Destinations / The best art galleries in the world / Egyptian Museum in Cairo

 

  Located in Tahrir Square in Cairo, Egyptian Museum is housed by a neo-classical style building, dating from 1900. Standing in the shadow of the modern hall in Cairo, the exterior built in a neo-classic French style prepares you for the treasures and wonders of the ancient world hidden behind the arched windows. The Museum of Egyptology is simply unmatchable, with over 136,000 items on display, not to mention the hundreds of thousands of pieces that are preserved in storerooms. These objects of art date from the prehistoric era up to the Greek-Roman period. In 2008, the Cairo Museum was moved to a new location. 

 

  The museum is organized into seven sections which expose artifacts of the Old Kingdom, Middle Kingdom and New Kingdom. There are two main floors of the museum, the ground floor and the first floor. On the ground floor there is an extensive collection of papyrus and coins used in the Ancient world. Here you will feel like going back thousands of years in the past. In the museum there are exhibited sculptures of pharaohs, as well as of gods, scribes and other characters of Ancient Egypt. Some of the most fascinating royal jewelry pieces are evidence of the great craftsmanship and professionalism of local masters. In particular, women are irresistibly attracted to these exhibits. Unfortunately, merchants sell only pale copies of them. Other artifacts absolutely impressive are furniture items. The pieces are made with so much fiddling and skill that could easily compete with today's most luxurious pieces. 

 

  The most valuable artifacts are found upstairs. The main attraction is the artifacts of the tombs of kings and royal families, especially those of King Tutankhamun. The galleries dedicated to Tutantkamun consist of more than 3500 Pieces, of which 1700 objects are displayed in the museum, including the famous sarcophagus, discovered in the Valley of the Kings, Thebes (today’s Luxor), as well as the famous Gold funerary Mask, an ancient trumpet, thrones. On the same floor there is also located the Museum’s Royal Mummy Room, containing 27 royal mummies from pharaonic times, including those of Ramses II and Tuthmosis III. It has a relatively high entrance fee and photography is not allowed, but nearby there is a room with free entrance, where mummified animals and birds are exposed. Stepping into the imposing atrium, you will see monumental statues, from Amenhotep III to the giant-size sculpture of King Djoser. The galleries on the ground floor take you on a journey in time, each room displaying the splendor of a large kingdom. The 5000-year old palette of King Narmer is an artifact of major importance for art and history. 

 

  Due to the increased security level, the museum photographing and filming are strictly prohibited. Moreover, it is forbidden to have such a device, even if you do not intend to use it. Any such devices can be left in the wardrobe or in the bus, if you travel with the group. Access is made only through the security gate. Hand baggage must be as small as possible. Even a simple backpack can become a real problem.  

 

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