The Egyptian Museum of Cairo, in Tahrir Square, opened in 1902 as the first museum in the Middle East built entirely for Pharaonic antiquities. It holds more than 120,000 artifacts across two floors, including the Tutankhamun Gallery’s treasures and a Royal Mummy Room containing the remains of rulers such as Ramses II and Queen Hatshepsut.
Key Takeaways
- Opened in 1902 in Tahrir Square, the first museum in the Middle East dedicated entirely to Pharaonic antiquities; designed by French architect Marcel Dourgnon in a neoclassical style.
- Houses more than 120,000 artifacts, from massive statues and sarcophagi on the ground floor to jewelry, papyri, and mummies upstairs.
- The Tutankhamun Gallery displays over 5,000 objects recovered from the tomb Howard Carter discovered in 1922, including the golden funerary mask.
- The Royal Mummy Room, which carries a separate admission fee, holds the mummified remains of rulers including Ramses II and Queen Hatshepsut.
- Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with shorter hours on Fridays for prayer times.
History and Architecture
The museum was inaugurated in 1902 after Egypt’s government moved to preserve its archaeological treasures domestically rather than see them taken abroad by foreign collectors. French architect Marcel Dourgnon designed its neoclassical façade, and its collection expanded to cover every era of ancient Egyptian history, from the pre-dynastic period through the Greco-Roman era. It remains a research hub for historians and archaeologists.
What’s on Each Floor
The ground floor holds massive statues, sarcophagi, and architectural elements from temples and tombs. The upper floor holds smaller objects: jewelry, papyri, mummies, and treasures from the Valley of the Kings. The Tutankhamun Gallery, drawn from the tomb discovered in 1922 by Howard Carter, displays the golden mask, chariots, jewelry, and funerary furniture. The Royal Mummy Room holds the mummified remains of rulers including Ramses II and Queen Hatshepsut, viewable for an additional fee.
Gallery Highlights
| Section | What It Features |
|---|---|
| Tutankhamun Collection | Over 5,000 objects from the tomb, including the King Tutankhamun’s Mask |
| Old Kingdom Gallery | Statues such as Khafre Enthroned and the Menkaure Triads |
| Middle Kingdom Section | Refined sculptures and realistic portraits |
| Greco-Roman Artifacts | Egyptian symbolism combined with Hellenistic style |
For a broader view of Egypt’s cultural evolution, some travelers pair this collection with a visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum or the National Museum Of Egyptian Civilization.
Visiting: Hours, Tickets, and Tips
The museum is generally open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with somewhat shorter hours on Fridays due to prayer times. Tickets are purchased at the entrance, with an additional fee for the Royal Mummy Room. Guided tours are available in multiple languages. Photography is permitted but restricted in certain areas — check signage before taking photos — and comfortable shoes are worth wearing given the size of the halls. Most visitors need at least three hours to see the main highlights, and the museum has an on-site café for breaks.
The museum sits in Tahrir Square, reachable from major hotels and from Cairo International Airport.
Nearby Attractions in Cairo
A short trip from the museum leads to the Citadel Of Salah El-Din and its Alabaster Mosque, and to the market at Khan Al-Khalili Cairo and the medieval El Moez Street in Islamic Cairo. Many visitors also combine the museum with the Great Pyramids Of Giza or a trip along the Nile River, and continue on to Luxor City or Aswan City to see the Valley Of The Kings and other temples and tombs.
Tours That Include the Museum
The museum can be booked as part of curated Egypt Tour Packages, an Egypt tour with Nile cruise, a 4 day Egypt tour, a 6 day Egypt tour, or an 8 day Cairo and Nile cruise tour. Options built for families include the Egypt family tour holidays, while travelers wanting more flexibility can look at a luxury Egypt tour package, a private guided tour of Egypt, or a best Egypt itinerary built around the museum as a first stop. An Egypt adventure tour or the broader Egypt Vacation Packages can also fold in a museum day.
Relocation to the Grand Egyptian Museum
As several key artifacts move to the Grand Egyptian Museum near Giza, the original museum in Tahrir Square continues to operate, hosting exhibitions on Egyptian artistry and craftsmanship. Renovation plans aim to preserve its historic building while adding modern visitor and research facilities.
FAQs About the Egyptian Museum of Cairo
Where is the Egyptian Museum located?
The Egyptian Museum of Cairo is located in Tahrir Square, in the heart of Cairo, easily reachable from major hotels and attractions across the city.
What are the museum’s opening hours?
The museum is generally open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, though hours may vary on Fridays and public holidays.
