Egyptian Museum: the Largest Collection of Ancient Egyptian Artifacts in the World.

What is the Egyptian Museum?

Also known as Museum of Antiquities, it is one of the main highlights of Egypt tours. The museum carries items from Ancient Egypt that span from the Pharaonic to the Greek-Roman periods.

The collection is so large that all of the items cannot be displayed at the time and the construction of a new museum is already solving this problem.

Where is the Egyptian Museum located?

It is located in the heart of the capital of Egypt, Cairo. Its location is very central, in the middle of Tahir Square in Downtown Cairo. Visitors can opt to go by car or subway (exit at Sadat station).

The opening hours are from 9am to 7pm from Monday to Wednesday, from 9am to 9pm on Sundays and Thursdays, and from 9am to 4pm on Fridays and Saturdays. The Opening hours may be affected during the month of Ramadan.

What is the history of the Egyptian Museum?

The Egyptian Museum in Cairo was built as a space to store the increasing number of Ancient Egypt artefacts that were being discovered during excavations. The Egyptian government decided it was time for all these objects to be exhibited to the world.

The Antiquities Service was established in 1835; however, it was only in 1900 that the pieces were finally relocated to the museum in Tahir Square which was built by the French architect Marcel Dourgnon.

King Tutankhamen's Treasure Room in the Egyptian Museum

More than 3,500 objects were uncovered in Tutankhamen's tomb, including the famous solid gold death mask that weighs a whopping 11kg. Therefore, the museum decided to create a room dedicated only to the king's treasures.

The tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamen is special as the only burial chamber found almost completely intact in the Valley of the Kings, in 1922. Many other items, such as hundreds of pots and vases, jewellery and a chariot were unearthed from the tomb.

King Tutankhamen's Treasure Room in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo displayed the most valuable pieces for decades.

The Mummy Room in the Egyptian Museum

The Mummies Room in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo has 11 mummies on display. In the past it carried 27. Although a small enclave, this collection features well-preserved mummies on display, which astonish many tourists who are amazed that these 3000 year old mummies still have visible hair and polish nail.

Tips before visiting the Egyptian Museum?

The Egyptian Museum in Cairo is split into two floors and there much to see. For those want to see everything with ample time, it is better to plan your visit and go as early as possible to spend the entire day there.

Visitor will notices that many items are missing though. This is due to the upcoming launch of the Great Egyptian Museum, located next to the Giza Pyramids. Many of the pieces have already been transferred to their new home. Nevertheless, the Egyptian Museum is still worth a visit.

Ground floor

Atrium, Ancient Dynasties, Ancient Empire, Montuhotep II, Sphinxes, Hathor, Royal Tombs of Tanis, Amarna, Ramses II and Greco-Roman Period.

First floor

Royal Mummies, Tutankhamen's Treasure Room, Ancient Egyptian Jewels, Royal Tombs of Tanis, Portraits of Mummies from the Greco-Roman Era, Pharaonic Objects, Yuya and Thuyu, Animal Mummies, Models of the Pharaonic Armies and the Middle Kingdom.

Will the Egyptian Museum close after the Great Egyptian Museum opening?

The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is a museum that is being built to be the new home of thousands of The new museum is a mega production that promises to offer tourists a comprehensive and exciting experience.

It will feature interactive movie theatres, an archaeological research Centre, among other facilities. The new King Tutankhamen's Treasure Room, for example, will be house up to 4,000 objects.

The works began in 2012 and the opening is expected to open sometimes later this year; however, the opening date continues to be postponed. While we are waiting, the Egyptian Museum is still available for visitation.