&nbsp;By: Yomna Walid
The Farouk Hosny Museum officially opened in Cairo&rsquo;s Zamalek district in January 2026, marking a major moment for Egypt&rsquo;s contemporary art scene. Dedicated to the work of abstract painter and former Minister of Culture Farouk Hosny, the museum also aims to support emerging artists through exhibitions, awards and cultural programmes.
The opening coincided with the Youth Group Exhibition and the 7th Farouk Hosny Foundation Art Awards ceremony, during which veteran actor Yehia El-Fakharany received the Merit Award in recognition of his lifelong contribution to Egyptian and Arab culture.
The event included classical music, a documentary screening, and prize distribution. The exhibition runs until February 19, 2026.
The museum is more than a gallery; it is a cultural hub, displaying Hosny&rsquo;s works alongside Egyptian and international masters such as Antoni T&agrave;pies, Georges de Chirico, Mahmoud Mokhtar, Mahmoud Said, Adam Henein, and Seif Wanly. It also features a specialized library, music library, and media room, offering visitors a complete cultural experience.
NileFM spoke to Ihab Mustafa, General Manager of the Farouk Hosny Foundation, about the significance of the museum&rsquo;s opening and the decision to honour El-Fakharany.
When did the Farouk Hosny exhibition start, and what was the idea behind it? The Farouk Hosny exhibition began as part of the Arts Awards, launched by the foundation in 2019. From the outset, the goal was to create a real, professional space to showcase young artists&rsquo; work, placing it in a serious artistic context with institutional evaluation. It was designed to move away from traditional exhibitions and serve as a natural extension of the foundation&rsquo;s philosophy in supporting contemporary creativity.
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What makes this exhibition different from other art shows in Egypt? What sets this exhibition apart is that it is part of a complete system: a competition, specialized judging, an exhibition, dialogue events, and an awards ceremony. It is not just a display of works but an interactive platform that brings together young artists, judges, critics, and audiences in a live artistic dialogue. Additionally, the exhibition is held under the patronage of the Ministry of Culture at the Gezira Arts Center, giving it institutional and professional weight.
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How is the exhibition a real stepping stone for young artists? The exhibition goes beyond merely providing display opportunities; it gives young artists real institutional recognition. From pre-selection and evaluation by high-level judging panels to participation in a group exhibition organized by a major foundation, this process forms a responsible and genuine launch point for an artist&rsquo;s professional career.
Tell us more about the Merit Award named after Yehia El-Fakharany. What is its value, and how is it awarded? The Merit Award was launched in 2022 as an honorary award granted to individuals who have made a deep and lasting impact on cultural and artistic life. It is based on overall achievement and cultural influence, not on a specific work, and includes a monetary prize and a commemorative shield. Choosing Yehia El-Fakharany for the 7th edition in 2026 reflects appreciation for his exceptional artistic career and his influential role in advancing Arab artistic taste. He is regarded as a model of a committed, professional, and culturally responsible artist.
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What surprised you most about the level or ideas of the participants? What stood out was the artistic awareness and intellectual boldness of many participants, especially in how they tackled contemporary issues using unconventional media and methods. The geographic diversity was also surprising and positive, demonstrating that the art movement is not confined to the capital.
In your opinion, what role do art exhibitions play today in supporting the fine arts scene in Egypt? Exhibitions have become essential platforms for discovering new trends and creating direct interaction between artists and the audience. Their role is no longer merely presentational but also documentary and critical, especially when accompanied by discussions and workshops that open spaces for understanding and reflection.
The museum houses works covering different stages of Farouk Hosny&rsquo;s journey, how does the visitor experience this journey? Visitors experience a simultaneous visual and temporal journey. The works are arranged to allow tracing Hosny&rsquo;s aesthetic and intellectual transformations from his early works to his most mature and experimental phases, providing a comprehensive reading of a long and multifaceted artistic path.
The museum is more than just a display of paintings; how important was it for it to be a full cultural experience? It was very important. The concept of the museum is that art is inseparable from knowledge, sound, and visual experience. The presence of a specialized library, music library, and media room transforms the visit from mere viewing into a full cultural experience that engages both the mind and the senses.
What is the main message you want visitors to take away? That art is a sustainable human value and that the creative experience is an ongoing journey of reflection and renewal, not just a final product. Additionally, culture should be a space for dialogue, not a closed authority.
What does opening a museum for an artist of Farouk Hosny&rsquo;s stature add to the cultural scene? It provides a rare model of a living museum for a contemporary artist. It helps preserve artistic memory, creates a visual and educational reference for new generations, and enhances the status of fine arts within Egypt&rsquo;s broader cultural landscape.
What was the biggest challenge in attracting young people? The main challenge was breaking the psychological barrier between youth and cultural institutions. We focused on making the approach open, opportunities real, and standards clear and impartial, without complications or exclusion.
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Did you use a visual language to make art more accessible to the new generation? Yes, in the way works are displayed, the visual identity, and even in the accompanying discussions. We aimed to make the language contemporary without losing its depth and aligned with the ideas of the younger generation.
How does the exhibition create dialogue between different generations? By bringing together young artists, established figures in the arts, judging panels, and workshops, the exhibition opens direct discussions about artistic experience and vision. It turns the display into a space for communication and knowledge exchange, not just passive viewing.
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Launched in 2019, the Awards nurture young Egyptian artists at the start of their careers. This year saw 2,354 submissions from 1,211 participants across various governorates, with total prizes of EGP 1 million. Winners are selected by expert panels based on creativity, uniqueness, and excellence.
Under the Ministry of Culture&rsquo;s patronage, Minister Dr. Ahmed Fouad Hano and Farouk Hosny inaugurated the Youth Group Exhibition at the Gezira Arts Center.
Photo Credit: Ministry of Culture&rsquo;s official page
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