Things to Do at Egyptian Museum

Complete Guide to Egyptian Museum in Cairo

About Egyptian Museum

The Egyptian Museum in Cairo, also known as the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, stands as one of the world's most important repositories of ancient Egyptian artifacts. Founded in 1902, this iconic institution houses the world's largest collection of pharaonic antiquities, spanning over 5,000 years of Egyptian history from the prehistoric era through the Greco-Roman period. The museum's distinctive pink building in Tahrir Square has welcomed millions of visitors seeking to explore the treasures of ancient Egypt. Home to over 120,000 artifacts, the Egyptian Museum offers an unparalleled journey through ancient Egyptian civilization. While many of the most famous treasures, including Tutankhamun's golden mask, have been moved to the new Grand Egyptian Museum near the Giza Pyramids, the original museum still contains an extraordinary collection of mummies, sarcophagi, jewelry, and everyday objects that provide insight into life along the Nile thousands of years ago. The museum's two floors are organized chronologically, making it easy for visitors to follow the progression of Egyptian history and artistic development.

What to See & Do

Royal Mummy Room

View the preserved remains of some of Egypt's most famous pharaohs, including Ramesses II and Hatshepsut, displayed in climate-controlled cases with detailed information about their lives and reigns

Middle Kingdom Models

Explore intricate wooden models from tomb complexes that depict daily life in ancient Egypt, including miniature boats, workshops, and domestic scenes that bring the past to life

Jewelry Collection

Marvel at exquisite ancient Egyptian jewelry featuring precious metals and gemstones, showcasing the incredible craftsmanship and artistic sophistication of ancient goldsmiths and jewelers

Papyrus Collection

Discover ancient texts written on papyrus, including religious texts, administrative documents, and literary works that provide invaluable insights into Egyptian culture and beliefs

Prehistoric and Early Dynastic Galleries

Examine artifacts from Egypt's earliest periods, including pottery, tools, and ceremonial objects that trace the development of Egyptian civilization from its origins

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Daily 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM (last entry at 6:00 PM). Hours may vary during Ramadan and holidays.

Tickets & Pricing

General admission: 200 EGP for foreigners, 30 EGP for Egyptians. Royal Mummy Room: additional 180 EGP. Student discounts available with valid ID. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance.

Best Time to Visit

Early morning (9:00-11:00 AM) or late afternoon (4:00-6:00 PM) to avoid crowds. Winter months (November-February) offer more comfortable weather for exploring.

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 and Line 2) is just a short walk from the museum entrance. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Careem provide convenient door-to-door service. If driving, limited parking is available nearby, though traffic in central Cairo can be challenging. Many hotels offer organized tours that include transportation, or you can walk from nearby downtown hotels.

Things to Do Nearby

Tahrir Square
The famous public square that played a central role in the 2011 Egyptian Revolution, surrounded by important government buildings and offering insight into modern Egyptian history
Khan el-Khalili Bazaar
Historic Islamic marketplace dating to the 14th century, perfect for shopping for souvenirs, spices, jewelry, and traditional crafts while experiencing authentic Cairo atmosphere
Islamic Cairo
UNESCO World Heritage site featuring medieval Islamic architecture, including historic mosques, madrasas, and monuments that showcase Cairo's rich Islamic heritage
Coptic Cairo
Ancient Christian quarter housing some of Egypt's oldest churches, the Coptic Museum, and the Babylon Fortress, representing Egypt's early Christian history
Al-Azhar Mosque
One of the most important mosques in the Islamic world and home to Al-Azhar University, the oldest continuously operating university globally

Tips & Advice

Photography inside the museum requires a separate photo ticket (50 EGP), and flash photography is prohibited to protect the artifacts
Hire a licensed guide at the entrance for deeper insights into the collection, or download the museum's official app for self-guided tours
Bring a bottle of water and wear comfortable walking shoes, as you'll be on your feet for several hours exploring multiple floors
Security is strict - large bags must be checked, and food and drinks from outside are not permitted inside the museum

Tours & Activities at Egyptian Museum