Named after its founder and owner, Abdelmoniem El-Sawy, it is considered one of the most important cultural venues in Egypt[1] and receives more than 20,000 visitors each month.
Prior to its construction, its location, beneath the 15th May Bridge in Zamalek, was a shelter for homeless people and those struggling with addiction.
'The Wheel') written by his father, Abdel Moneim El-Sawy, an Egyptian novelist and a former minister of culture.
[1] It also hosts several seminars, workshops, art exhibitions, book fairs and movie shows.
[1] It is allegedly a non-government controlled private cultural centert and its events are claimed to have more freedom and higher quality than those in government-controlled centers.