The Museum of Egyptian Antiquities in Cairo is the largest and most important museum dedicated to Ancient Egyptian art and culture in the world. It houses the world’s largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts and is one of the oldest and most important archaeological and historical sites in the world. Located in the center of Cairo, the museum is home to over 120,000 artifacts, including mummies, statues, sarcophagi, and jewelry, dating from the Old Kingdom to the Greco-Roman period. The museum also houses an impressive library, containing rare books, manuscripts, and other documents related to the history and culture of Ancient Egypt.
History of the Museum
The museum was founded in 1858 by the French Egyptologist Auguste Mariette, who was appointed to the position of Director General of Antiquities in Egypt. He worked to establish a public museum to house the many artifacts that were being unearthed during archaeological excavations in the country. The museum was initially housed in a small building in the city center, but was moved to its current location in 1902. The building was designed by the French architect Marcel Dourgnon, and it is considered to be one of the most impressive examples of neo-classical architecture in Cairo.
Collections and Exhibits
The museum contains a vast collection of ancient artifacts, including sculptures, statues, pottery, jewelry, and mummies. The most famous of these is the Royal Mummy Room, which contains the mummies of many of the most famous Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt, including Ramses II, Thutmose III, and Tutankhamen. Other highlights of the museum include the sculptures of Akhenaten, the reliefs from the Temple of Karnak, and the sarcophagi of Seti I. There are also several galleries dedicated to ancient Egyptian gods, goddesses, and other religious figures.
The Library
The museum also houses a library, containing rare books, manuscripts, and other documents related to the history and culture of Ancient Egypt. The library includes over 40,000 volumes of material, including works by Ancient Egyptian authors, translations of ancient texts, and books on archaeology, history, and art. It also houses a collection of photographs, maps, and other documents related to the museum and its collections.
Educational Programs
The museum offers a variety of educational programs for visitors, including guided tours, lectures, and workshops. These programs are designed to help visitors learn more about the history and culture of Ancient Egypt. The museum also hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, such as film screenings, concerts, and art exhibitions.
Location and Hours
The Museum of Egyptian Antiquities is located at Midan El Tahrir in Cairo, Egypt. It is open every day from 9am to 5pm, except for Fridays when it closes at 1pm. Admission is free.
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