The Egyptian Museum in Cairo is the world's largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts. Over 120,000 exhibits, from tiny amulets to giant statues, tell the story of a civilization that lasted three thousand years. Here you'll find Tutankhamun's golden mask, mummies of great pharaohs, and priceless treasures.

Museum History

The museum on Tahrir Square opened in 1902, designed by French architect Marcel Dourgnon. Before this, Egyptian antiquities were stored in various locations and actively exported to Europe. Egyptology founder Auguste Mariette pushed for a national museum to stop the plundering of heritage.

The neoclassical building with its pink façade became a Cairo symbol. After over a century, it has aged considerably and overflowed with exhibits. Part of the collection has already moved to the new Grand Egyptian Museum near the pyramids, but the old museum continues operating.

What to See

Tutankhamun's Treasures

The museum's crown jewel is the collection from Tutankhamun's tomb, discovered by Howard Carter in 1922. This is the only royal tomb found virtually intact.

The Golden Mask—the most famous exhibit. 11 kilograms of pure gold, inlaid with lapis lazuli and turquoise. The mask covered the mummy's face and amazes with detail—this is a portrait of an 18-year-old pharaoh who died over 3,300 years ago.

Golden Coffins—three nested coffins, the innermost of pure gold weighing 110 kg.

Throne, chariots, jewelry—thousands of objects meant to accompany the pharaoh in the afterlife.

Mummy Hall

A separate hall (additional ticket required) houses mummies of the greatest pharaohs: Ramesses II, Seti I, Thutmose III. These are the actual bodies of rulers who lived three thousand years ago. The impression is powerful and slightly eerie.

Statues and Reliefs

The first floor holds monumental sculpture. Colossal pharaoh statues, sphinxes, granite sarcophagi. Here you can appreciate the scale of ancient Egyptian art.

Amarna Hall

A separate exhibition covers Akhenaten's reign—the reformer pharaoh who tried to introduce monotheism. Art from this period shows unusual realism: elongated faces, thin arms, natural poses.

Practical Tips

Time Needed

Minimum—2-3 hours for highlights. A full day if you want to see everything. Most visitors focus on Tutankhamun's treasures and mummies.

When to Visit

Morning—fewer crowds. Avoid Fridays and holidays. Air conditioning exists but can't handle Cairo's heat entirely—dress lightly.

Photography

Allowed in most halls without flash. The mummy hall requires a photo permit. Rules change—check at entry.

Atmosphere and Tips

The Egyptian Museum is a time capsule. Old display cases, handwritten labels, somewhat chaotic organization—but this has its charm. Here you're face-to-face with artifacts, without modern museum barriers. When the Grand Egyptian Museum fully opens, this place may become a relic itself. Visit while it retains its atmosphere.