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Egyptian Museum
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Landmark
The Egyptian Museum, located in Tahrir Square in Cairo, houses one of the world's most extensive collections of ancient Egyptian antiquities. The iconic red neoclassical building was designed by French architect Marcel Dourgnon and officially opened in 1902. For over a century, it served as the primary repository for Egypt's Pharaonic treasures, famously displaying the golden mask of Tutankhamun and thousands of other priceless artifacts. The collection includes over 120,000 items, ranging from the prehistoric era to the end of the Greco-Roman period. While many major pieces have been moved to the Grand Egyptian Museum and the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, the original museum remains a landmark of historical preservation and site for its unique atmosphere and architectural grandeur.
- Location: Egypt
- Top sights: Contemporary Image Collective (CIC) · Sinan Pasha Mosque · Egyptian Museum
- Nearby: Giza (4 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Oct, Nov.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 12 | 14 | 17 | 21 | 25 | 29 | 30 | 30 | 28 | 24 | 19 | 14 |
| Rain mm | 8 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 17 | 7 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square houses a vast collection of antiquities and is open daily. You can view the famous treasures of Tutankhamun and many other exhibits across two floors.
Typical hours
The museum typically opens at 9 AM and closes at 5 PM, last entry at 4 PM. On Fridays, opening may be delayed to 11 AM; during Ramadan hours are shorter.
Photography
Photography without flash is allowed in most halls, but the mummy room and gold treasure room have a photography ban. A museum ticket permits a camera, but tripods are not allowed.
Time needed
Allow at least two to three hours for a first tour of the museum. For an in-depth visit, especially the Tutankhamun gallery, plan for half a day.
Combine with
The museum is in Tahrir Square, from where you can walk to the Egyptian National Museum or downtown Cairo. Nearby are the Qasr el-Nil Bridge and Tahrir Square itself with its monuments.
Getting there
Tahrir Square is very well reachable by metro (Sadat station); buses and taxis stop nearby. Parking is scarce, so public transport is the best option.
Insider tip
Hire a guide or borrow an audio guide to learn the stories behind the exhibits. Go early in the morning to avoid the largest crowds and to view the mummy hall in peace.
Geography
Facts
- The museum was officially opened to the public on November 15, 1902.
- The collection comprises more than 120,000 distinct ancient artifacts.
- Marcel Dourgnon's design was selected from 87 international architectural entries.
- The building features 107 halls spread across two expansive floors.
- It was the first building in the world custom-built to serve as a national museum.
- The mask of Tutankhamun was the museum's most famous exhibit for nearly a century.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Egyptian Museum (9)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Are the mummies still in the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square?
No, the royal mummies have been moved to the new NMEC museum in Fustat.
Is Tutankhamun's treasure exhibited here?
A large part is still here, but it is being gradually moved to the GEM.
What are the opening hours?
Typically open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Are there audio guides available?
Yes, audio guides are available at the entrance in several languages.
Is photography allowed inside?
Yes, but a special ticket is often required for cameras; phones are usually free.
Egyptian Museum: where is it located?
Egyptian Museum is located in Egypt.
Egyptian Museum: what is there to see?
Highlights include Contemporary Image Collective (CIC), Sinan Pasha Mosque, Egyptian Museum.
Egyptian Museum: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Oct, Nov.
Egyptian Museum: why is it worth visiting?
The Egyptian Museum, located in Tahrir Square in Cairo, houses one of the world's most extensive collections of ancient Egyptian antiquities.
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History & landmarks
Qasr el-Nil Bridge
A historic structure dating back to 1931, linking Tahrir Square to Gezira Island over the Nile River.
Cairo Tower
A free-standing concrete television tower in Cairo, standing at 187 meters and offering panoramic views of the city.
Cairo Opera House
The primary venue for performing arts in the Egyptian capital, located on the southern portion of Gezira Island.
Abdeen Palace
A historic Cairo palace serving as one of the official residences and principal workplaces of the President of Egypt.
Manial Palace
A historic art and history museum situated in the El Manial district of southern Cairo, built by Prince Mohammed Ali Tewfik.
Mosque of Ibn Tulun
The oldest mosque in Cairo surviving in its original form, renowned for its massive size and unique spiral minaret.
Sultan Hassan Mosque
A monumental mosque and madrasa located in the historic district of Cairo, known for its massive scale.
Qalawun Complex
A massive architectural complex in Islamic Cairo, including a hospital, madrasa, and mausoleum built by Sultan Qalawun.
Nature
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Al-Azhar Park
A green oasis in Cairo's old city.
Islamic Cairo
The historic core area of Cairo containing a wealth of Islamic architecture covering hundreds of years.
Citadel of Saladin
A medieval Islamic-era fortification in Cairo, built by Saladin to protect it from the Crusaders.
Gezira Island
An island in the Nile in the middle of Cairo.
Coptic Cairo
A part of Old Cairo which encompasses the Babylon Fortress, the Coptic Museum, and numerous ancient churches.
Heliopolis Park
Large city park with recreational opportunities.
Great Sphinx of Giza
A massive limestone statue with the body of a lion and the head of a human, likely Pharaoh Khafre.
Giza Pyramid Complex
Egypt's most famous pyramids, built for the pharaohs Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure.