Visiting the Egyptian Museum, a historic treasure in the heart of Cairo
The Egyptian Museum, located on the famous Tahrir Square, is a priority stop for any traveler in Cairo. Housing the largest collection of Egyptian antiquities in the world, it provides an up-close look at the history and culture of ancient Egypt.
An exceptional collection of antiquities
The museum displays more than 120,000 pieces, including statues, jewelry, papyrus scrolls, and funerary objects. Visitors can view unique treasures such as the Narmer Palette, the statues of Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure, and the complete burials of Yuya and Thuya.
Tutankhamun and the royal mummies have moved
The Tutankhamun treasure, golden mask included, is now displayed at the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, inaugurated on 1 November 2025, and the royal mummies moved to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization in 2021. On Tahrir Square, the treasures of Tanis and their gold masks take over.
A historic building
Inaugurated in 1902, the building itself is a piece of history. Its neoclassical architecture adds to the atmosphere, providing a grand setting to explore millennia of culture.
Opening hours
| Monday | 09:00-21:00 |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 09:00-21:00 |
| Wednesday | 09:00-21:00 |
| Thursday | 09:00-21:00 |
| Friday | 09:00-21:00 |
| Saturday | 09:00-21:00 |
| Sunday | 09:00-16:00 |
Hours data: © OpenStreetMap contributors
*Information subject to change
The Egyptian Museum in Cairo is a must-see before or after visiting the Pyramids. You can easily spend half a day there. Having a guide is essential to hit the highlights. For kids, discovering sarcophagi and mummies is unforgettable. I had just seen the beautiful Tutankhamun exhibition in Paris beforehand and it was a perfect complement. The building and facilities were a bit outdated, and a new museum opened its doors in 2024.