Baron Empain Palace Cairo

Baron Empain's palace, with its Indian style and tower, stands out in the desert landscape, distinct from the rest of the city. The palace reflects the high status of its owner and marks a major milestone in the urban landscape of Heliopolis. Baron Empain's palace is the most prominent of monuments in the capital, its unique and innovative image attracts crowds of pedestrians on the road.

It was founded by Edward Louis Joseph Empain between 1907 and 1911. He was a Belgian businessman who was awarded the title "Baron" by the King of Belgium on account of his economic contributions. The French architect Alexander Marcel was tasked with building this masterpiece.

The interior design of the palace consists of a basement and two floors topped by a roof. The palace is surrounded by a large garden from all sides. As for the basement, it contained a residence for the palace's servants, and consisted of a group of rooms connected by corridors.and doors. The palace building is surrounded by a spiral staircase and an elevator that connects all the palace floors with the basement.

The ground floor consists of a reception room, a dining room, and a billiard room. As for the first floor, it houses four rooms, each with its own balcony and bathroom.  Finally, the roof of the palace comes as an open space on one of the sides of the tower, characteristic of the Baron Palace.

Baron Empain chose the site of Masr al-Gadida at the beginning of the twentieth century in agreement with Boghos Nubar Pasha. Both men agreed that the site was perfect for Baron Empain’s city of dreams, which he sought to build east of Cairo and overlooking the old city, specifically near Matariyya and the ruins of Heliopolis. This vision was one of the most successful architectural executions witnessed by the twentieth century. This vision turned the desert into a lively neighborhood fully furnished with services and encompassing different groups of society.

Heliopolis was also the crucible of several new and innovative architectural styles, which merged the Islamicm Hindu, and European styles. Baron Empain’s palace, constructed in 1911 AD, is a testimony to this diversity, as its French architect, Alexander Marcel, was inspired by Cambodian temples. 

The beautiful city of Heliopolis was designed not only to revive Egypt’s rich Islamic heritage. Rather, Baron Empain and Boghus Nubar had the intention of creating a global, comprehensive city.

Baron Empain's palace, Heliopolis

A unique structure ornamenting the neighbourhood's urban landscape. It is one of the most architecturally exquisite buildings in Egypt, and one of its historical and touristic landmarks. The building's original colour and shine was restored following a complete restoration project. The palace includes an exhibition of a diverse assortment of documentary and archival photographs, plans, and maps of the structure, in addition to information panels narrating the history of Heliopolis across the ages. The panels, which will be complemented by videos and photographs displaying daily urban life in this unique time period,  will also recount the history of several other heritage sites in the area.

FREE ENTRY POLICY 

Free entry for children below 6 years. 

Free entry for Egyptians with special needs. 

Free entry for Egyptians above 60 years. 

Photography with mobile phone is free of charge.