During our 2024 Tour with Mahogany Vacations we have the opportunity to visit. The Egyptian Museum in Cairo, also known as the National Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, boasts the world's largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts. Over 120,000 items are housed within its walls, though only a portion are on display. Built in 1902, the museum is a landmark in Cairo's Tahrir Square and the largest museum in Africa.

The museum's treasures include the famed funerary objects of King Tutankhamun, including his iconic gold burial mask, a widely recognized symbol of ancient Egypt.

A Long History

The museum's collection has grown considerably since its beginnings in 1835. Originally housed near the Ezbekieh Garden, it was later moved to the Cairo Citadel. In 1902, the artifacts found a permanent home in the current building designed by Frenchman Marcel Dourgnon.

The museum wasn't without its share of challenges. During the 2011 Egyptian Revolution, the museum was broken into and some artifacts were damaged or stolen. Thankfully, many of these items have since been recovered and restored.

A Wealth of Artifacts

The museum's two floors offer a journey through Egyptian history. The ground floor features largescale works like statues and architectural elements, arranged chronologically. The upper floor showcases smaller artifacts like coins, textiles, and papyri.

The museum's collection includes items from the New Kingdom (15501069 BC), known for its grander statues, tables, and coffins. Notably, the first floor contains artifacts from the Valley of the Kings, including those from the undisturbed tombs of Tutankhamun and Psusennes I.

A Look to the Future

While the Egyptian Museum has long been a center for Egyptian Antiquities, a new era is dawning. In 2021, the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization opened, taking in many royal mummies previously housed at the Egyptian Museum. Additionally, the muchanticipated Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza is expected to open soon, and will eventually house the entirety of Tutankhamun's tomb collection. The move will alleviate overcrowding at the Egyptian Museum and allow for a more visitorfriendly experience.