Egypt

Egyptian Museum: A Treasure House of Ancient Artefacts

One of the world's most important museums of ancient Egyptian artefacts, including treasures from the tomb of King Tutankhamun.

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About Egyptian Museum, Cairo

The Egyptian Museum in Cairo's Tahrir Square houses one of the world's most significant collections of ancient Egyptian artefacts, with over 120,000 items spanning more than 5,000 years of history, from the Predynastic period through to the Greco-Roman era. Opened in 1902, the museum has long served as the primary custodian of Egypt's ancient treasures, including mummies, statues, sarcophagi and everyday objects recovered from across the country.

The museum's most famous holdings include the extraordinary collection of treasures recovered from the tomb of the young Pharaoh Tutankhamun, discovered intact in 1922, featuring his iconic golden death mask alongside thousands of other objects buried with him. While a significant portion of the Tutankhamun collection and other major pieces have been relocated to the newer Grand Egyptian Museum, the original Egyptian Museum remains an essential stop for understanding the breadth of ancient Egyptian civilisation.

Why Visit Egyptian Museum, Cairo?

One of the World's Great Ancient Egyptian Collections

Over 120,000 artefacts spanning more than 5,000 years.

Treasures From Tutankhamun's Tomb

Including the iconic golden death mask.

A Historic Museum Since 1902

Long the primary custodian of Egypt's ancient treasures.

Mummies and Royal Artefacts

A vast collection illustrating ancient Egyptian life and death.

A Central Cairo Landmark

Located right on the historic Tahrir Square.

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Good to Know

The Egyptian Museum suits families, couples, groups and history lovers, for a visit of 2.5 to 3.5 hours. Some of the most famous Tutankhamun artefacts have been relocated to the newer Grand Egyptian Museum, so checking which collection currently holds a particular item of interest is worthwhile.

Photography rules can vary and sometimes require a separate paid permit, so checking current policy before bringing a camera inside is advisable.

How to Reach Egyptian Museum, Cairo

  1. 01

    Pakistan to Cairo

    Fly from Islamabad, Lahore or Karachi to Cairo, usually with one connection through a Gulf hub. Check current routes and book early.

  2. 02

    Airport to City Centre

    Take a taxi or arrange a transfer from Cairo Airport into central Cairo, about 30 to 45 minutes.

  3. 03

    City Centre to the Museum

    Take the metro to Sadat station, then a short walk to Tahrir Square.

  4. 04

    Explore

    Follow a planned route through the museum's key galleries and highlights.

Things to Do in Egyptian Museum, Cairo

01

See Royal Mummies

View preserved remains of ancient Egyptian pharaohs, where displayed.

02

Explore Tutankhamun Artefacts

See remaining treasures from his tomb discovery in 1922.

03

View Ancient Statues and Sarcophagi

See artefacts spanning more than 5,000 years of history.

04

Learn About Daily Ancient Egyptian Life

See everyday objects recovered from across the country.

05

Hire a Guide

Helps navigate the museum's vast and sometimes loosely organised collection.

06

Visit Tahrir Square

See this historic central Cairo square right outside the museum.

Best Time to Visit Egyptian Museum, Cairo

Excellent

Winter

December to February

Cool outside, making the museum a comfortable indoor stop.

Recommended season
Excellent

Autumn and Spring

October to November and March to April

Warm but manageable, good for combining with outdoor Cairo sightseeing.

Recommended season
Good

Summer

May to September

Very hot outside, making the museum a good indoor refuge.

Good time to visit

Travel smart

Travel Tips for Egyptian Museum, Cairo

A few useful things to know before you go there.

  1. Hire a Guide

    Helps make sense of the museum's vast, sometimes loosely labelled collection.

  2. Check Current Tutankhamun Holdings

    Some treasures have moved to the newer Grand Egyptian Museum.

  3. Check Photography Rules

    A separate paid permit may be required for cameras.

  4. Allow Enough Time

    The collection is extensive and rewards a leisurely visit.

  5. Visit Early in the Day

    Helps avoid the largest tour groups.

  6. Wear Comfortable Shoes

    The museum involves significant walking across its galleries.

  7. Carry Cash and Cards

    Both are accepted at the ticket office and museum shop.

Nearby Attractions

Great Pyramids of Giza

The last surviving wonder of the ancient world, three monumental pyramids built over 4,500 years ago on the edge of Cairo.

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Sphinx

A monumental limestone statue with a lion's body and a human face, standing guard beside the pyramids for over 4,500 years.

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Valley of the Kings, Luxor

A desert valley near Luxor holding the elaborately decorated tombs of pharaohs and nobles from Egypt's New Kingdom era.

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Karnak Temple

A vast temple complex built over 2,000 years, its soaring columned hall among the most impressive ancient structures in Egypt.

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Abu Simbel

Two massive rock-cut temples built by Ramesses II, famously relocated in the 1960s to save them from rising Nile waters.

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Nile River Cruise

A classic multi-day cruise along the Nile between Luxor and Aswan, passing temples, tombs and timeless riverside scenery.

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Khan el-Khalili Bazaar

A bustling, centuries-old bazaar in the heart of Islamic Cairo, filled with shops selling jewellery, spices and traditional crafts.

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Location

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Frequently Asked Questions

It is a museum in Cairo housing one of the world's most significant collections of ancient Egyptian artefacts, opened in 1902.

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