Egyptian Museum

The Egyptian Museum, located in the heart of Cairo, was first established by the Egyptian government in 1835 near the Ezbekeyah Garden. It was created to halt the looting of archaeological sites and preserve the nation's heritage. After moving several times due to flooding and space constraints, the current iconic building in Tahrir Square was inaugurated in 1902. Designed by French architect Marcel Dourgnon, it was one of the first buildings in the world specifically constructed to serve as a museum. This Neoclassical landmark houses the world's most extensive collection of Pharaonic antiquities, boasting over 120,000 items. For over a century, it was the primary home of the world-famous treasures of Tutankhamun, discovered in 1922. The museum's galleries are organized chronologically, leading visitors through the Old Kingdom, Middle Kingdom, and New Kingdom, showcasing everything from massive stone sarcophagi to delicate papyrus scrolls and intricate gold jewelry. In recent years, the museum has entered a new era as many of its most famous pieces, including the Tutankhamun collection, are being relocated to the Grand Egyptian Museum near the Giza Pyramids. Despite this transition, the Tahrir Square museum remains a cornerstone of global archaeology. It continues to display breathtaking masterpieces like the treasures of Tanis and the Yuya and Thuya collection, ensuring its status as an essential pilgrimage site for history enthusiasts worldwide.