The Egyptian Museum

The Egyptian Museum in Cairo's Tahrir Square is one of the most important in the world, with an engaging trip into the rich history of ancient Egypt. Founded in 1902, it contains over 120,000 artifacts, which include the famous treasures of King Tutankhamun, the royal mummies, and beautifully crafted statues. Being the treasure of Egypt's ancient civilization, this museum will take the visitors far into the art, culture, religion, and daily life of one of the most influential civilizations ever to grace human history. The museum is an iconic Cairo sightseeing destination. It remains a must-visit destination for anyone fascinated by Egypt's legendary past.

Location of the Egyptian Museum

It is situated in Tahrir Square in the heart of Cairo, Egypt. Precisely, it is located at Midan El-Tahrir, Cairo Governorate. The museum is set not very far from the banks of the Nile River and also happens to be among the most striking features of Cairo, hence being easy of access for both citizens and visitors. It stands as a central point for those exploring Egypt's rich historical and cultural heritage, offering proximity to other important attractions within Cairo.

Things to do in the Egyptian Museum

Marvel at the Treasures of King Tutankhamun
The Egyptian Museum in Cairo houses one of the largest collections of treasures relating to King Tutankhamun. Over 5,000 items from the tomb of this young pharaoh are on display in the museum's Tutankhamun Gallery. Among these is the gold mask of Tutankhamun, but don't miss his jewelry, chariots, and the more minor, exquisitely worked pieces that testify to the riches and skill of ancient Egypt. These artifacts offer insight into the life and death of this famous pharaoh.
View the Royal Mummy Room
Perhaps the most intriguing section of this museum is the Royal Mummy Room, in which mummies of several pharaohs are preserved for you to see, such as Ramses II, Seti I, and Hatshepsut. This rare and haunting exhibit brings you face to face with the ancient Egyptian practice of mummification, believed to provide a safe journey into the afterlife. The mummies are kept in climate-controlled glass cases for their protection, while the atmosphere provides a spooky yet educational experience.
Walk Through the Ancient Egyptian History Galleries
The museum has been divided into several thematic galleries, each dealing with a particular period in ancient Egyptian history. The different galleries put on display everything from prehistoric Egypt up to the Greco-Roman period. Take a look at items from everyday life—tools, weapons, furniture, and jewelry—all helping to paint a bright picture of the social and cultural life of ancient Egyptians.
Behold the Colossal Statues
The museum houses an enormous number of gods', pharaohs', and deities' statues, most of which come from different temples and tombs all over Egypt. See the statues of the great Ramses II, one of the most powerful pharaohs of Egypt, and Amenhotep III, along with breathtakingly beautiful representations of gods such as Horus and Sekhmet. These colossal statues are simply amazing and really show the art and respect that the ancient Egyptians had toward their rulers and gods.
The Egyptian Artifacts and the Everyday Life
The vast collection within the museum includes many artifacts relating to the daily life of ancient Egyptians. You can see the tools, clothes, musical instruments, and furniture used by both high-ranking and ordinary people. Other items, such as cosmetic palettes, writing implements, and statuettes, illustrate daily activities and spiritual practices that were at the heart of ancient Egyptian life.
Papyrus Collection
The museum has an impressive display of ancient papyri that are highly valuable for acquiring insight into the writing and documentation of the ancient Egyptians. Most of these papyri contain religious texts, like the Book of the Dead, which guided the dead through the afterlife. Looking at these documents in close-up view gives meaning to the importance of writing in ancient Egypt, using it for everything from administration to spiritual beliefs.
Temporary Exhibitions of the Museum
The Egyptian Museum frequently holds temporary exhibitions centered around one feature of the Egyptian culture or new finds from continuing archaeological digs. Be sure to check out these exhibits that may include anything from unveiling new artifacts to more detailed information on specific pharaohs, gods, and practices. Often, these exhibits show an interactive approach to looking deeper into Egyptology in greater detail.
Take a Guided Tour
To fully appreciate the rich history and context of the museum's vast collection, consider hiring a professional guide. A guide can help you navigate the extensive galleries, explain the historical significance of the artifacts, and provide fascinating insights into ancient Egyptian culture and society. Many guides are also knowledgeable in Egyptology and can answer specific questions you might have about the artifacts.
Shop for Souvenirs
No visit to the Egyptian Museum is complete without visiting its gift shop, with its numerous types of souvenirs available. The museum shop offers a wide variety of items, such as replica statues, jewelry, and books about the history of Ancient Egypt. It's an excellent spot to grab a souvenir or delve deeper into what you see through educational materials.
Admire the Building Architecture
While visiting this museum, don't get too busy to appreciate the architectural aspect of the building itself. The Egyptian Museum was designed by the French architect Marcel Dourgnon and is an outstanding example of neoclassical architecture. The museum's grand columns, intricate stonework, and spacious galleries add to the feeling of wonder as you explore the incredible past of ancient Egypt.
Enjoy the Courtyard of the Museum
Take some time to relax after spending hours of browsing around the galleries within the museum's courtyard. This is a place with many statues and pieces of antiquity around you, and the aura is calm enough for sitting down and reflecting upon what you saw. It's a fantastic area for photography because one gets fantastic shots of the museum in all its neoclassical glory.

The Egyptian museum is the keeper of much history, for it serves as a guide for visitors exploring the great, rich culture of Egypt. More than 120,000 different articles will travel one back from the majesty of the royal tombs to the common items of ages past. Other highlights include the renowned Tutankhamun collection, with its fabulous gold mask and other precious articles, monumental statues, and mummies, plus ornamentation as beautiful and as complex as hand-made jewelry. The museum is an iconic Cairo day tour; it is a must-see on any Egypt package, as it is an experience in itself for anyone who has an interest in ancient civilization. Egypt is home to this all-in-one museum of icons.