The Centre of Art and Life was first established in 1969 at the Palace of Manasterly in Manial Roda, Cairo under the supervision of great artist Hamed Said. In 1990 the Centre was moved to Sabil (public water fountain) Om Abbas in Khalifa district in Cairo. Sabil Om Abbas, which was named the mother of Khedive Abbas, was built in the style of Islamic architecture during the Ottoman ruling in the 19th century.
The Centre was basically recommended to explore the roots of the Egyptian identity on the one hand and enhance the interaction of art and local environment on the other. Moreover, the Centre was designed to help preserve the unique techniques, styles and characteristics of Egyptian crafts and artistic heritage, whether those produced by the ancient Egyptian craftspeople, the Coptic or Muslims. The Centre also supervises researches into the aesthetics of urban heritage within contemporary vision. It also gives special attention to glassworks, printmaking, batik, art education, embroidery and traditional costumes. For instance, researches conducted by the Centre are interested in glasswork under Pharoanic dynasties and Islam; Arabic calligraphy, and glassworks with lead inlay. Printmaking department conducts researches seeking to produce a modern vision of Pharaonic and Islamic decorative covers. The textile department produces embroidered galabiyya, bags and sacks. The art education department supervises activities sought to produce ornamented leather and blouses in the Islamic style. The department of traditional costume is recommended to preserve heritage of traditional costumes, which are closely associated with Egyptian environment in Siwa Oases, Sinai and Mersa Matro