Egyptian Museum

The Egyptian Museum in Cairo: A Journey Through Time

Step inside the iconic salmon-pink neoclassical building in the heart of Tahrir Square, and you aren’t just entering a museum—you are walking into a time capsule. Since 1902, the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities has stood as the world’s most significant guardian of Pharaonic history.

While the new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) now houses the full Tutankhamun collection, the original Egyptian Museum remains an essential stop for any traveler. It offers a nostalgic, "old-world" atmosphere where over 120,000 artifacts—from colossal statues to delicate papyrus scrolls—tell the story of a civilization that shaped the world.

Why You Must Visit

  • The Original Vibe: Experience the "Indiana Jones" era of archaeology. The high ceilings and dust-moted halls offer an authentic charm you won't find in modern glass galleries.
  • Masterpieces of the Old Kingdom: See the world-famous diorite statue of King Khafre (builder of the second pyramid) and the hauntingly lifelike eyes of the Seated Scribe.
  • The Narmer Palette: Stand before the "first historical document in the world," depicting the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt over 5,000 years ago.
  • Unrivaled Jewelry: Marvel at the intricate gold and gemstone treasures of ancient princesses that still sparkle with modern brilliance.

Top Things to Do & See

  1. Meet the Pyramid Builders: Head to the ground floor to see the monumental statues of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure.
  2. Explore the Animal Mummy Room: A fascinating (and slightly eerie) look at how ancient Egyptians honored their pets and sacred animals.
  3. Find "Egypt's Mona Lisa": Don't miss the Meidum Geese, a 4,600-year-old painting so detailed it looks like it was painted yesterday.
  4. The Royal Sarcophagi: Walk among massive stone coffins that illustrate the evolution of burial customs over three millennia.
  5. Garden Walk: Before you leave, stroll through the museum gardens to see the monument dedicated to the great Egyptologist Auguste Mariette.
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