Graeco-Roman Museum of Alexandria
Alexandria · Egypt · Founded 1892
Good for: History Enthusiasts · Archaeology Lovers
1892
Founded
40,000
Artefacts
2–3 hours
Recommended Visit
Quick answer
Graeco-Roman Museum of Alexandria in Alexandria, Egypt — founded in 1892 with finds from Alexandria's classical-era excavations, the Graeco-Roman Museum is Alexandria's principal antiquities museum, devoted to the Hellenistic and Roman city that was once the intellectual capital of the ancient world. Open Daily: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Admission: EGP 220 standard admission. World Museum Guide covers the highlights, getting there, and how long to allow (2–3 hours).
Verified 2026-06-30 against official sources.
About Graeco-Roman Museum of Alexandria
Founded in 1892 with finds from Alexandria's classical-era excavations, the Graeco-Roman Museum is Alexandria's principal antiquities museum, devoted to the Hellenistic and Roman city that was once the intellectual capital of the ancient world.
The museum closed in 2005 for major refurbishment and reopened in 2023 with rebuilt galleries, climate control, and modern display cases — ending an eighteen-year closure that had frustrated generations of visitors.
Its 40,000 artefacts illuminate Alexandria from its founding by Alexander the Great in 331 BCE through the Ptolemaic, Roman, and Byzantine periods, including mummy portraits, Tanagra figurines, and black granite sculpture.
Alexandria is reachable from Cairo by train in just under three hours, making the museum a rewarding day trip from the capital.
2–3 hours highlights route
A focused route through 4 must-see highlights at Graeco-Roman Museum of Alexandria without museum fatigue. · 2–3 hours
- 1
Black Granite Apis Bull
📍 Ground floor, Ptolemaic Gallery
A monumental black granite bull sacred to the god Apis, found in Alexandria's Serapeum — among the most powerful images of Ptolemaic religious art.
- 2
Fayum Mummy Portrait
📍 Upper floor, Roman Gallery
A painted wooden panel inserted over the face of a mummy — the haunting Greco-Egyptian portraits that bridged two civilisations.
- 3
Tanagra Figurines
📍 Hellenistic Gallery
Delicate terracotta figurines of draped women in graceful poses — among the most refined products of Hellenistic minor arts.
- 4
Alexandrian Mosaic Floor
📍 Roman Gallery
A geometric and figurative mosaic floor from a Roman villa in Alexandria, showing the city's cosmopolitan decorative taste.
Masterworks & must-see highlights
The works that define Graeco-Roman Museum of Alexandria — and why they matter.
Black Granite Apis Bull
Ptolemaic sculptors · 3rd century BCE
📍 Ground floor, Ptolemaic Gallery
A monumental black granite bull sacred to the god Apis, found in Alexandria's Serapeum — among the most powerful images of Ptolemaic religious art.
Fayum Mummy Portrait
Roman-period painter · 2nd century CE
📍 Upper floor, Roman Gallery
A painted wooden panel inserted over the face of a mummy — the haunting Greco-Egyptian portraits that bridged two civilisations.
Tanagra Figurines
Hellenistic coroplasts · 4th–3rd century BCE
📍 Hellenistic Gallery
Delicate terracotta figurines of draped women in graceful poses — among the most refined products of Hellenistic minor arts.
Alexandrian Mosaic Floor
Roman craftsmen · 2nd century CE
📍 Roman Gallery
A geometric and figurative mosaic floor from a Roman villa in Alexandria, showing the city's cosmopolitan decorative taste.
Collections & highlights
- • Black granite Apis bull
- • Fayum mummy portraits
- • Tanagra figurines
- • Greek-style sculpture from Alexandria
- • Ptolemaic and Roman coins
Frequently asked questions
Is Alexandria a long trip from Cairo?
Trains take just under three hours from Cairo Ramses Station.
Are the new galleries finished?
Yes — the museum reopened in 2023 after a major restoration.
How long should I spend at Graeco-Roman Museum of Alexandria?
Plan 2–3 hours for the highlights. Add time for temporary exhibitions, the museum shop, and café.
What is Graeco-Roman Museum of Alexandria best known for?
Founded in 1892 with finds from the city's classical-era excavations, the museum closed in 2005 for major refurbishment and reopened in 2023 with rebuilt galleries. Key highlights include Black granite Apis bull, Fayum mummy portraits, Tanagra figurines.
How do I get tickets for Graeco-Roman Museum of Alexandria?
EGP 220 standard admission Tickets are usually available on the day, but booking online saves queue time in peak season. Official site: https://egymonuments.gov.eg/museums/the-graeco-roman-museum/
What else should I see in Alexandria?
Combine with the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the Qaitbay Citadel, and a Corniche walk — Alexandria rewards a full day.
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