Born in Alexandria on April 8, 1897 to a wealthy family, Mahmoud Said obtained his high school degree in 1915 . At the time, he was already famous among his colleagues as a talented painter. He studied under the supervision of artist Zanieri at his studio in Alexandria between 1915 and 1918.

In 1919, Mahmoud Said received his bachelor degree in law. He went to Paris for post-graduate studies in law and spent three years there during which he also joined the free studies department at the Grand Chombere Academy. He visited many European museums, Van Gogh’s Gallery and the Paris-based Julian Academy.

In 1947, Said retired and dedicated himself to his art. He was the first Egyptian artist awarded the State Prize for Arts. Said died on his 67th birthday in 1964, at the family’s villa in Alexandria.

After his death, the villa was turned into a museum housing the artist’s paintings.