Cairo Museum of Egyptian Antiquities

The Cairo Museum of Egyptian Antiquities contains the most comprehensive and important collection of Ancient Egyptian artefacts in the world. Indeed, it is said to have over 100,000 pieces in all.

History of the Cairo Museum of Egyptian Antiquities

The Egyptian government first established the museum in 1835, although everything in it was given to Archduke Maximilian of Austria in 1855. 3 years later, a new museum was established close to the Nile. Over the subsequent hundred year various moves took place in order to find the right location, which they eventually settled in in 1902.

The museum was looted in the 2011 Egyptian Revolution and several items were stolen and damaged. Around 25 items were found and returned in subsequent years.

The Cairo Museum of Egyptian Antiquities today

From smaller objects such as coins and piece of papyrus to statues of pharaohs and the magnificence of the Royal Mummies room with its eleven mummies (although entry is subject to an additional entry fee), the Cairo Museum of Egyptian Antiquities is the place to see some of the most significant finds from this period.

Perhaps the most famous part of the Cairo Museum of Egyptian Antiquities is its Tutankhamen collection, which includes the iconic funereal mask of the boy king as well as several other objects related to this pharaoh.

The Cairo Museum of Egyptian Antiquities also contains ancient Greek and Roman pieces and, with such an array of things to see, it’s a good idea to plan your route before making your way around. Otherwise, it can be rather overwhelming.

Getting to the Cairo Museum of Egyptian Antiquities

The museum is located in downtown Cairo, about 5 minutes walk north of Tahir Square and just on the banks of the Nile. The metro station Sadat is closest – it’s about a 5 minute walk away, and various buses stop nearby. Bear in mind that the traffic in Cairo can be terrible, so allow plenty of time to get between sites.