Abdeen Palace is a vast royal palace in central Cairo, built in the late 19th century as the principal residence of the khedival and then royal family. After the 1952 revolution ended the monarchy, the palace became state property. Parts of it are now open as museums, including collections of royal silver, weapons, and historical documents.
The palace's most interesting museum section covers the period of the Egyptian revolution and the documents of Egypt's modern political history. The 1942 incident here — when British tanks surrounded the palace and forced King Farouk to submit to British demands — is presented with some care. The palace grounds include formal gardens and the original royal apartments, some of which can be visited. In the evenings, the exterior is attractively lit.