Alexandria National Museum

The Alexandria National Museum is a priceless wonder, filled with precious treasures from the finest collections of artifacts from Egypt's rich history and culture. Within the museum walls, there are about 1,800 artifacts of Pharaonic, Greco-Roman, Coptic, and Islamic nature. Visiting the Alexandria National Museum is one of the best activities you can do in Alexandria.

We will learn about the history of its construction and openin,g and discuss its floors and what they contain.

Overview of Alexandria National Museum

The Alexandria National Museum is located in Alexandria, Egypt, and serves as a rich historical symbol of the city. If you plan to visit it, every second you spend in the halls of this museum will be truly magical and enjoyable, and will reveal a great deal of facts about the royal culture in Egypt. 

History and Establishment

Built in 1926 in the Italian style, Alexandria National Museum was formerly the home of a lumber seller and later became the United States Consulate.

The 1,800 artifacts are scattered over three floors, including statues, jewelry, coins, weapons, household items, religious icons, coffins, pottery, clothing, glassware, and even mummies. You can easily wander through Alexandria's ancient past, guided by informative descriptive panels.

Location on Horreya Street & How to Get There

The museum is located in the Shatby area of Alexandria, where you can reach it in one of the following ways:

1. Only 10 minutes by car or taxi from the international airportز 

2. A 15-minute walk from Alexandria's main train station. 

The museum is also located near Waterfalls Park, a great place to stop and seek shade from Egypt's heat.

Architecture and Building Story

Italian-Style Palace & Former US Consulate

Built in 1928, the building is an Italian-style palace with four spacious floors, built by Asaad Basili Pasha, a wealthy merchant. It currently contains 1,800 artifacts. All the precious objects are narrators of Alexandria's rich history, opening chapters that relate to the Pharaonic, Roman, Coptic, and Islamic eras. 

The Italian-style palace is a former American consulate that was altered and converted by President Hosni Mubarak into the exclusive Egyptian National Museum of Alexandria, which houses a collection of many rare Egyptian artifacts. The old garage of the US Consulate staff has been converted into a lecture hall and open-air theater for evening performances. Indeed, the land has already been used for one of the book and author receptions held by the American University in Cairo Press. It was officially inaugurated by the President of Egypt on December 31, 2003.

Exhibition Layout by Floors

The museum consists of three floors, each dedicated to a distinct historical period and containing some antiquities from each era.

First: The ground floor

The ground floor of the museum is dedicated to the Greco-Roman era. Highlights include the Sphinx and other sculptures found during underwater excavations at Abu Qir. Look for the statuette of the Greek god Harpocrates with his finger on his lips (representing silence); he was transformed from the original Egyptian god Horus and is also associated with Eros. You can also take a look at the beautiful statue of the Ptolemaic Queen, with her Egyptian appearance and Hellenistic body.

Second: The basement

The basement is dedicated to the Pharaonic era with finds from all over Egypt. You can notice the false doors that served as the link between the living and the dead, and the spare heads that were placed near the corpse as a replacement for the head in the afterlife.

Third: The upper floor

The upper floor displays artifacts from the Byzantine, Islamic, and modern eras, including coins, Ottoman weapons, and jewelry. There is also the wonderful silver shield. The early coexistence of the major religions in Alexandria was represented as a carved wooden cross surrounded by a crescent.

• In addition to the three floors that make up the building, the museum is also home to an open-air theater used for lectures and performances. If you would like to attend one of the shows at the Alexandria National Museum, you can inquire at the museum, or you can just ask your tour guide.

Collections and Must-See Highlights

The museum houses an impressive collection of jewelry, weapons, statues, numismatics, and glassware. This comprehensive collection makes the Alexandria National Museum a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to delve deeper into the rich history and culture of Egypt and the city of Alexandria.

Pharaonic Antiquities

Among the most important artifacts displayed in the Alexandria National Museum are:

1. The statue of King Amenemhat III.

2. The statue of King Thutmose III.

3. The head of the statue of King Akhenaten.

4. The statue of Queen Hatshepsut.

Greek & Roman Artifacts

There is also a statue of Alexander's head, a statue of the god Serapis, and statues of some Roman emperors, such as Caracalla and Hadrian.  

Coptic & Islamic Galleries

There are 200 Coptic pieces and 300 Islamic pieces. Among the Coptic pieces are a Gospel cover and an icon of the Last Supper, and from the Islamic era, a glass lantern and a helmet from the Ottoman era. From the modern era, the Farouk I University Medal.

Sunken Treasures from Abu Qir Bay

One of the museum's most prominent sections is the exhibition, which displays underwater specimens brought from the port of Alexandria, such as statues, the Sphinx diving underwater, and objects that once belonged to Cleopatra's house and have been lying in the Mediterranean Sea for ages. Among the sunken monuments is a statue of the goddess Isis.

Coins, Jewelry, and Weaponry

There is also a coin hall featuring coins from various eras, including a collection of underwater coins found in Abu Qir Bay and another collection dating back to the Byzantine and Islamic eras. This section also contains a collection of weapons dating back to the Islamic era, in addition to a collection of metals, glass, and ceramics dating back to the Islamic era.

The modern section includes a variety of Muhammad Ali's family possessions, including silver, gold, and jewelry used by the princes and kings of the Alawite family.

• Suggested reading: Alexandria Beaches

Planning Your Visit

The Alexandria National Museum is not very convenient to reach by public transportation. It is about 2½ hours away from Cairo Airport by land.

By plane to Alexandria Airport: Borg El Arab Airport (HBE) is about a 40-minute drive from the museum. A taxi ride from there to the Alexandria National Museum can cost $5.

From Cairo Station by train: Cairo Train Station (also known as Ramses Station or Misr Station) is located on Cairo Metro Lines 1 and 2 at Al Shohadaa Metro Station in Ramses Square. The train takes about 4 hours to go from Cairo to Alexandria ($5 USD). From there, you can walk for about 20 minutes to the museum or take a taxi.

By land from Cairo: A private transport vehicle is considered the best way to travel quickly and easily from one place to another in Egypt. 

• Going overland from Cairo to the Alexandria National Museum takes about 2½ hours.

Opening Hours & Ticket Prices

• Opening Hours: from 09:00 am to 05:00 pm

• For Egyptians / Arabs
  Adult: EGP 20
  Student: EGP 5

For Other Nationalities

Adult: EGP180
Student: EGP 90

Best Time to Visit & Crowd Tips

The best time to visit Alexandria at all is from March to June and from September to November, when the weather is mild and pleasant for sightseeing.

Spring, from March to June, is the best time to visit Alexandria because temperatures are moderate, and the city's parks and coastal areas are vibrant.

The Alexandria National Museum is open from morning until afternoon seven days a week, and the large building is rarely crowded. In summer, plan your visit on a cool morning so you can enjoy the archaeological sites.

Photography Rules & Accessibility

Additional fees are charged for carrying DSLR cameras while filming inside the museum. Visitors are advised to check the museums’ photography policies. 

The place includes an elevator and stairs, making it convenient for transportation for all visitors.

It’s best to contact the museums directly for specific accessibility information.

Suggested Itineraries in Alexandria

Combine with Catacombs & Qaitbay Citadel

• Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa

You can also combine your tour with a visit to the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa in Alexandria, which constitute an exceptional archaeological site that blends Egyptian, Greek, and Roman cultures. Discovered in 1900, these underground cemeteries originally served wealthy families but later expanded into a public cemetery. Featuring intricate sculptures and frescoes, the catacombs provide a unique look at Alexandria's role as a cultural crossroads, displaying a mix of architectural and artistic influences from the three civilizations.

• Qaitbay Citadel

You can also plan your visit to the Alexandria National Museum with the Qaitbay Citadel. Also known as Qaitbay Fort, the castle is a must-see while walking along the waterfront in the city centre.   It was built in the 15th century as a guard at the entrance to the port of Alexandria. From the top of the castle, you will see some amazing views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea. Inside, you'll discover rooms throughout, as well as museum-like exhibits that talk about the role the castle played in defending the city. You will need tickets to enter.

• You might also like What to see in one day in Alexandria Egypt.

Half-Day vs Full-Day Museum Focus

In general, half a day is enough to get an overview, but a full day provides a deeper understanding of the museum's extensive collection, especially if there are special exhibits of particular interest. 

A half-day visit to the Alexandria National Museum focuses on exploring its most prominent landmarks, taking approximately 2-3 hours, while a full-day experience allows you to delve deeper into the museum and discover more, including specialized exhibits, audio guides, and the possibility of revisiting sections. 

Visit for half a day (2-3 hours)

Purpose:

Get a brief overview of the museum's main exhibits. 

Possible Activities:

• Walk around the main halls to see the most important artifacts and exhibits.
• Use a self-guided tour or quick audio guide to understand key historical periods and topics.
• Focus on one or two areas of particular interest, such as ancient Egyptian artifacts or the Roman and Islamic periods. 

Ideal for:

Visitors who have limited time and want to discover the essence of the Alexandria National Museum. 

It may be suitable if you choose to book 5 Days Cairo Alexandria Tour.

Full day visit (3-5+ hours)

Purpose:

Gain a comprehensive understanding of the museum's extensive collections and history.

Possible Activities:

• Take advantage of same-day re-entry to enjoy lunch outside and return for further exploration.
• Connect with an Egyptology mentor to enhance understanding and discover hidden details.
• View special exhibits, which may require an additional 40 minutes to an hour for a comprehensive visit.
• Use the full range of audio guide features or free tours available in multiple languages.
• Get souvenirs or books about ancient Egypt. 

Ideal for:

Visitors who love ancient history, those who enjoy detailed discovery, and travelers who want to explore the museum at a leisurely pace.

If you choose to book our 10-Day Egypt Nile & Alexandria Tour, you will have the chance for the full day visit.

Visit the Alexandria National Museum with Us 

Egypt Online Tour offers specialized Egypt tours to tourists from all over the world. We can schedule your visit to the Alexandria National Museum as part of your visit to Egypt. 

Private Guided Tour Options

You’ll be inspired by the fresh ideas and creativity that we offer for your private guided tour. Our private tour ensures that the tour route is designed specifically for you and the included resources are intended for your use only. A private tour usually consists of a personal tour guide, a private car selection, and a chauffeur driver.

Custom Add-Ons & Transfers

Add-ons are additional services or products that can be purchased in conjunction with the main tour package. These add-ons can significantly enhance the overall experience, providing greater value to customers and boosting your revenue. Think of extras as the little touches that turn a good tour into a great one. 

We increased your satisfaction by providing add-ons, as you will have the opportunity to personalize your experience and get more value. This will lead to increased satisfaction

We provide you with hassle-free, convenient, and accurate one-way transportation from Cairo and Giza hotels to Alexandria. You will travel comfortably and safely in an air-conditioned car with a professional driver.

You will relax during your trip in your own air-conditioned car, avoiding the noise and hassles associated with using public transportation.

• Contact us now to arrange your visit to Egypt for an unforgettable experience. Egypt Online Tour will take care of everything, so all your time will be devoted to having fun and making your memories.