Cairo Museum, located in Tahrir Square, is one of the world’s most famous museums and an essential stop for any visitor to Egypt. It is home to a collection of over 120,000 artifacts, spanning thousands of years of Egyptian history. The museum houses the world’s largest collection of ancient Egyptian antiquities, including the famous Tutankhamun collection, which contains more than 5,000 pieces.
History of the Museum
The Cairo Museum was established in 1858 by the French Egyptologist Auguste Mariette. He founded it in Boulaq, a district of Cairo, and it was first known as the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities. In 1902, it was moved to its current location in Tahrir Square and renamed the Cairo Museum. It was renovated in the early 20th century by the Italian architect Marcel Dourgnon and expanded in the late 1950s. The Cairo Museum was further renovated in 2002 to restore its original beauty.
Collection
The Cairo Museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts from ancient Egypt. The museum contains more than 120,000 objects, including sculptures, coins, jewelry, pottery, mummies, and much more. The most famous collection is the Tutankhamun collection, which contains over 5,000 pieces, including the iconic gold death mask of the pharaoh.
Tutankhamun Collection
The Tutankhamun collection is one of the most famous collections in the Cairo Museum. It includes a variety of objects from the tomb of the famous pharaoh, including his iconic gold death mask. Other items in the collection include jewelry, statues, furniture, and other artifacts. The collection is a testament to the wealth and power of the ancient Egyptian pharaohs.
Other Collections
The Cairo Museum also houses a variety of other collections, including:
- The Egyptian Mummy Collection: This collection contains over 30 mummies, including the mummy of Ramses II.
- The Royal Mummy Room: This room contains mummies of the Pharaohs and their families.
- The Papyrus Collection: This collection contains a variety of papyrus scrolls and documents from ancient Egypt.
- The Sculpture Collection: This collection includes statues and reliefs from ancient Egypt.
- The Jewelry Collection: This collection includes a variety of jewelry from ancient Egypt.
Visiting the Cairo Museum
The Cairo Museum is open every day from 9am to 4pm, except Fridays, when it is closed. Visitors can purchase tickets at the entrance. The museum also offers guided tours in multiple languages. It is a great way to learn more about the history and culture of ancient Egypt.
The Cairo Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in ancient Egypt and its history. It is home to a vast collection of artifacts and a testament to the wealth and power of the ancient Egyptian pharaohs. The museum is located in the heart of Tahrir Square and is easy to reach by public transport. Visiting the Cairo Museum is an unforgettable experience.