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Museums #3 in Giza

The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization

4.7 · 28,317 reviews
Formal and educational
The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, Ein as Seirah, Old Cairo, Cairo Governorate 4245001, Egypt
Interesting facts
1

The museum complex spans 135,000 square meters of land.

2

The Royal Mummies Hall uses advanced climate-controlled nitrogen pods to prevent the degradation of the remains.

3

The building's design was the result of a 1999 international competition won by Egyptian architect El Ghazzali Kosseiba.

4

The site overlooks the Ain El-Sira lake, which was rehabilitated as part of the museum's development project.

5

The museum includes a specialized laboratory for the study and restoration of ancient textiles and organic materials.

6

The collection features items recovered from the historic city of Fustat, the first Islamic capital of Egypt.

7

The museum serves as the permanent home for the remains of some of Egypt's most famous rulers, including Hatshepsut and Ramesses II.

Overview

The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) is the first institution in the Arab world dedicated to the entirety of Egyptian civilization across prehistoric, Pharaonic, Greco-Roman, Coptic, Islamic, and modern eras. Its primary distinction is the Royal Mummies Hall, which houses the preserved remains of 22 royal mummies transferred from the Egyptian Museum in a high-profile 2021 parade. The museum is located in the El-Fustat area, bordering the historic Ain El-Sira lake. The core display follows a chronological narrative through the Main Exhibition Hall, while a separate gallery focuses on the development of Egyptian material culture. The architecture incorporates traditional motifs with a modern aesthetic, utilizing the natural landscape of the lake. It holds a collection of over 50,000 artifacts in total. The facility functions as both an exhibition space and an active research center for cultural heritage preservation.

Photo spot

The main exterior plaza overlooking the museum architecture and the reflective lake water.

Insider tips

Spend the majority of your time in the Royal Mummies Hall, as it requires a separate viewing pace from the main gallery.

Check the official website for rotating temporary exhibitions that often focus on specific archaeological excavations.

Allow extra time for the walk around the Ain El-Sira lake area after finishing your museum tour.

What to avoid

Trying to see the entire museum in under two hours, as the scale of the artifacts and historical information requires significant time.

Good to know

The museum remains open throughout the year but may have adjusted hours during the month of Ramadan.

Etiquette

Modest dress is required; ensure shoulders and knees are covered as a sign of respect.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
3-4 hours
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings to avoid large school groups and weekend crowds.
Address
The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, Ein as Seirah, Old Cairo, Cairo Governorate 4245001, Egypt
30.009, 31.248
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsRoyal Mummies Gallery and the Main Exhibition Hall

Frequently asked

Plan for about 3-4 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Weekday mornings to avoid large school groups and weekend crowds..

The main exterior plaza overlooking the museum architecture and the reflective lake water.

Close by you'll find Amr ibn al-As Mosque, Saladin Citadel, Al-Sayyida Nafesa Mosque.