Abdeen Palace was built in 1863 on an area of 25-feddan by Egyptian, Italian, French and Turkish architects. It was in 1872 that this luxurious palace became the seat of the government.

In the late eighties, President Mubarak ordered that the palace, one of the most beautiful in the world, be completely restored, to form part of Egypt's heritage. Restoration work took longer than expected as the old palace was badly damaged during the strong 1992 earthquake that hit Egypt.

Abdeen Palace is one of the most famous palaces erected during the reign of Mohamed Ali Pasha's Dynasty, and was the seat of the government between 1872 and 1952. During this eventful period, Abdeen Palace witnessed unforgettable events that undoubtedly affected Egypt's modern and contemporary history.

The palace was built in 1863 under the order of Khedive Ismail, and was named after Abdeen Bay, one of the army commanders under Mohamed Ali Basha. In 1872, Khedive Ismail moved to Abdeen Palace, leaving the castle, the old seat of Egypt's government that was built by Saladdin Al Ayoubi in 1171. Today the Abdeen Palace Museum complex stands as evidence of Egypt's active role over time.

The complex features a military museum displaying all the arms presented as gifts to President Mubarak on various occasions, a museum of ancient weapons and a museum of the medals and orders of merit bestowed on members of Egypt's royal family and eminent Egyptian figures.