Darb 1718 Art and Culture Center
Kasr El Shamaa Street, behind the Hanging Church
About
Darb 1718 is an active contemporary art and culture centre located in Old Cairo. It's a non-profit organization that aims to support and promote Cairo's art scene by showcasing the work of unknown and up-and-coming local artists, as well as better known regional and international artists. As well as art exhibitions in different media, Darb 1718 plays host to concerts, dance recitals and other performing arts, and sometimes shows films. They also put on workshops and other educational programs, and host events such as debates. Darb 1718 is a peaceful space set around a sweet courtyard, with a number of indoor and outdoor exhibition areas, a garden, and a nice rooftop to chill on. It can be kind of tricky to find, though everyone in the area knows it so you can always ask directions. The best way to get to Darb 1718 is to take the metro to Mar Girgis, turn right out of the station and walk past the Hanging Church, then turn left at the police checkpoint. The road forks in two, but keep going straight ahead and uphill. After a few hundred meters it's down an alleyway on your right. Opening times are Saturday to Wednesday 10 am to 10 pm, Friday 4 pm to 10 pm, and Thursday off. The best way to find out what's happening at Darb 1718 is to check their website.
