Nubian Museum
Good for: History Enthusiasts · Architecture Enthusiasts
1997
Opened
Aga Khan
Architecture Award
2 hours
Recommended Visit
Quick answer
Nubian Museum in Aswan, Egypt — designed by Egyptian architect Mahmoud El-Hakim, the Nubian Museum in Aswan was built as part of the UNESCO campaign that also saved the temples of Abu Simbel from the rising waters of Lake Nasser. Open Daily: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Admission: EGP 200 standard admission. World Museum Guide covers the highlights, getting there, and how long to allow (2 hours).
Verified 2026-06-30 against official sources.
About Nubian Museum
Designed by Egyptian architect Mahmoud El-Hakim, the Nubian Museum in Aswan was built as part of the UNESCO campaign that also saved the temples of Abu Simbel from the rising waters of Lake Nasser. It opened in 1997 and won the Aga Khan Award for Architecture.
The collection traces Nubian civilisation from prehistory through the Christian and Islamic periods, and documents the international rescue of the monuments before the building of the Aswan High Dam.
An outdoor heritage area features a reconstructed Nubian house, prehistoric rock-art copies, and a garden planted with species native to the Nile Valley.
Aswan is a three-hour drive from Abu Simbel, making the museum a natural pairing with the great temple rescue site.
2 hours highlights route
A focused route through 4 must-see highlights at Nubian Museum without museum fatigue. · 2 hours
- 1
Statue of Ramses II from Gerf Hussein
📍 Ground floor, main gallery
A colossal sandstone statue of Ramses II from the temple of Gerf Hussein, relocated during the UNESCO Nubian rescue campaign.
- 2
Painted Prehistoric Pottery
📍 Prehistory Gallery
Pottery with white cross-line decoration from the Khartoum Mesolithic — among the earliest artistic expressions of the Nile Valley.
- 3
UNESCO Rescue Documentation
📍 UNESCO Gallery
Photographs, models, and film documenting the dismantling and relocation of Abu Simbel and Philae temples — one of archaeology's greatest achievements.
- 4
Reconstructed Nubian House
📍 Museum garden
A full-scale Nubian domestic house with painted walls and vaulted roof, showing traditional life before the dam flooded many Nubian villages.
Masterworks & must-see highlights
The works that define Nubian Museum — and why they matter.
Statue of Ramses II from Gerf Hussein
New Kingdom sculptors · 13th century BCE
📍 Ground floor, main gallery
A colossal sandstone statue of Ramses II from the temple of Gerf Hussein, relocated during the UNESCO Nubian rescue campaign.
Painted Prehistoric Pottery
Nubian potters · c. 6000 BCE
📍 Prehistory Gallery
Pottery with white cross-line decoration from the Khartoum Mesolithic — among the earliest artistic expressions of the Nile Valley.
UNESCO Rescue Documentation
Photographic archive · 1960s
📍 UNESCO Gallery
Photographs, models, and film documenting the dismantling and relocation of Abu Simbel and Philae temples — one of archaeology's greatest achievements.
Reconstructed Nubian House
Outdoor heritage village · permanent
📍 Museum garden
A full-scale Nubian domestic house with painted walls and vaulted roof, showing traditional life before the dam flooded many Nubian villages.
Collections & highlights
- • Painted prehistoric pottery
- • Statue of Ramses II from Gerf Hussein
- • UNESCO rescue documentation
- • Outdoor heritage village
- • Aga Khan Award-winning architecture
Frequently asked questions
Is Abu Simbel nearby?
Abu Simbel lies a three-hour drive south of Aswan and is a popular pairing with the museum.
Is there a garden?
Yes — an outdoor area features a reconstructed Nubian house and cave paintings.
How long should I spend at Nubian Museum?
Plan 2–3 hours for the highlights. Add time for temporary exhibitions, the museum shop, and café.
What is Nubian Museum best known for?
Designed by Egyptian architect Mahmoud El-Hakim, the Nubian Museum was built as part of the UNESCO campaign that also saved the temples of Abu Simbel. It opened in 1997. Key highlights include Painted prehistoric pottery, Statue of Ramses II from Gerf Hussein, UNESCO rescue documentation.
How do I get tickets for Nubian Museum?
EGP 200 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/nubia-museum/
Why was this museum built?
It was created to preserve and tell the story of Nubian culture before much of it was submerged by Lake Nasser after the Aswan High Dam was completed in 1970.
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