anniversary of the inauguration of the Palace, an art exhibition of oil paintings will be held in the main hall, highlighting the 40 years it took to construct the palace.

Prince Mohammad Ali Tawfik established this palace as a revival of and reverence for Islamic arts, according to what is written on the founding text of the palace above the main entrance.

Photo via Egypt's Min. of Tourism & Antiquities

Prince Mohammad Ali was also known for collecting antiques and valuable collectibles, and he had an eye for such artifacts.

He had a team whose mission was to always search for rare artifacts and bring them to the prince to display them in his palace and museum of Al Manial.

The prince was characterized by being knowledgeable, lover of science, so he was famous throughout his life for his travels and trips around the Arab world and Europe as a researcher . He died in 1955 AD.