Egypt is a country that has always fascinated people from all walks of life. From the pyramids of Giza to the Valley of the Kings, Egypt is a land of ancient wonders. And at the heart of it all is the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. This is a place where the past comes to life, and where visitors can experience the richness and complexity of one of the world's oldest civilizations.
Introduction to the Egyptian Museum in Cairo
The Egyptian Museum in Cairo is one of the most important museums in the world. It is home to an incredible collection of artifacts that tell the story of Egypt's rich history. The museum was founded in 1835 by the Egyptian government, and it has been expanded and renovated over the years to become the impressive institution it is today. The museum is located in Tahrir Square, in the heart of Cairo, and it is easily accessible from anywhere in the city.
At the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, visitors can explore over 120,000 artifacts, including the treasures of Tutankhamun, the mummies of the pharaohs, and a vast collection of ancient Egyptian art. The museum is divided into two main sections: the ground floor houses the larger artifacts, such as statues and sarcophagi, while the upper floor is home to smaller items, such as jewelry and pottery.
History of the Egyptian Museum in Cairo
The history of the Egyptian Museum in Cairo is as fascinating as the artifacts it contains. The museum was first established by the Egyptian government in 1835, and it was originally housed in a small building in the Azbakeya district of Cairo. Over the years, the museum's collection grew, and it became clear that a larger space was needed.
In 1897, a new building was constructed in the heart of Cairo to house the museum's ever-expanding collection. The building was designed by French architect Marcel Dourgnon, and it was inaugurated by the Khedive Abbas Hilmi II in 1902. Over the years, the museum has undergone several renovations and expansions, including the addition of the Tutankhamun Gallery in 1976.
Location
Centrally located in the core of Tahrir Square in Cairo, the Egyptian Museum is tough to miss on any Cairo tour. The opening was in 1902, and it had been purpose-built to accommodate the antiquities of Ancient Egypt. Inside the Museum is the most fabulous collection of Ancient Egyptian archeological history.
Egyptian Museum's location is Tahrir Square at Downtown, Cairo. Cairo is usually called "the city that never sleeps" of Egypt, especially for Downtown. It's not only the center of Cairo, but also the middle for each life activity and facility, and the hub for various experiences.
Contents & Items inside the Museum
The Egyptian Museum in Cairo collecting over 120,000 artifacts, including Tutankhamen's tomb and most of the mummies, discovered since the 19th century. The Museum's exhibits span from the start of the Old Kingdom of Ancient Egypt (approximately 2700 BC) to the Greco-Roman period. The building consists of two floors. On the ground floor, you'll be able to follow the history of Egypt from the Old Kingdom up through the Greco-Roman period by turning left at the doorway and looping around the Museum. This provides a decent background for many of Egypt's ancient history.
Upstairs the Museum is organized thematically with an outsized portion of visitors from all over the world enjoying watching the exhibit of the contents of Tutankhamun's tomb, including his famous funerary mask. Also upstairs is that the room dedicated to the attractive jewelry discovered within the Royal Tombs of Tanis. Another fantastic place to visit in the Museum during your Egypt vacation, the Royal Mummy Room, requires the acquisition of a separate ticket. Inside you'll be able to see the mummies of many Egypt's most famous pharaohs kings and queens, including Ramses II, Seti I, and Egypt's only queen, Hatshepsut.
The Egyptian Museum also referred to as the Museum of ancient Egyptian civilization, houses a number of the world's most important collections of ancient artifacts. Inside the walls of that high and old pinkish building located in Downtown Maidan Al-Tahrir, the priceless treasures of King Tutankhamun and a few other ancient Egyptian greatest pharaohs, together with the belongings, mummies, jewelry, and food bowls of Ancient Egyptians that were buried with the kings to use within the afterlife as believed by the ancient Egyptians.
More than 100,000 ancient Objects
The Egyptian Museum in Cairo houses an excellent and large collection of artifacts, mummies, coffins, stones, ancient belongings, and even food types that wont to be buried with the kings before death to use within the afterlife. As a part of the traditional Egyptian beliefs and religion, ancient Egyptians used to bury the dead with all their belongings as they believed that they’re going to use their clothes and food once they pass to the After Life.
As a remarkable fact, Kings were buried with their material belongings and their “servants.” The Museum’s collection is overgrowing yearly as archaeologists make discoveries over time. For example, Tutankhamun’s enormous tomb and, therefore, the impressive discoveries that were made inside it, and consequently, the tomb belongings of Tanis were discovered after the Museum opened. Now the Museum has over 100,000 ancient objects inside its walls. Some objects were moved to the new Grand Egyptian Museum, while most of them are still within the main Museum in Tahrir. The Museum in Tahrir will remain as the first spot for the traditional Egyptian heritage, even after the opening of the Grand Museum.
With its unique ancient history, historical artifacts, cultural adventures, and countless activities, Egypt is the place you can sense the old, the new, and everything in between. To experience everything Egypt has to offer, you can browse our Egypt travel packages and Nile cruises and seize the chance to witness all the beauty of the ancient Egyptian treasures.
Tips for Visiting the Egyptian Museum in Cairo
Visiting the Egyptian Museum in Cairo can be an overwhelming experience, but with a few tips, you can make the most of your time there. First and foremost, it's important to plan ahead. The museum is vast, and it's easy to get lost in its maze of rooms and corridors. Make sure to download a map of the museum before you go, and plan out which exhibits you want to see.
Another tip is to arrive early in the morning. The museum can get crowded, especially on weekends, so arriving early will give you a chance to explore the exhibits without the crowds. It's also a good idea to wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking. Finally, consider hiring a guide. The museum is filled with so much history and culture, and a guide can help you navigate the exhibits and provide context for what you're seeing.
Other Attractions near the Egyptian Museum in Cairo While the Egyptian Museum in Cairo is certainly the main attraction in the area, there are plenty of other things to see and do nearby. One of the most popular attractions is the Cairo Tower, which offers stunning views of the city. Another must-visit is the Khan el-Khalili bazaar, where you can shop for traditional Egyptian souvenirs and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
For those interested in Islamic history, the Mosque of Ibn Tulun is located just a short distance from the museum. This mosque is one of the oldest and most well-preserved in Cairo, and it's definitely worth a visit. Conclusion: Why the Egyptian Museum in Cairo is a Must-Visit for History Lovers The Egyptian Museum in Cairo is truly a marvel of human history.
It's a place where visitors can immerse themselves in the ancient world and experience the richness and complexity of one of the world's oldest civilizations. From the treasures of Tutankhamun to the mummies of the pharaohs, the museum is home to an incredible collection of artifacts that tell the story of Egypt's past. If you're a history lover, then the Egyptian Museum in Cairo is a must-visit. With its vast collection of artifacts, fascinating history, and stunning architecture, it's a place you'll never forget. So book your tickets today and get ready for an unforgettable journey into the ancient world.
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