What is the history of the Egyptian Museum?

Its story began with a love story. In the mid-nineteenth century, a French scholar named Auguste Mariette loved Egypt and its antiquities. He convinced Khedive Said at the time to establish an Egyptian museum to preserve this heritage. It was first opened in Bulaq in 1863, and later moved to Giza. The museum's relentless expansion eventually necessitated a permanent home, culminating in 1897 with Khedive Abbas Hilmi II inaugurating the construction of its now-renowned building in Tahrir Square. It was officially opened in 1902. The museum is more than 120 years old and has been standing tall.

What are some fun facts about the Egyptian Museum in Cairo?

Sure, we have a few cool things: The museum houses more than 120,000 artifacts! That means you could visit it every day for a month, and unfortunately, you wouldn't see everything. The building itself is a masterpiece! French architect Marcel Dourgnon won an international competition with 87 architects to design it. There's a tomb inside the museum! Yes! The tomb of Auguste Mariette himself (the founder of the museum) and a statue of him sitting under a tree in the garden. There used to be secret underground vaults and cellars; they were used during World War II to protect artifacts from bombs.

Who designed the Egyptian Museum?

The architect who designed this famous building in Tahrir Square is French architect Marcel Dourgnon. He entered an international design competition and won against 86 competitors from all over the world! His design was brilliant because it followed the idea of a "neutral box" – meaning the building itself was uncluttered so as not to distract from the magnificent artifacts within. He took the beautiful French classical style and blended it with a few wonderful Egyptian touches.

Is Tutankhamun still in the Egyptian Museum?

No, sir. King Tut's mummy (which is the mummified body) has been in his tomb in the Valley of the Kings in Luxor since 2007, so it can be preserved in its natural location. But more importantly: all his legendary treasures—chief among them the world's most famous golden mask—are still in the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir and are worth seeing! (Note: Some pieces have begun to be transferred to the Grand Egyptian Museum, but the mask and the most famous one are still in Tahrir.) Book your tour today, and let Egypt Online Tour's expert guides take you on an unforgettable journey through the corridors of history, where every piece tells a story and every hall whispers a legend.

The Egyptian Museum in Cairo | Ancient Treasures

Explore the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, home to Tutankhamun’s treasures, ancient statues, and artifacts that showcase Egypt’s timeless history.