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The Egyptian Museum is located right in the middle of Cairo, and its entrance is facing Tahrir Square; it is one of the most extraordinary museums worldwide. The magnificent pink-colored building has been the home of incredible Pharaohs artifacts for the last 100 years, to be precise, the largest collection on Earth.
Going to the Egyptian Museum is just like going back to ancient times. The halls, statues, and relics all speak of the gods, the kings, and the common folk in Egypt. This museum is simply the best touristic experience you will have if you are a history buff or just a curious traveler as it will lead you very close to the heart of Egypt.
A Glimpse Into History: The Story of the Museum
Opened in 1902, the Egyptian Museum was designed by a French architect named Marcel Dourgnon, and it became one of the first museums in the Middle East that was completely devoted to the study of ancient history.
For a number of years, the museum ran as the main repository of Egyptian archaeological finds — keeping safe more than 120,000 objects that came from various Egypt’s historical periods from Predynastic to Greco-Roman times.
Even so, the Tahrir location is still a cultural landmark and a must-see spot in Cairo despite the fact that part of the collection is being relocated to the new Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza gradually.
Must-See Exhibits at the Egyptian Museum
The museum is full of stunning pieces, however, there are still some main attractions you should see:
Tutankhamun’s Treasures:
The golden mask of the young king is the most important piece of the museum. Together with it are his jewels, chariots, divine, and personal items, all of which have been excellently preserved for over 3,000 years.
Royal Mummies Room:
The hall is of special significance because it is the resting place for the mummified remains of the greatest pharaohs of Egypt — Ramses II, Seti I, and Hatshepsut — among others. It is a lifetime chance to get so close to these ancient leaders.
Statues of Akhenaten and Nefertiti:
The enchanting images exemplify one of the most interesting periods of Egypt’s history — when Akhenaten, the sun-disk god, firmly established the worship of a single god.
The Narmer Palette:
Dating back to the earliest days of the Egyptian nation, this item shows the merger of Upper and Lower Egypt by King Narmer and thus the birth of ancient Egyptian civilization.
Museum Layout Orientation
The Egyptian Museum is housed in a two-story building where visitors can enjoy two different time travels:
Ground Floor: The Old Kingdom and Middle Kingdom are the main themes of this floor, featuring it with gigantic statues, the mummies' coffin, and daily use utensils that tell how Egyptians lived, worked, and prayed, how they conducted their social interactions, etc.
Upper Floor: The artifacts of the New Kingdom and Tutankhamun Collection are present along with the rooms that display papyrus scrolls, jewelry, and embalming techniques' tools.
It is highly recommended to hire a licensed Egyptologist guide for your stay as they enliven each artifact with captivating anecdotes and insights.
Egyptian Museum Visiting Tips
Tips for Visiting the Egyptian Museum
Place: Tahrir Square, Downtown Cairo
Opening Hours: Every day from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Tickets: General admission + separate ticket for the Royal Mummies Room
Photography: Permitted in most parts (restricted rooms are the only ones off-limits)
Suggested Duration of Visit: 2-3 hours to comfortably cover the main highlights
If you want an even better experience, you can go straight to the morning hours when there will be no crowds and you will feel the tranquillity.
Out of the Museum: Tahrir Square’s Spirit
Post museum visit, take a walk around Tahrir Square, the symbolic center of modern Cairo. Besides the museums, you will find local cafes, shops, and a vibrant urban co-existence that is in stark contrast to the aged marvels witnessed in the museum.
Conclusion: Access to Ancient Egypt
The Egyptian Museum is not only about artifacts but rather the entryway towards human experiences, values, and the glory of one the greatest civilizations of all times, among others. Every corner contains a fragment of history that is now waiting to be 'rediscovered' by travelers. A trip to Cairo, whether it is your first or tenth time, stepping...
