The Egyptian Museum in Cairo (EMC), also known as the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities (in Arabic المتحف المصري, romanized al-Matḥaf al-Miṣrī) is both the oldest archaeological museum in the Middle East, the largest museum in Africa, and the most important Egyptian museum in the world (hosting over 120,000 artifacts from the Pharaonic civilization of ancient Egypt).
The latter two records will soon be surpassed with the full opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Giza, to which this website is dedicated, and where part of the collections currently hosted here are being transferred.
Below you’ll find a short history and description, plus all practical information for your visit: address and map, contacts, opening hours, ticket prices, online booking, guided tours, and more.
Contents
The Egyptian Museum in Cairo
History
Origins
The idea of preserving Egyptian antiquities emerged in the 19th century under Ottoman rule and later under the administration of Khedive Muhammad Ali.
In 1858, French archaeologist Auguste Mariette founded the first museum nucleus in Bulaq, a district along the Nile, to house antiquities collected by the Egyptian state.
In 1878, a Nile flood severely damaged the Bulaq museum.
Later Relocations
In 1891, the collections were moved to a palace in Giza, but the space soon proved inadequate.
In 1897, construction began on a new, larger museum.
Inauguration of the Current Building
The current museum building, located in Tahrir Square in downtown Cairo, was designed in neoclassical style by French architect Marcel Dourgnon (Marseille, 1858 – Paris, 1911).
It was officially inaugurated in 1902.
The museum’s first director was Gaston Maspero, Mariette’s successor and a key figure in Egyptian archaeology.
Description
Layout
The museum has two main floors:
- The ground floor houses statues, reliefs, sarcophagi, and large stone artifacts.
- The upper floor contains collections of smaller objects: papyri, jewelry, everyday items, and part of Tutankhamun’s treasure.
Collections
The museum holds over 120,000 artifacts, though not all are on display at the same time.
Among the most famous items:
- The treasure of Tutankhamun, including the iconic solid gold funerary mask
- The royal mummies, including Ramses II and Seti I (though some are now displayed at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, inaugurated in 2021)
- Monumental statues of pharaohs such as Khafre and Amenhotep III
- Collections from tombs in the Valley of the Kings and Queens
Significance
For over a century, it has been the world’s leading Egyptian archaeological museum.
With the upcoming full opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Giza (expected by the end of 2025), part of the collection will be moved there, but the Tahrir Square museum will continue to operate as a historic and cultural institution.
Curiosities
The museum withstood the 2011 revolution with only minor damage and has continued to attract strong international interest over the years.
It remains a must-see destination for visitors to Egypt, even with the GEM soon to be completed.
Visiting Tips
The museum has an on-site ticket office, but lines are possible: we recommend buying tickets online.
A guided tour or audio guide is also highly recommended.
A self-guided visit typically takes at least 2.5 to 3 hours.
We suggest wearing comfortable, lightweight, yet respectful clothing (the climate is hot, but there are religious sites nearby).
We recommend visiting this museum before the GEM. A two-day itinerary in and around Cairo could include: the Egyptian Museum and the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization on the first day, and the GEM and the Giza Necropolis on the second.
Keep in mind that traffic in Cairo is very heavy: plan your transportation carefully and use taxis or Uber.
Interactive Map
The museum’s official website (available only in English and Arabic) features an interactive map of both exhibition floors, along with photos of selected masterpieces.
Video
This 1.5-minute video, published on the museum’s official YouTube channel, offers a brief guided overview:
Address and Map
The Egyptian Museum in Cairo – Tahrir Square, Downtown Cairo, Cairo Governorate 4272083, Egypt
Contacts
The Egyptian Museum in Cairo (EMC)
Phone: (+20 2) 25796948
Email: egyptianmuseum@moantiq.gov.eg
Director: Ali Abdelhalim Ali
Opening Hours
The Egyptian Museum in Cairo is open:
- Daily, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- During Ramadan, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Ticket office closes one hour before closing time
Ticket Prices
Current admission fees:
EGYPTIAN AND ARAB CITIZENS
- Adult Ticket, EGP 30
- Student Ticket, EGP 10
OTHER NATIONALITIES
- Adult Ticket, EGP 550
- Student Ticket, EGP 275
- Free Ticket: children aged 0-5
- Video Ticket, EGP 300
(personal use – for other uses, contact emcregistrars@gmail.com)
Last update: 14 July 2025
Tickets
Tickets to the Egyptian Museum in Cairo can be purchased online via this convenient availability calendar from GetYourGuide:
Free cancellation with full refund up to 24 hours before the scheduled entry time
Tickets are also available online on Tiqets:
Receive a full refund if you choose a refundable ticket at checkout and cancel by 11:59 pm the day before your visit
Guided Tours
Tiqets also offers several guided tour options, including combined visits to the Giza Pyramids and Sphinx or the NMEC (National Museum of Egyptian Civilization).
Get a full refund if you select a refundable ticket during checkout and cancel until 23:59 the day before you visit.
Books
We highlight the official guide of the EMC, authorized by the Supreme Council of Antiquities, and other two books about the Egyptian Museum of Cairo. All volumes are available online at Amazon.
Inside the Egyptian Museum with Zahi Hawass
by Zahi Awass & Sandro Vannini (photographer)
Publisher: The American University in Cairo Press (2010)
300 pages
Collector’s edition
Hidden Treasures of Ancient Egypt
Unearthing the Masterpieces of the Egyptian Museum in Cairo
by Zahi Awass & Kenneth Garrett (photographer)
Publisher: National Geographic (2004)
256 pages
Hardback edition
Treasures of Ancient Egypt
From the Egyptian Museum in Cairo
by The Egyptian Museum in Cairo
Publisher: Universe (2003)
632 pages
Illustrated edition
» Other books about the Egyptian Museum
Hotels near the EMC
» Discover the best hotels near the Egyptian Museum in Cairo (Downtown Cairo) on Booking.com
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Top image: facade of the Egyptian Museum in Cairo (EMC).
Original title: musee egyptien du caire.
By Christophe Badoux via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)