Old Egyptian Museum
Nestled in the heart of Cairo, the Egyptian Museum (officially called the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities) is a gateway into the ancient world, housing a collection of artifacts that span over 5,000 years of Egyptian history. The museum’s vast halls are brimming with treasures, from the golden mask of Tutankhamun to the intricately designed statues of ancient gods. Visiting this museum is like stepping into an artist’s gallery of Egypt’s most influential rulers, priests, and pharaohs.
The Egyptian Museum was inaugurated in 1902 and is located in Tahrir Square, a central area of Cairo. This museum is one of the largest and most significant collections of ancient Egyptian antiquities in the world. Its history is tied to the dawn of modern archaeology in Egypt, beginning with early excavations in the late 19th century, and it showcases some of the most spectacular finds from Egypt’s dynastic past.
The museum is most famous for its collection of Tutankhamun’s treasures, including his famous golden burial mask, which was uncovered by Howard Carter in 1922. The discovery of King Tut’s tomb marked a pivotal moment in Egyptology, and many of the items from the tomb can still be seen in the museum today. Over the years, the museum has hosted a wide range of archeological artifacts, some of which have sparked controversy and mystery, from the Rosetta Stone (now housed in the British Museum) to the Zahi Hawass’ discovery of mummies in recent years.
A Full Day Exploring the Egyptian Museum
You can spend an entire day immersed in the splendor of ancient Egypt inside this museum. Here’s a thoughtfully curated itinerary to ensure you experience the most iconic exhibits while taking in the fascinating history and art.
Morning: Arrival & First Exploration (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM)
Start at the Entrance (9:00 AM - 9:30 AM) As you enter the museum, be prepared to be awed by the grandeur of the building and the sheer volume of artifacts. The museum’s main hall houses an impressive range of statues, mummies, and sarcophagi. The Tutankhamun collection is located at the far end of the main hall.
Tutankhamun Exhibit (9:30 AM - 10:45 AM) The undisputed highlight of the museum is the Tutankhamun collection. After entering the hall, take your time to marvel at the famous golden mask, which is one of the most iconic images of ancient Egypt. The artifacts from his tomb offer a rare glimpse into the treasures of a royal tomb, from the intricate jewelry to the golden chests and statues.
Notable Artifacts: The golden mask, death mask, throne of Tutankhamun, and his royal chariot.
Fun Fact: The mask is crafted from solid gold and weighs around 11 kilograms. It’s said that Howard Carter had to fight off rumors and skepticism about the discovery, as many believed the tomb was too insignificant to hold treasures of such magnitude.
Royal Mummies Hall (10:45 AM - 11:30 AM) Located on the second floor, the Royal Mummies Hall features a number of mummies from Egypt’s most famous pharaohs. Here, you can see the mummified remains of Ramses II, Seti I, and Hatshepsut, along with other royal figures. The sight of these ancient remains offers a fascinating glimpse into the embalming techniques and funeral rituals that the Egyptians perfected over thousands of years.
Historical Insight: These royal mummies give us a rare insight into the lives of Egypt’s rulers, their health, and even their possible causes of death. For instance, it is speculated that Ramses II lived to be 90 years old, making him one of Egypt’s longest-living rulers.
Lunch Break (12:00 PM - 1:30 PM)
After a morning of history, it’s time to refuel with a delicious Egyptian meal. Nearby the museum, you’ll find a variety of local restaurants serving traditional Egyptian dishes.
Abu Tarek (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM) This famous local restaurant specializes in koshari, an iconic Egyptian dish made with lentils, rice, pasta, and crispy fried onions, topped with a rich tomato sauce. It's a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
Address: 1, Abdel Khalek Tharwat St, Downtown Cairo.
Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM.
Average Price: 40 EGP (2.20 euros) per person.
Afternoon: Continued Exploration (1:30 PM - 4:30 PM)
The Pre-Dynastic Period and Old Kingdom Art (1:30 PM - 2:30 PM) Head back to the main hall to explore the Pre-Dynastic and Old Kingdom exhibits, which display early Egyptian art, including pottery, tools, and sculptures. The Palette of Narmer, thought to depict the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt, is one of the most famous items here.
Historical Insight: The Palette of Narmer is one of the oldest surviving examples of Egyptian art, showcasing the first historical representation of Egypt’s dual kingdom.
Middle and New Kingdom Art (2:30 PM - 3:30 PM) Moving into the Middle Kingdom, this section highlights the changes in Egyptian art, reflecting the growing sophistication of the ancient civilization. Look out for the large statue of Amenemhat II, and the reliefs depicting King Mentuhotep II.
Fun Fact: The Middle Kingdom is sometimes referred to as the “classical age” of Egyptian art because it marked the development of a more refined style of sculpture and painting.
The Amarna Period (3:30 PM - 4:30 PM) Finally, the Amarna Period exhibit showcases the dramatic shift in art and religion during the reign of Akhenaten and his queen, Nefertiti. This period is famous for the shift from the traditional Egyptian gods to the worship of the sun god, Aton. The bust of Nefertiti is one of the most famous works in the museum.
Optional: A Final Stop at the Museum Shop (4:30 PM - 5:00 PM)
Before you leave, don’t forget to stop by the museum’s gift shop for a memento of your visit. Here you can find replicas of the golden treasures of Tutankhamun, books on Egyptology, and other unique souvenirs.
Logistics and Practical Information
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM (closed on Mondays).
Entry Fee: 200 EGP (11 euros) for general admission. Additional fees for the Royal Mummies Room and special exhibits.
Website: Egyptian Museum Official Website
Transport Options
Public Transport: The museum is centrally located in Tahrir Square, easily accessible by Cairo Metro (Sadat Station). Buses and taxis also frequently pass through Tahrir Square.
Taxis or Uber: For convenience, you can take a taxi or an Uber from most areas of Cairo. It will cost around 50 EGP (2.75 euros) to 100 EGP (5.50 euros) from most parts of the city.
Combination Pass Advice
To save on tickets and transportation costs, consider purchasing the Cairo Pass, which grants access to several major archaeological sites and museums in Cairo, including the Egyptian Museum, the Pyramids of Giza, and the Citadel. The pass is available for 1, 3, or 7 days, and the prices start at 300 EGP (16.50 euros). You can purchase the pass at the museum or online.
Conclusion
A visit to the Egyptian Museum is a deep dive into the heart of ancient Egypt, offering a captivating mix of history, art, and culture. Whether you are fascinated by the famous treasures of Tutankhamun or intrigued by the art and architecture of Egypt’s Old and New Kingdoms, this museum is a treasure trove of stories that will stay with you long after your visit.