The Egyptian Museum (Cairo, Egypt)

One of the world’s most important collections of ancient artifacts

Founded in 1857, The Egyptian Museum is home to the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts in the world. Known also as the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, or more simply the Cairo Museum, it contains over 120,000 items inside it's walls. Only a fraction of these will be on display, however, due to space confinements. 

The biggest attraction in the Museum is the Tutankhamun Galleries. Containing the vast treasures of Tutankhamun or "King Tut," this exhibit is a collection of the largest and richest grave goods ever recovered intact in an Egyptian tomb. Recovered in the Valley of the Kings, this collection includes magnificent pieces including Tut's death mask, the pharaoh's lion throne, and his elegant wardrobe collection. 

The museum has two main floors. On the ground floor you will get to observe seemingly countless collections of papyrus and coins. Papyrus, obtained from the pithy stem of water plants, was used in ancient Egypt for many purposes. Most importantly, when observed today, is how Egyptians would make papyrus into sheets and write and paint on them. Numerous languages have been identified on these sheets including Greek, Latin, Arabic, and ancient Egyptian. Coins displayed on the ground floor are made up of a variety of metals. These metals include bronze, silver, and gold. Not only does the collection feature Egyptian coins, but Greek, Roman, and Islamic as well. This shows insight into the history of Ancient Egyptian trade. Among the 40+ rooms on the ground floor, you'll also be exposed to artifacts from the New Kingdom Period (1550-1069 B.C.). You'll get to witness countless artifacts. From statues, to coffins, to boats. 

On the next level (referred to as the first floor), you'll see the artifacts from the final two Egyptian dynasties. Moreover, this floor contains items from the tombs of the famous Pharaohs Thutmosis III, Thutmosis IV, Amenophis II, Hatshepsut, and the courtier Maiherpri, as well as many artifacts from the Valley of the Kings.Two unique rooms house a number of mummies of kings and other royal family members of the New Kingdom. 


Tips 

It is suggested that you go with a guide. The vast amount of artifacts on display have been regarded by some visitors as cluttered and poorly labeled. A good guide not only serves as mind-easing navigation, but will provide more insight on the items you will be observing. 

Some of the rooms, such as "the mummy room," cost an additional charge to enter. The price to enter will be around 30 Egyptian Pounds (about 2 American Dollars). 

There is a heavily enforced "camera fee" for those who wish to take pictures inside the museum. This is approximately 50 Egyptian Pounds (about 5 American Dollars). Some exhibits prohibit photo taking that you must abide by. 

There are no food or drinks sold inside the museum. Drinks need to be brought in on your own accord. 

Why should you go? 

• Witness the largest collection of Ancient Egyptian artifacts in the world.
• See the actual mummies of many famous Egyptian Pharaohs.
• Get a sense of how the ancient civilizations lived, traded, and communicated through a variety of writings and art.

Price (In Egyptian Pounds) 
Adults: 120 
Mummies Room: 150 
Camera Fee: 50 

Hours 
9am-7pm Mon-Wed, to 9pm Sun & Thu, to 4pm Fri & Sat