The house was used as a filming location for the 1977 James Bond film 'The Spy Who Loved Me'.
Major Gayer-Anderson was a physician and an avid collector of antiquities, which he integrated directly into the house's permanent decor.
Beit al-Kritliya, the primary house, is named after a Cretan woman who once lived there.
The residence features a 'sabils' (public water fountain) integrated into the outer wall, a common philanthropic feature of historic Cairene homes.
Some of the displayed artifacts date back to the Pharaonic era, juxtaposed against Islamic-era woodwork and textiles.
The roof terrace offers an unobstructed view of the spiraling minaret of the Mosque of Ibn Tulun.
The house is constructed partly on top of the ruins of older structures dating back to the Mamluk period.
The Gayer-Anderson Museum is housed within two interconnected 16th and 17th-century Cairene houses, Beit al-Kritliya and Beit Amna bint Salim. Major John Gayer-Anderson, an English officer and collector, resided here during the 1930s and 40s, curating a vast collection of Oriental and Pharaonic antiquities. The interior features elaborate mashrabiya latticework, marble fountains, and stained-glass windows characteristic of Mamluk and Ottoman domestic architecture. It is uniquely attached to the northern wall of the 9th-century Mosque of Ibn Tulun. The museum displays a diverse array of furniture, carpets, and art objects reflecting the lifestyle of wealthy Cairo residents in the late Islamic period. Visitors can explore a series of interconnected rooms, including a formal reception hall, a roof garden, and a private harem section. The building serves as one of the best-preserved examples of residential architecture from the Ottoman era in Cairo.
The roof terrace during the golden hour, looking toward the Mosque of Ibn Tulun minaret.
Bring a camera, as the interplay of light and shadow through the mashrabiya windows is excellent for photography.
Ask staff to point out the 'secret' passageways that allowed residents to move between the two houses discreetly.
Wear comfortable footwear, as the historic stone floors and multi-level design involve climbing many narrow stairs.
Avoid touching the delicate wood carvings and historic fabrics, as many are unshielded by glass barriers.
Modest dress is required; ensure shoulders and knees are covered as this is a historic site in a traditional neighborhood.
