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Topics Covered:
- Ancient Museum History
- Ground Floor Highlights
- The Royal Mummy Room
- Top Tips
- First Floor Treasures
Ancient Museum History
You cannot visit Egypt and miss the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, known as the Egyptian Museum in Cairo houses the world’s most exquisite and extensive collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, covering more than 3,000 years, from the Old Kingdom to the Roman period in Egypt. It’s said that if you allowed one minute for each exhibit, it would take nine months to see everything here. But if that’s a little too long, take at least a morning ( or better still two ) to see the museum’s many highlights, even though the exhibits are often badly lit and displayed. The ground floor is arranged chronologically, moving clockwise from the entrance hall, while exhibits on the first floor are grouped thematically.
If you're planning your visit as part of a broader discovery of Egypt, many Egypt tours include a guided stop at the museum, making it easier to appreciate its vast collection.
Ground Floor Highlights
The beginnings of Egyptian art are marked by the Narmer Palette which records the unification of Egypt by King Menes, and by the museum’s oldest statues- that of the seated King Zoser was found near his step pyramid at Saqqara. The smooth black statue of the pyramid builder Khafre is a masterpiece, as is the striking wooden man is known as the Sheikh al Balad or Village Chief.
Room 32 is dominated by the striking double statue of the harmonious couple Rahotep and Nofret, which has exceptionally well-preserved colors. Rather more bizarre is the statue of the dwarf Seneb and his wife, with his children placed to hide his short legs. The remarkably colorful chapel of Hathor, with a life-size statue of the cow goddess, was found at Hatshepsut Temple, Deir al Bahari, in Luxor.
One of the museum’s most fascinating collections shows the ground-breaking realistic art from the time of the rebellious Pharaoh Akhenaton.
The First Floor
The biggest crowd-puller among the museum’s many world-class treasures is undoubtedly Tutankhamun’s treasure. Akhenaton’s son-in-law ruled for only nine years, but he became famous when the English archaeologist Howard Carter (1874- 1939 )discovered his intact tomb in 1922 in the valley of the kings, packed to the roof with the dazzling objects that were intended to see him through the afterlife. You may have to queue in Room 3 to see the biggest treasure of all, Tutankhamun’s solid-gold death mask, encrusted with semi-precious stones, his golden sarcophagus, and his jewelry.
The discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb added to the allure of Luxor and the many Nile cruises that journey between this ancient city and Aswan.
The Royal Mummy Room
Room 56 houses the mummies of Egypt’s most illustrious pharaohs, including Seti I, his son Ramses II and Tuthmosis II.
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Plan Your TripTop Tips
- - Most tour buses get to the museum around 10 am, so avoid the crowds by going earlier, or later in the afternoon. The amount of things to see is staggering so try to spread your visit over at least two half days, maybe exploring one floor at a time.
- - Ones to miss: The eastern wing of the ground floor, mostly devoted to the Late Period, is badly labeled and less interesting than the rest, except for the Graeco-Roman art in Room 34. You could also skip the western outer galleries of sarcophagi on the first floor and the astern inner galleries (except Room 14) for the same reasons.
- - Hidden gems: Room 14 on the first floor is rather poorly presented but has a superb collection of Graeco-Roman mummies with beautifully painted face masks, known as the Fayoum Portraits. Do not miss the museum on your holiday to Egypt
A visit to the museum is often a highlight of many Egypt tours, especially for those who want to see the legacy of the pharaohs before exploring the temples of Upper Egypt.
For travelers seeking a deeper connection to Egypt’s past, combining a museum visit with one of the immersive Nile cruises is a perfect way to follow the journey of ancient civilization from Cairo to the heart of the Nile Valley.
Discover the pyramids of giza, Egypt’s iconic wonders. Learn history, tips, and highlights in our complete guide. Start planning your visit today!
Covering more than 3,000 years, from the Old Kingdom to the Roman period in Egypt. It’s said that if you allowed one minute for each exhibit, it would take nine months to see everything here.
Existing since the Fatimid rule of Egypt, Khan el Khalili is the oldest Bazaars in Cairo always been a purveyor of all that is Precious & rare. Know more about the origins of this mystic bazaar
The Giza plateau is filled with Relics of ancient Egypt but few have shared the Reverance and Mysterious origins of the Mighty Sphinx, Dive into the Interesting details about this historical monument.
Discover why tanoura show cairo is a traveler’s favorite. Enjoy whirling dervishes, live music, and culture—secure your magical evening now!
Saqqara was one of Egypt's greatest burial cemeteries, and it had been in use for for 3,000 years. The majority of it is still unexplored, but among the wonders on display is the spectacular Step Pyramid of Zoser.
The Valley Temple was buried beneath the sand until it was discovered in 1852 by French Egyptologist Auguste Mariette.
Visit the Saladin Citadel Of Cairo with the iconic Mosque of Muhammad Ali Cairo. Learn history and plan your Cairo adventure now!
One of the many marvels of ancient Egypt is the Khufu Solar Boat, Residing in the Khufu ship museum. Discover more about this masterpiece, its history, discovery and purpose
Saint George Church was constructed by Athanasius during the time of Ibn Marwan, Governor of Egypt, and is referenced in the History of the Coptic Patriarchs and by Al-Maqrizi.
You enjoy the light and sound spectacle near the pyramids and Sphinx. The Sphinx retells history, revealing the world's most ancient mysteries.
The greatest tomb in Saqqara is that of King Zoser (Djoser), whose Step Pyramid marked the beginning of the Pyramid Age.
The most well-known church in Cairo is the Al Muallaqa church and one of the oldest in Coptic Egypt. Because it was built above the Babylon Fortress, it is named Al Muallaqa and is devoted to the Virgin Mary.
The Bent Pyramid at Dahshur features a rare bent profile created by ancient construction adjustments, offering insight into Egypt’s earliest attempts at smooth-sided pyramids.
Coptic-cairo reveals Egypt’s Christian heritage through stunning churches and museums. Explore its wonders and plan your unforgettable visit!
Saint Barbara’s Church in Coptic Cairo is one of Egypt’s oldest Christian monuments, dating back to the 5th–6th century. Known for housing the relics of Saint Barbara, the church reflects centuries of Coptic heritage, architectural evolution, and deep spiritual significance.
Explore the Fortress of Babylon, a major Roman fort in Old Cairo known for its strategic location, massive towers, and enduring historical significance.
Memphis Necropolis is Egypt’s ancient royal burial site, home to pyramids, tombs, and monuments that reflect the early development of pharaonic civilization.
Al-Azhar Mosque is a landmark of Islamic scholarship and Fatimid architecture, home to the world’s second-oldest university and a symbol of Cairo’s spiritual heritage.
Teti’s Pyramid in Saqqara is an Old Kingdom monument built for the first king of the Sixth Dynasty. Known for its Pyramid Texts and unique mortuary chapel, it remains one of Egypt’s most historically important royal tombs.
Al Muizz Street is one of Cairo’s oldest and most vibrant historic avenues, showcasing centuries of Islamic architecture. Lined with mosques, palaces, and bustling markets, it offers a captivating walk through Egypt’s medieval past.
Al-Hussein Mosque is one of Cairo’s most sacred Islamic landmarks, built in 1154 and revered for housing the head of Imam Hussein. Located by Khan El-Khalili, it blends centuries of architectural heritage and remains a major pilgrimage site.
Bab al-Futuh is an 11th-century Fatimid gate in Old Cairo, famous for its massive round towers and strategic role in the city’s medieval fortifications.
Bab Zuweila is one of Cairo’s last surviving medieval gates, built in 1092 CE by the Fatimid vizier Badr al-Jamali. Famous for its towering twin bastions, massive wooden doors, and later Mamluk minarets, it served as a defensive stronghold, execution site, and ceremonial gateway. Today, it stands as one of Cairo’s most iconic historic monuments.
Al Rifai Mosque in Cairo blends Neo-Mamluk architecture with royal history. Completed in 1912, it serves as both a majestic mosque and mausoleum for Muhammad Ali’s family.
The Ibn Tulun Mosque, Cairo’s oldest well-preserved mosque, dates back to 879 CE. Famous for its vast square layout, intricate arches, and 128 ornate stucco windows, it remains a pinnacle of early Islamic architecture and a must-visit historical landmark.
The Sultan Hassan Mosque, built in the 14th century, is a Bahri Mamluk architectural marvel in Cairo, renowned for its grand portal, extensive madrasas, and historic significance.
The Suez Canal, Egypt’s iconic waterway, connects Africa and Asia, handling thousands of ships yearly and shaping international trade.
Al-Hakim Mosque, Cairo, is a stunning Fatimid-era mosque built between 990–1013 CE. Famous for its grand courtyard, distinctive minarets, and rich history, it remains a key cultural and religious landmark.
The Ben Ezra Synagogue, founded in the 11th century in Old Cairo, is Egypt’s oldest Jewish monument and the discovery site of the renowned Cairo Geniza.