# The Egyptian Museum — Cairo, Egypt

> The Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, known commonly as the Egyptian Museum or Museum of Cairo, in Cairo, Egypt, is home to an extensive collection of ancient Egyptian antiquities. It has 120,000 items, with a representative amount on display and the remainder in storerooms.

## Visitor facts
- Opening hours: Daily: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Admission: 200 EGP for non-Egyptians
- Free entry: Children under 6 free · Journalists and students with ID often discounted
- Address: Tahrir Square, Ismailia, Qasr El Nil, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
- Time needed: 3–4 hours
- Official website: https://egymonuments.gov.eg/museums/the-egyptian-museum
- Facts verified: 2026-06-30

## Highlights
- Mask of Tutankhamun — Ancient Egyptian craftsmen · c. 1323 BCE
- Narmer Palette — Ancient Egyptian craftsmen · c. 3100 BCE
- Statue of Khafre — Ancient Egyptian craftsmen · c. 2530 BCE
- Khufu Ivory Statuette — Ancient Egyptian craftsmen · c. 2570 BCE

## FAQ
**Are Tutankhamun's treasures still at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo?**
The majority of Tutankhamun's treasure — including his golden death mask, solid gold coffin, and the complete funerary collection — has been moved to the new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Giza, which opened its main galleries in 2023. The original Egyptian Museum on Tahrir Square continues to display tens of thousands of artefacts, including the Royal Mummy Room, the Gold Mask of Psusennes I, the Narmer Palette, the Statue of Khafre, and many finds that have not yet transferred. Check current opening status for both before visiting.

**What is the Grand Egyptian Museum and is it open?**
The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is a major new museum built at Giza, adjacent to the Pyramids, designed to house the complete treasures of Tutankhamun alongside thousands of other artefacts from ancient Egypt. It began partial opening in 2023. The GEM is intended to eventually replace the original Tahrir Square museum as Egypt's main antiquities display. At 480,000 square metres of total area, it will be the largest archaeological museum in the world when fully operational. Check the official website (gem.gov.eg) for current exhibition access.

**What are the most important artefacts still in the Egyptian Museum on Tahrir Square?**
The Royal Mummy Room houses the preserved remains of major pharaohs including Ramesses II, Seti I, and Thutmose III. Other highlights include the Gold Mask of Psusennes I (21st Dynasty; considered comparable to Tutankhamun's mask), the Narmer Palette (c. 3200 BCE — one of the earliest historical records), the Statue of Khafre (c. 2500 BCE — the idealised portrait of the pharaoh who built the second Giza pyramid), and Mummy Portraits from the Greco-Roman period.

**How long does a visit to the Egyptian Museum in Cairo take?**
The Egyptian Museum has 107 display halls and over 120,000 artefacts. A focused highlights visit — mummies, Tutankhamun room (if not yet transferred), and the principal statuary — takes 2–3 hours. A thorough visit through all floors requires a full day. Audio guides are available and strongly recommended; the labelling can be sparse. The museum is located directly on Tahrir Square and is most conveniently reached by Cairo Metro (Sadat station).

**Do I need to book tickets for the Egyptian Museum in advance?**
Walk-up tickets are generally available at the Egyptian Museum on Tahrir Square without advance booking, though busy periods (October–April) can see queues. The separate Royal Mummy Room requires an additional ticket purchased at the entrance. The Grand Egyptian Museum at Giza has an online booking system recommended for timed entry. Non-Egyptian visitors pay 200 EGP for the main Egyptian Museum.

**How long should I spend at The Egyptian Museum?**
Plan 3–4 hours for the highlights. Add time for temporary exhibitions, the museum shop, and café.


Source: https://worldmuseumguide.org/museums/egyptian-museum/ — World Museum Guide, independent and ad-free.