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The Egyptian Museum or the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, is famously known to house over one hundred thousand Egyptian antiques in the world. A few of the popular artefacts stored here are the gold burial mask of Pharaoh Tutankhamun and the limestone statue of Khasekhemwy. It has neoclassic architecture and antiques dating from the prehistoric period. It occupies over 120 acres and is placed on a tentative list for being recognised as a World Heritage Site. The museum was established around the early 20th century and is a must-visit place for history enthusiasts.
Quick Details About Egyptian Museum
Established In: 15th November 1902
Location: El-Tahrir Square, Ismailia, Qasr El Nil, Cairo Governorate 4272083, Egypt
Timings: Opens around 9 PM and closes around 5 PM
Best Time To Visit: December to February
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 4 hours
About Egyptian Museum
Photo: Bs0u10e01 / Wikimedia Commons
The Egyptian Museum, located in Cairo, is a treasure trove of ancient relics and artifacts that showcase Egypt’s rich history. Established in 1902, it houses over 120,000 items, including the famed Tutankhamun collection and mummies of pharaohs. Visitors can marvel at exquisite sculptures, jewelry, and everyday objects that reflect the artistry and culture of ancient Egypt.
The museum’s architecture complements its vast collection, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and travelers alike. Near the museum, there are many famous landmarks, such as the Taalat Harb Square, which lies close to Al Bustan Street.
How To Reach
Photo: Dennis G. Jarvis / Wikimedia Commons
The Egyptian Museum is located at a prime spot in the city of Cairo and can be reached easily by following ways:
By Air: You can reach the Egyptian Museum by landing at the Cairo International Airport, which is located eighteen kilometres from the museum.
By Road: The place where the Egyptian Museum is situated is well connected to the other part of the city and is 400 metres from the Tahrir Square bus stand.
By Train: Ramses Railway Station is the closest railway station to the Egyptian Museum, which is located at a distance of five kilometres from the museum.
Places To Visit Around Egyptian Museum
Near the Egyptian Museum, there are several historic places that you can visit. Some of them are listed below:
1. Gayer-Anderson Museum
Photo: Djehouty / Wikimedia Commons
The Gayer-Anderson Museum was constructed around the 16th century AD and is a renowned art museum, which houses a variety of antiques from the 16th and 17th centuries AD. A wall of the museum takes support from the outer walls of Ahmad Ibn Tulun Mosque. The museum has many legends related to it and consists of two buildings adjoined together. It is said that the Gayer-Anderson Museum was the spot where God spoke to Moses. The museum was named after a major in the Egyptian Army who used to live here around the 20th century. While visiting this place, you will witness the architecture and vintage furniture, which have a vital significance in the modern world.
Location: Al-Sayeda Zainab, Egypt
Distance From Museum: 3 kilometres
2. Abdeen Palace Museum
Photo: Gary Bembridge / Wikimedia Commons
Abdeen Palace Museum is named after an Egyptian commander, Abidin Bey al-Arnaut, and was constructed to showcase the royalty of Mohammad Ali Pasha’s dynasty. It was made by a French architect, Pierre Rousseau. The palace museum contains several antique items and played a vital part in the modernisation of Cairo. Here, different floors are allocated for various purposes, and in total, it has around five hundred rooms. Its construction was completed in 1874 AD, and visitors are allowed to visit this place from 9 AM to 3 PM. This palace-turned-museum is a recognised architectural masterpiece and attracts tourists interested in history and architecture.
Location: El-Gomhoreya Square, Egypt
Distance From Museum: 2 kilometres
3. The National Museum Of Egyptian Civilization
Photo: Roland Unger / Wikimedia Commons
The National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation opened to the public in 2021. It houses artefacts from ancient Egyptian civilisation, Greek, prehistoric, Roman, Islamic, textile, and modern eras. It occupies an area above 400,000 square metres and stores more than fifty thousand antiques, including the archaeological findings. The opening time of the museum is 9 AM and it closes around 5:30 PM. The main highlight of the museum is the hall of mummies, where around twenty-two kings and queens are displayed for visitors’ amusement.
Location: Ein as Seirah, Egypt
Distance From Museum: 6 kilometres
4. Museum Of Islamic Art
Photo: R Prazeres / Wikimedia Commons
The Museum of Islamic Art lies within a few minutes of walking distance from the Egyptian Museum and is considered one of the most exceptional museums in the world. It is popular for its large collection of plaster artefacts, metal, rare woodwork, ceramic, glass, and crystal from all periods of the Islamic world. The Museum of Islamic Art has recently displayed more than four thousand artefacts in 25 of its halls. However, in total, the museum houses over one hundred thousand objects.
Location: Ghayt Al Adah, Egypt
Distance From Museum: 2 kilometres
5. Cairo Citadel
Photo: Weloow / Wikimedia Commons
Cairo Citadel was built around the 12th century AD to protect the city from attacks. It contains the famous Muhammad Ali Mosque and opens for tourists from 8 AM to 4:30 PM. Muhammad Ali, who was a well-known Ottoman governor, is said to be buried inside the Cairo Citadel. Over the decades, there have been various modifications in the citadel, some of which occurred around the 14th and 19th centuries AD. It is a recognised World Heritage Site and has been built under the command of an Ayyubid dynasty ruler.
Location: Al Abageyah, Egypt
Distance From Museum: 7 kilometres
Where To Stay
Photo: Opera Cadet / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Whether you are looking for budget-friendly accommodation options or a luxurious stay, Cairo has a wide range of options suiting everyone’s budget bracket. The Egyptian Museum is located near some of the famous hotels in Cairo, such as the Fairmont Nile City Hotel, Eileen Hotel, Golden Palace Hotel, and Steigenberger Hotel.
Where To Eat
Photo: Lesya Dolyk / Wikimedia Commons / image For Representation Only
Near the Egyptian Museum, there are numerous restaurants that serve various cuisines, including Egyptian, Italian, Syrian, etc. Some of the must-try places are LE Grillon Restaurant and Garden Cafe, Octa Cafe and Restaurant, and Khan El Khalili Restaurant.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Christophe Badoux / Wikimedia Commons
Average Cost Of The Trip
The average cost of a trip to the Egyptian Museum in Cairo is about INR 2,000 to INR 5,000 per person. This includes the entrance fee, which is around INR 300 for foreigners, and additional costs for a guided tour or audio guide. If you plan to visit nearby attractions or use local transportation, budget for those expenses as well. Dining and shopping can vary, so it’s wise to allocate extra for those experiences.
Tips For Travellers
- Visit the museum in the morning or early afternoon, as it will give you enough time to explore various halls filled with numerous antiques.
- On the weekends, holidays, or around the peak season, the museum might get crowded.
- There is a metro station located within walking distance from the museum so reaching the museum won’t be a hassle.
- Bring your bottled water and wear comfortable footwear, as exploring the museum might take a while.
The Egyptian Museum is a treasure trove of ancient artefacts, housing over 120,000 items, including the famous Tutankhamun collection and the statue of Khufu. Its stunning displays provide a journey through Egypt’s rich history, from the Old Kingdom to the Greco-Roman era. It offers an unforgettable glimpse into the wonders of ancient Egypt. Plan your trip with TripXL for a memorable and cultural experience at this iconic museum.
Cover Photo: Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons
