Things to Do at Egyptian Museum

Complete Guide to Egyptian Museum in Cairo

About Egyptian Museum

The Egyptian Museum in Cairo, officially known as the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, stands as one of the world's most important archaeological museums and houses the largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts. Located in the heart of Cairo's Tahrir Square, this iconic pink-colored neoclassical building has been the guardian of Egypt's pharaonic treasures since 1902, containing over 120,000 items spanning 5,000 years of Egyptian history. The museum's vast collection includes priceless artifacts from the tomb of Tutankhamun, royal mummies of great pharaohs, ancient papyri, jewelry, sculptures, and everyday objects that provide invaluable insights into ancient Egyptian civilization. While many treasures are being transferred to the new Grand Egyptian Museum near the Giza Pyramids, the Egyptian Museum continues to showcase incredible artifacts including the world-famous golden mask of Tutankhamun and an extensive collection of sarcophagi, statues, and religious artifacts that make it an essential destination for anyone interested in ancient history.

What to See & Do

Tutankhamun Collection

Marvel at the boy king's golden treasures including his iconic burial mask, golden throne, jewelry, and ceremonial objects discovered in his intact tomb in the Valley of the Kings

Royal Mummy Room

View the preserved remains of Egypt's most famous pharaohs including Ramesses II, Hatshepsut, and Seti I in a specially climate-controlled environment (separate ticket required)

Old Kingdom Masterpieces

Explore statues and artifacts from the pyramid age, including the famous statue of Khafre and the wooden statue of Ka-Aper, showcasing the artistic mastery of ancient Egyptian sculptors

Jewelry and Decorative Arts

Admire exquisite ancient Egyptian jewelry, including pieces from various royal burials, demonstrating the sophisticated craftsmanship and use of precious metals and stones

Papyrus Collection

Discover ancient texts and illustrations on papyrus, including religious texts, medical documents, and the famous Book of the Dead scrolls that reveal ancient Egyptian beliefs and knowledge

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Daily 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM). Hours may vary during Ramadan and holidays

Tickets & Pricing

General admission: 200 EGP for foreigners, 30 EGP for Egyptians. Royal Mummy Room: additional 300 EGP. Photography tickets available for extra fee. Student discounts available with valid ID

Best Time to Visit

Early morning (9:00-11:00 AM) or late afternoon (3:00-5:00 PM) to avoid crowds. Weekdays are less busy than weekends

Suggested Duration

3-4 hours for a comprehensive visit, 2 hours for highlights only

Getting There

The Egyptian Museum is located in Tahrir Square in downtown Cairo, easily accessible by various transportation methods. The Cairo Metro's Sadat Station (Line 1) provides direct access to Tahrir Square with a short walk to the museum. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Careem are readily available throughout Cairo. If staying in downtown Cairo or along the Nile Corniche, the museum is within walking distance of many hotels. For those coming from Giza or other areas, buses and microbuses also serve Tahrir Square, though these can be crowded and challenging for first-time visitors.

Things to Do Nearby

Tahrir Square
The famous central square of Cairo, historically significant as the heart of the 2011 Egyptian Revolution and surrounded by important government buildings
Cairo Opera House
Egypt's main performing arts venue located on Gezira Island, hosting international and local cultural performances in a beautiful modern complex
Nile Corniche
The scenic waterfront promenade along the Nile River, perfect for evening walks with views of traditional felucca boats and modern Cairo skyline
Khan el-Khalili Bazaar
Historic Islamic bazaar dating to the 14th century, offering traditional crafts, spices, jewelry, and authentic Egyptian souvenirs in a maze of narrow alleys
Islamic Cairo
UNESCO World Heritage site featuring medieval Islamic architecture, historic mosques, madrasas, and monuments including the Citadel of Saladin

Tips & Advice

Book tickets online in advance during peak tourist season to avoid long queues, especially for the Royal Mummy Room
Hire a licensed guide at the entrance or arrange one through your hotel for deeper insights into the artifacts and their historical significance
Photography inside requires a separate ticket, and flash photography is prohibited to protect the artifacts
Wear comfortable walking shoes as you'll be standing and walking for several hours on marble floors
Bring a light jacket as the air conditioning can be quite cool inside, especially in the mummy rooms
Visit the museum shop for high-quality reproductions and books about ancient Egypt, but be prepared for higher prices than street vendors
Keep your ticket throughout your visit as guards may check it multiple times, and you'll need it to re-enter different sections

Tours & Activities at Egyptian Museum