» The Egyptian Museum, قسم قصر النيل, Wasim Hasan, El-Tahrir Square, 4272083, Egypt
The Egyptian Museum in Cairo is one of Egypt’s most significant cultural attractions and an absolute must-see for anyone wanting to discover the fascinating world of the Pharaohs. With its impressive collection of artifacts documenting Egypt’s rich history, the museum offers a unique insight into the life and culture of ancient Egypt.
The museum was opened in 1902 and since then houses one of the largest collections of Egyptian art and artifacts in the world. The impressive neoclassical building was designed by the French architect Marcel Dourgnon and is located in the heart of Cairo, near Tahrir Square.
Collections and Exhibitions
The museum houses over 120,000 objects covering various periods of Egyptian history, from prehistoric times to the Greco-Roman era. Among the most notable exhibitions are the royal mummies, such as those of Ramses II, Thutmose III, and Hatshepsut, as well as the treasure of Tutankhamun and a spectacular collection of over 5,000 objects found in the tomb of the young Pharaoh. Furthermore, the museum has a variety of sculptures depicting Pharaohs, gods, and significant personalities from Egyptian history, along with an impressive collection of jewelry and amulets made of gold, silver, and precious stones, offering unique insights into the art and craft of ancient Egypt.
Highlights and Special Exhibits
Some of the key highlights of the Egyptian Museum in Cairo are the golden death mask of Tutankhamun, one of the most famous and valuable artifacts in the world, made from 11 kilograms of pure gold, the granite sarcophagus of Ramses III, an impressive example of ancient Egyptian stonemasonry, and the Narmer Palette, one of the oldest Egyptian artworks depicting the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt under King Narmer.
Events and Programs
The Egyptian Museum in Cairo also offers a variety of events and programs that celebrate Egypt’s cultural heritage and provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the history and significance of the exhibited objects. These include lectures by experts, temporary special exhibitions, workshops for children and adults, as well as special festivals and celebrations taking place throughout the year.
Admission and Prices
The Egyptian Museum in Cairo is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, with extended opening hours until 9 pm on Thursdays and Saturdays. The admission price for international visitors is 200 Egyptian pounds (EGP) for adults and 100 EGP for students. Tours are available in various languages and can be booked on-site or online.
Planned Relocation and New Building in Giza
The Egyptian Museum in Cairo will undergo a significant change in the coming years as a large part of the collection is set to move to the newly built Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Giza. The GEM, located in close proximity to the world-famous Pyramids of Giza, is being built on a site of around 50 hectares and aims to be one of the largest and most modern museums in the world. With the relocation of the collection, the Egyptian government hopes to improve the presentation of the precious artifacts and simultaneously promote tourism in the region. The Grand Egyptian Museum is set to open in 2023 and is expected to usher in a new era of Egyptian museum landscape. While the Egyptian Museum in Cairo will continue to play a key role in preserving and presenting Egyptian history, the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza promises to carry the country’s heritage into the future in an impressive and innovative way.