The Egyptian Museum of Turin, a collection that rivals Cairo
Step through the doors of the Palazzo dell'Accademia delle Scienze (Palace of the Academy of Sciences) in the historic heart of Turin, and you enter one of the most significant Egyptological collections on the planet. The scent of aged wood from the display cases, the deliberate dimness of the galleries, and the sight of sarcophagi standing at eye level provide an immediate sense of immersion that feels worlds away from the city streets outside.
Why is this museum so exceptional?
Founded in 1824, the Egyptian Museum of Turin is the oldest museum in the world dedicated exclusively to ancient Egypt. Its collection spans over 30,000 pieces, with a vast portion originating from excavations led by Bernardino Drovetti, the French consul in Egypt during the early 19th century. Napoleon himself attempted to acquire the collection before the King of Sardinia successfully purchased it.
The chronological depth is staggering. You will find artifacts ranging from the Predynastic era to the Coptic period, representing more than 4,000 years of history under one roof.
Highlights you cannot miss
- The statue of Ramses II in black granite, one of the finest known depictions of the pharaoh.
- The Book of the Dead of Any, a papyrus featuring exquisite graphic detail.
- The tomb of Kha and Merit, discovered intact in 1906 at Deir el-Medina, complete with its original funerary goods.
- The Gallery of Kings, an impressive corridor lined with towering royal statues.
- The Temple of Ellesija, a 15th-century B.C. Nubian temple gifted by Egypt to Italy in 1967 in recognition of Italian support during the international campaign to save Nubian monuments.
Pro tip: Egyptologists often cite the tomb of Kha and Merit as the most important archaeological find of the 20th century in Egypt, precisely because it remained untouched by grave robbers. Take a moment to examine every item in this room. The sandals, wigs, and linen garments have remained intact for 3,400 years.
A deliberate approach to design
The renovation completed in 2015 transformed the visitor experience. Architects utilized subdued lighting and dark color palettes to recreate an atmosphere reminiscent of Egyptian burial chambers. While some visitors find the mood theatrical, it is exactly what sets Turin apart from Cairo or the British Museum. Here, you do not just look at objects, you feel them.
Admission prices
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult (standard) | 18 EUR (about $20) |
| Reduced (ages 6-14, students, seniors) | 13 EUR (about $14) |
| Children under 6 | Free |
| Tuesday evening (5:00 PM to 7:30 PM) | Reduced rate |
Prices are subject to change.
Opening hours
Mon: 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Tue-Sun: 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM
Late hours on Tue until 7:30 PM (last entry at 7:00 PM)
Closed on Dec 25 and Jan 1.
Check seasonal hours on the official website before your visit.
How long for this activity
Plan on 2.5 to 3 hours for a thorough walk-through of the main collections. Enthusiasts of Egyptology can easily spend a full half day here.
*Information subject to change
The Egyptian Museum of Turin is one of the largest in the world. It is very interesting and rich. It is a vast museum that contains many objects and works from ancient Egypt. If you are interested in this period, it is an absolute must-do in Turin.