Major Attractions of The Egyptian Museum, Cairo
The Egyptian Museum in Cairo is home to one of the world's most extensive collections of ancient Egyptian artifacts, spanning over 5,000 years of history. It houses over 120,000 artifacts, including royal treasures, statues, mummies, and everyday objects from ancient Egyptian life. Here are some of the must-see attractions in the museum:
1. The Treasures of Tutankhamun
Room: Second floor
- The most famous exhibit features the golden funerary mask of King Tutankhamun, made of solid gold and inlaid with precious stones.
- His golden throne, jewelry, chariots, and alabaster perfume jars are also displayed.
- Highlight: The Golden Mask of Tutankhamun, one of the most iconic artifacts in history.
2. The Royal Mummy Room (Optional Ticket Required)
Room: Second floor
Additional Ticket Required (About 200 EGP)
- Home to well-preserved mummies of famous pharaohs such as Ramses II, Hatshepsut, Seti I, and Tuthmosis III.
- See the actual mummified remains of ancient rulers with their skin, hair, and even teeth intact.
3. The Narmer Palette (Earliest Historical Record)
Room: Ground floor
- One of the oldest artifacts, dating back to 3,100 BC, showing King Narmer unifying Upper and Lower Egypt.
- Considered the earliest surviving historical document in the world.
4. The Statue of Khafre (Builder of the Great Sphinx)
Room: Ground floor
- A majestic diorite statue of Pharaoh Khafre, who built the second-largest pyramid at Giza and possibly the Great Sphinx.
- The falcon god Horus is depicted behind his head, symbolizing divine protection.
5. The Colossal Statue of Amenhotep III and Queen Tiye
Room: Ground floor
- A massive 7-meter high statue of Pharaoh Amenhotep III and his wife Queen Tiye.
- One of the largest statues in the museum.
6. The Fayum Mummy Portraits
Room: Second floor
- These Roman-era mummy portraits are among the oldest examples of realistic painted portraits in history.
- They show the faces of wealthy Egyptians who lived during the Greco-Roman period.
7. The Jewelry Room
Room: Second floor
- A spectacular collection of gold, silver, and gemstone jewelry from ancient Egypt.
- Includes pieces from royal tombs and elite burials.
8. The Merneptah Stele (Israel Stele)
Room: Ground floor
- A famous stone slab containing the earliest known reference to Israel in history, carved during the reign of Pharaoh Merneptah.
9. The Statues of Rahotep and Nofret
Room: Ground floor
- Two incredibly well-preserved painted limestone statues of a prince and his wife from the Old Kingdom (4th Dynasty).
- Their lifelike eyes made of quartz give them a strikingly realistic appearance.
10. The Canopic Jars of Pharaohs & Nobles
Room: Second floor
- These jars were used to store the organs of the deceased during mummification.
- Some jars are beautifully carved with the heads of the four sons of Horus.
Travel Tips for Visiting the Egyptian Museum
Arrive Early: The museum can get crowded, especially around the Tutankhamun exhibit.
Hire a Guide: The museum lacks detailed descriptions, so a guide will enhance your experience.
Mummy Room Requires Extra Ticket: Buy it separately if you want to see royal mummies.
Allow 3-4 Hours for Exploration: There is a lot to see, so plan enough time.
No Flash Photography: Photography is allowed but without flash inside the museum.
Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) – The Future Home of These Treasures
Note: A new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) near the Pyramids of Giza is set to open soon and will house many of these artifacts in a more modern and organized setting. Until then, the current Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square remains open to visitors.
Summary: Must-See Attractions in the Egyptian Museum
Tutankhamun’s Treasures (Golden Mask, Throne, Jewelry)
The Royal Mummies Room (Ramses II, Hatshepsut, Seti I)
The Narmer Palette (Oldest historical record)
Statue of Pharaoh Khafre (Builder of the Sphinx)
Colossal Statue of Amenhotep III & Queen Tiye
Fayum Mummy Portraits (Ancient realistic paintings)
The Jewelry Room (Gold and precious artifacts)
The Merneptah Stele (First mention of Israel in history)
Statues of Rahotep and Nofret (Lifelike ancient couple)
Canopic Jars (Mummification artifacts)
This guide to the major attractions of the Egyptian Museum ensures you won't miss any of the most important artifacts.