Egypt’s Minister of Culture, Dr. Ahmed Fouad , conducted an inspection tour of the historic Villa Finney building in Alexandria yesterday, as preparations advance to repurpose the site into a center for museum-style exhibitions and artistic showcases. The venue will officially open within five months, according to the Ministry of Culture.
The inspection comes as part of a cooperation protocol between the Ministry of Culture and the National Bank of Egypt (NBE), the building’s current owner. Originally known as Villa Oswald Finney—after the British-Egyptian cotton trader who commissioned its construction in 1907—the architectural gem is considered one of the city’s most valuable heritage properties.
“This building, with its historical value and unique architectural character, will become a cultural and creative platform that reflects the richness and diversity of Egyptian identity,” said Dr. Heny during the visit.
Heritage Restored, Culture Reimagined
Located in the heart of Alexandria, the building was designed by renowned French architect Jean Sayne, and reflects the city’s cosmopolitan legacy. As part of the new vision, the Ministry plans to transform the site into a center for extended exhibitions, curated under the supervision of the Fine Arts Sector, led by Dr. Walid Qannoush.
The venue will feature both permanent and rotating exhibitions. These will include:
- A permanent historical showcase documenting the building’s origins and its early 20th-century social role.
- A year-long curated exhibition of rare artworks from the Ministry’s museums.
- Displays highlighting the contributions of Italian, Greek, and French artists who lived and worked in Alexandria.
- A rotating gallery for contemporary Egyptian artists.
- Rare newspapers, archival documents, and photographs tracing the city’s cultural evolution.
Dr. Ali Said, Director of the Fine Arts Centers, presented a preview of the exhibition strategy, which he described as a “cultural dialogue between Alexandria’s golden past and its renewed role in Egypt’s modern renaissance.”
A Public–Private Cultural Partnership
The transformation of Villa Finney is being carried out in partnership with the National Bank of Egypt, whose engineers and executives accompanied the minister on his tour. The NBE has invested in restoring the building using international standards for heritage preservation, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding Egypt’s cultural assets.
“The project reflects a successful model of public–private partnership in culture,” noted Dr. Heny. “It also supports the state’s broader vision to repurpose heritage buildings as interactive community spaces.”
Cultural Impact and Vision
The Ministry of Culture anticipates the project will significantly enrich Alexandria’s cultural and tourism landscape. By merging heritage preservation with high-caliber visual arts programming, the center aims to re-establish the city as a regional arts hub—a role it famously played during the early 20th century.
Dr. Qannoush outlined a detailed timeline for the project’s completion. It includes coordination with national museums to loan artworks, installation of educational materials, staff training, and a promotional campaign leading to the grand opening. A parallel public program of workshops and interactive events is also in the works.
About the Building
Built in 1907, the property was originally commissioned by Oswald Finney, a British commercial attaché who played a major role in Alexandria’s cotton exchange. Its design, a blend of French neoclassical and Mediterranean elements, has made it an architectural landmark. Today, it is one of the most prized heritage buildings in the NBE’s portfolio.
