Overview
The Egyptian Museum stands on the northern edge of Tahrir Square in central Cairo. It is one of the oldest archaeological museums in the Middle East and a landmark of Egypt's modern cultural life. Its rose-coloured neoclassical building was designed by the French architect Marcel Dourgnon and opened to the public in 1902. The institution grew out of earlier collections assembled by Auguste Mariette, the French Egyptologist who founded Egypt's antiquities service and is buried in the museum's garden.
The galleries tell the story of ancient Egypt from the Predynastic period through the Pharaonic age to Greco-Roman times. Visitors have long come for the Narmer Palette, associated with the unification of Egypt, and for Old Kingdom masterpieces such as the diorite statue of King Khafre, the triads of Menkaure and the strikingly lifelike pair of Rahotep and Nofret. Funerary equipment, painted wooden figures and finds from sites such as Tanis and Amarna add further depth.
The museum's role has changed in recent years. The Grand Egyptian Museum near the Giza Pyramids has opened, and the royal mummies have moved to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization in Fustat. Major groups of objects, notably Tutankhamun's treasures, have been transferred to Giza, so displays can change. Even so, the Tahrir building remains a historic institution and a rewarding stop for anyone interested in Egyptian archaeology and the history of Egyptology.
What to see
- 01The Narmer Palette, a key object linked to early Egyptian statehood and the unification of Egypt
- 02Old Kingdom royal and private sculpture, including the diorite statue of Khafre and the pair statue of Rahotep and Nofret
- 03Amarna-period art, reflecting the artistic break of Akhenaten's reign
- 04The historic 1902 building and the garden containing the tomb of Auguste Mariette
Visitor tips
- Check the museum's official channels for current opening hours, ticket prices and which galleries are open, as displays have been changing.
- Tutankhamun's collection and the royal mummies are no longer shown here, so plan separate visits to the Grand Egyptian Museum and the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization if they interest you.
- Rules on photography and bags vary, so confirm them at the entrance, and consider a licensed guide to bring the collection to life.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Egyptian Museum located?
It is on the northern side of Tahrir Square in downtown Cairo, close to the Nile Corniche and central city districts.
When did the Egyptian Museum building open?
The current neoclassical building, designed by Marcel Dourgnon, opened to the public in 1902. The collection itself goes back to earlier museums founded in the nineteenth century, associated with Auguste Mariette.
Can I still see Tutankhamun's treasures and the royal mummies there?
Not in the same way as before. The royal mummies were moved to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, and Tutankhamun's treasures have been transferred to the Grand Egyptian Museum. Check current displays before you visit.
