The Grand Museum Cairo is one of the most iconic and important tourist attractions in Egypt. It is located in the heart of the city, and it showcases the history and culture of the country from ancient times to the present. The museum is home to a variety of artifacts, including artifacts from the ancient Egyptian, Roman, Greek, and Coptic eras. It is also home to a number of modern artworks, as well as some of the oldest and most valuable pieces of art in the world.
History of the Grand Museum Cairo
The Grand Museum Cairo was established in 1858 by the Khedive Isma’il Pasha, and it was originally known as the Egyptian Museum. Over the years, the museum has undergone many changes and renovations, and it now houses over 120,000 artifacts. The museum is divided into several galleries, including the Egyptian Antiquities, the Coptic and Islamic Art galleries, the Islamic Art Gallery, and the Modern Art Gallery.
Egyptian Antiquities
The Egyptian Antiquities gallery is one of the most impressive galleries in the museum. It houses some of the oldest artifacts in the world, including pieces from the ancient Egyptian, Roman, and Greek eras. The gallery includes artifacts such as sculptures, jewelry, pottery, mummies, and more. Visitors can also learn about the history and culture of ancient Egypt through the artifacts in this gallery.
Coptic and Islamic Art Galleries
The Coptic and Islamic Art galleries showcase the cultural and religious diversity of Egypt. The Coptic Art Gallery features pieces from the Coptic era, including paintings, sculptures, and manuscripts. The Islamic Art Gallery houses a variety of artifacts from the Islamic period, including coins, jewelry, and ceramics.
Modern Art Gallery
The Modern Art Gallery is a great place to view the work of contemporary artists. The gallery showcases works from the early 20th century to the present day. It includes a variety of art forms, such as painting, sculpture, photography, and more.
Special Exhibitions
The Grand Museum Cairo also hosts a variety of special exhibitions throughout the year. These exhibitions are often dedicated to specific themes, such as ancient Egypt, modern art, and Islamic art. Visitors can also view special collections of artifacts, such as the collection of King Tutankhamun’s tomb, or the collection of the Nefertiti bust.
Visiting the Grand Museum Cairo
The Grand Museum Cairo is open every day from 9am to 5pm. Visitors can purchase tickets at the museum’s entrance or online. The museum also offers a variety of tours, such as guided tours, family tours, and student tours.
Tips for Visiting the Grand Museum Cairo
- Allow plenty of time to explore the museum. It can take several hours to fully explore all of the galleries.
- Take advantage of the audio guide, which is available in multiple languages.
- Visit the special exhibitions, which are often only open for a limited time.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the museum is quite large.
The Grand Museum Cairo is one of the most iconic and important tourist attractions in Egypt. It is a great place to learn about the history and culture of the country, and to view some of the oldest and most valuable pieces of art in the world.