The Egyptian Museum
Quick answer
The Egyptian Museum in 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. Open daily, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Admission: 200 EGP for non-Egyptians. Allow 3–4 hours and book a timed ticket ahead.
Visitor information last reviewed 30 June 2026. Check the official museum site for current details.
The Egyptian Museum at a glance: hours, tickets and time needed
| Opening hours | Daily: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Admission | 200 EGP for non-Egyptians |
| Free or reduced entry | Children under 6 free · Journalists and students with ID often discounted |
| Booking | Book a timed ticket in advance — peak slots sell out |
| Time needed | 3–4 hours |
| Getting there | Walk: Tahrir Square, central Cairo — 1-minute walk from the square |
| Address | Tahrir Square, Ismailia, Qasr El Nil, Cairo Governorate, Egypt |
| Official website | egymonuments.gov.eg |
Checked 2026-06-30 against the official website. Prices and hours change — confirm before you travel.
What is the Egyptian Museum known for?
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.
Built in 1901 by the Italian construction company Garozzo-Zaffarani to a design by the French architect Marcel Dourgnon, the edifice is one of the largest museums in the region.
The museum's collection includes artifacts from the Pharaonic era, Greco-Roman period, and beyond. It has served as the primary repository for discoveries made by archaeologists throughout Egypt for over a century.
While many items, including the treasures of Tutankhamun, are being relocated to the new Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, the original institution remains a historic monument and a vital part of Egypt's heritage.
Best for: Art Lovers · First-timers · Rainy-day visits
How long do you need at the Egyptian Museum?
Allow 3–4 hours. A focused route through 4 must-see highlights at The Egyptian Museum without museum fatigue. Follow the stops in order:
- 1
Mask of Tutankhamun
📍 Royal Mummies Hall, upper floor
The solid gold death mask of the boy pharaoh Tutankhamun weighs 10.23 kg and is inlaid with lapis lazuli, obsidian, quartz, and coloured glass.
- 2
Narmer Palette
📍 Ground Floor, Room 43
A ceremonial slate palette commemorating the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt — among the world's oldest historical documents.
- 3
Statue of Khafre
📍 Ground Floor, Tutankhamun Gallery
The seated diorite statue of Pharaoh Khafre (builder of the second Giza pyramid), with the falcon god Horus spreading protective wings behind his head.
- 4
Khufu Ivory Statuette
📍 Ground Floor
At just 7.5 cm tall, this tiny ivory figure is the only confirmed three-dimensional representation of Pharaoh Khufu — the builder of the Great Pyramid of Giza — in existence.
What are the must-see works at the Egyptian Museum?
4 highlights that define the collection: Mask of Tutankhamun, Narmer Palette, Statue of Khafre and more.
Mask of Tutankhamun
Ancient Egyptian craftsmen · c. 1323 BCE
📍 Royal Mummies Hall, upper floor
The solid gold death mask of the boy pharaoh Tutankhamun weighs 10.23 kg and is inlaid with lapis lazuli, obsidian, quartz, and coloured glass. One of the most instantly recognised artefacts in the world.
Narmer Palette
Ancient Egyptian craftsmen · c. 3100 BCE
📍 Ground Floor, Room 43
A ceremonial slate palette commemorating the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt — among the world's oldest historical documents. The palette shows King Narmer wearing the crowns of both Egypts.
Statue of Khafre
Ancient Egyptian craftsmen · c. 2530 BCE
📍 Ground Floor, Tutankhamun Gallery
The seated diorite statue of Pharaoh Khafre (builder of the second Giza pyramid), with the falcon god Horus spreading protective wings behind his head. One of the finest sculptures of the Old Kingdom.
Khufu Ivory Statuette
Ancient Egyptian craftsmen · c. 2570 BCE
📍 Ground Floor
At just 7.5 cm tall, this tiny ivory figure is the only confirmed three-dimensional representation of Pharaoh Khufu — the builder of the Great Pyramid of Giza — in existence.
Collections and highlights
- • The Gold Mask of Psusennes I
- • Statue of Khafre
- • Narmer Palette
- • Mummy Portraits
- • Statue of Djoser
How do you get to the Egyptian Museum?
- walk Tahrir Square, central Cairo — 1-minute walk from the square
- metro Cairo Metro Line 1 to Sadat station (Tahrir Square exit) — direct
- bus Numerous Cairo city buses converge on Tahrir Square
Address: Tahrir Square, Ismailia, Qasr El Nil, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
The Egyptian Museum: frequently asked questions
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 of the Egyptian Museum. Our 4-stop route — Mask of Tutankhamun, Narmer Palette, Statue of Khafre and more — is designed to fit that time. Add extra time for temporary exhibitions, the shop and the café.
Is the Egyptian Museum open on Mondays?
Yes — the Egyptian Museum is open every day of the week, including Mondays and Sundays: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Check the official website for holiday hours.
What are the Egyptian Museum's opening hours?
The Egyptian Museum is open daily, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Hours can change for holidays and events, so check the official website before you go.
Is the Egyptian Museum free to visit?
No — standard admission is 200 EGP for non-Egyptians. Exceptions: Children under 6 free; Journalists and students with ID often discounted.
