Step into a time capsule of pharaohs and legends, where history and wonder converge at the Egyptian Museum. Explore the past, embrace the present, and unlock the secrets of an ancient world.
Discover the timeless treasures within the hallowed halls of The Egyptian Museum. Unearth the mysteries of a bygone era as history comes to life in every artifact, transporting you to the heart of ancient Egypt’s grandeur. Join us on an extraordinary journey through the ages.
What is the Egyptian Museum?
The Egyptian Museum, known as the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the ancient heritage of Egypt. It is one of the largest and most important museums of its kind in the world. The Museum includes over 170,000 artifacts, ranging from small everyday objects to colossal statues and precious treasures. The Museum’s exhibits span the Pre-Dynastic Period till the Greco-Roman period (5500 BC – 364 AD).
Facade of the Egyptian Museum in Cairo
Where is the Egyptian Museum located?
The Egyptian Museum is located in the heart of Tahrir Square, Cairo City. Its strategic location in the heart of the city makes it easily reachable to both tourists and locals. The Egyptian Museum was erected over an area of 13,600 sq. m, with more than 100 display halls. The Egyptian Museum is a product of a competition launched in 1895 by the Egyptian Government. Thus, it is considered the first national Museum in the Middle East.
Location of The Egyptian Museum’s Location
When was Cairo Museum established?
The Egyptian Museum was officially opened to the public on November 15, 1902. It was founded by the renowned Egyptologist Auguste Mariette, who dedicated his life to the preservation and study of ancient Egyptian artifacts.
The Story of establishing the Egyptian Museum
The Birth of The Egyptian Museum
The Story of building the Egyptian Museum is a fascinating one that began with the vision of dedicated individuals who sought to preserve and showcase Egypt’s rich cultural heritage. Here is the Story of how the Egyptian Museum came to be: In the late 19th century, Egypt was undergoing a period of intense archaeological discoveries. Excavations were unearthing ancient tombs, temples, and artifacts, revealing the splendor of Egypt’s ancient civilization. However, there was a pressing need for a central location to house and display these valuable treasures.
Auguste Mariette, a prominent French Egyptologist, spearheaded the establishment of a dedicated museum in Egypt. Mariette recognized the importance of preserving Egypt’s cultural heritage and providing a space where these precious artifacts could be studied and admired by both scholars and the general public. In 1858, Mariette founded the Egyptian Antiquities Service, which focused on preserving and excavating ancient sites throughout Egypt. He also started collecting artifacts from various locations and envisioned a museum to house these treasures.
The Museum’s construction occurred during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Egyptian Government allocated funds for the project, and the location chosen for the Museum was on the former palace grounds of Ismail Pasha in Tahrir Square, Cairo. The design and construction of the Egyptian Museum were overseen by the French architect Marcel Dourgnon. The architectural style of the Museum was influenced by a blend of Islamic, Pharaonic, and European architectural elements, creating a unique and visually striking building.
Work on the Egyptian Museum progressed steadily, and on November 15, 1902, the Egyptian Museum officially opened its doors to the public. The inaugural ceremony was attended by dignitaries, scholars, and archaeologists worldwide, marking a significant milestone in preserving and promoting Egypt’s ancient heritage. Over the years, the Egyptian Museum expanded its collection through archaeological expeditions, acquisitions, and donations. Today, it houses over 120,000 artifacts, including the iconic treasures of Tutankhamun and a vast array of objects from different periods of Egyptian history.
The Egyptian Museum has been renovated and expanded to accommodate its growing collection and enhance the visitor experience. In recent years, plans have been made to construct a new Grand Egyptian Museum near the Giza Plateau, which will serve as an even more extensive and modern facility to showcase Egypt’s ancient treasures. Cairo Museum stands as a testament to the dedication of individuals like Auguste Mariette and the ongoing commitment of Egypt to preserve its cultural heritage. It remains a vital institution, attracting visitors worldwide who seek to delve into the mysteries and marvels of ancient Egypt.
The Egyptian Museum’s Architecture
The building contains a basement and two floors. The central façade divides the Museum into two equal sections, which is helpful in managing the flux of visitors.
The basement consists of a series of overlapping vaults supported by pillars and bearer walls aimed to reduce the heavy load formed by the vast objects above. Consequently, it is the best place for keeping the Museum’s significant antiquities, which were discovered during archaeological excavations.
The first floor of the Egyptian Museum contains one large corridor and 51 halls, and the second floor consists of one large corridor and 55 halls. Those were designed with the idea of improving the arrangement of the artifacts along the space. It is designed as a series of rectangular and circular spaces from east to west, with a dome in the center, located right after the main entrance of the Museum.
The Egyptian Museum’s Grand Design
Tomb of Mariette and Egyptological Legacy at Cairo Museum
Before entering Cairo Museum, to your left through the garden lies the tomb of Mariette (1821–81), with a statue of the man and arms folded. Mariette’s tomb is overlooked by an arch of busts of two dozen Egyptological luminaries, including Maspero, the successor of Mariette as director of the Egyptian of Antiquities, Champollion, who cracked the code of hieroglyphs, and Lepsius, the pre-eminent 19th century German Egyptologist.
The Exterior of The Egyptian Museum
The Egyptian Museum’s Collection
The following are must-see exhibits In the Egyptian Museum:
• The Old Kingdom Rooms (Ground fl, Rooms 42, 37 & 32)
• The Amarna’s Room (Ground fl, Room 3)
• Tutankhamun Galleries (1st fl)
• Royal Tombs of Tanis city (1st fl, Room 2)
• Greco-Roman Mummies (1st fl, Room 14)
• Yuya & Thuyu Rooms (1st fl, Room 43)
• Ancient Egyptian Jewellery (1st fl, Room 4)
• Animal Mummies (1st fl, Rooms 53 & 54)
• Pharaonic Technology (1st fl, Room 34)
There are many other statues of pharaohs of Egypt (kings and queens) in the Egyptian museum.
- Some of the Kings’s statues in the Egyptian Museum:
The figures of Djoser, Khufu, khafre, triads of Menkaure, Mentuhotep II, Amenemhat II, Senusret I, Senusret II, Akhenaten, Thutmose III, Seti I and Ramses II.
- The Queen’s statues include:
Statues of Queen Nefertiti, Hatshepsut and the great figure of Queen Tiye.
Moreover, there are many statues of Gods and Goddesses of ancient Egypt, like God Amun, Sobek, Horus, Isis, Anubis and Hapi.
Many of the Egyptian Museum treasures were transferred to the Grand Egyptian Museum, such as the statues of Ramesses II and some of the collections of King Tutankhamun, while the Royal Mummies were sent to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization.
Exploring The Egyptian Museum’s Vast Collection
What is the significance of the golden mask of King Tutankhamun?
The golden mask of King Tutankhamun is one of the most iconic artifacts in the Egyptian Museum. It was discovered in the tomb of the young king Tutankhamun in the Valley of the Kings. The mask, made of solid gold and adorned with precious gemstones, is a masterpiece of ancient craftsmanship and symbolizes the wealth and power of the pharaohs.
King Tut’s Golden Mask in Cairo Museum
Are there any interactive exhibits or multimedia presentations?
Cairo Museum offers interactive exhibits and multimedia presentations that enhance the visitor experience. These include audio guides, videos, and touchscreen displays that provide additional information and context about the artifacts and their historical significance.
Engaging Presentations at The Egyptian Museum,
Is photography allowed in the Egyptian Museum?
Photography is allowed in most areas of the Egyptian Museum, but there are restrictions on using flash or tripods. It is always advisable to check with museum staff or consult the guidelines upon entry.
Photography Allowed at Cairo Museum
Is there a gift shop or café in Cairo Museum?
Cairo Museum has a gift shop where visitors can purchase replicas of artifacts, books, and other souvenirs related to ancient Egypt. There is also a café where visitors can relax and enjoy refreshments.
The Egyptian Museum Openings Times
Museum: Open daily from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
Ticket Office: Operational from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm every day
The Egyptian Museum’s Opening Hours
Conclusion:
The Egyptian Museum is a treasure that commemorates the ancient Egyptian civilization, offering visitors an unparalleled opportunity to explore the wonders of this remarkable culture. From awe-inspiring statues to intricate jewelry and the iconic golden mask of Tutankhamun, the Museum provides a glimpse into the grandeur and mystery of ancient Egypt.
Whether you are a history enthusiast, an art lover, or simply curious about the world’s past, visiting Cairo Museum is an unforgettable experience that will leave you in awe of the extraordinary achievements of this ancient civilization.
