The Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square is one of the world’s most famous museums and for good reason. With a vast collection of artifacts spanning thousands of years of Egyptian history, the museum is an essential stop for any traveler interested in the country’s rich past. In this post, we’ll look closer at the museum’s history, what visitors can expect to see, and some helpful tips for making the most of your visit.
History of the Egyptian Museum
The Egyptian Museum was founded in 1835 by the Egyptian government, making it one of the oldest museums in the world. Initially located in Bulaq, the museum was moved to its current location in Tahrir Square in 1902. The museum’s collections were gradually expanded over the years, with many artifacts coming from archaeological sites throughout Egypt.
Today, the Egyptian Museum is home to over 120,000 artifacts, including the famous treasures of Tutankhamun, the mummy of Ramses II, and the Rosetta Stone. The museum’s collections cover a wide range of Egyptian history, from prehistoric times to the Roman era.
In addition to its role as a museum, the Egyptian Museum has also played an essential role in preserving Egypt’s cultural heritage. During World War II, many of the museum’s most valuable artifacts were moved to a secret location to protect them from potential damage. More recently, the museum has repatriated stolen artifacts and prevented the illegal trade of Egyptian antiquities.
What to Expect at the Egyptian Museum
Visitors to the Egyptian Museum can expect to see various artifacts, ranging from small figurines to massive statues. The museum is organized into several galleries, each focusing on a different period of Egyptian history. Some of the museum’s most famous artifacts are housed in the Tutankhamun Gallery, which includes the pharaoh’s favorite golden mask and other treasures from his tomb.
One of the most impressive parts of the museum is the Royal Mummy Room, which contains the mummies of some of Egypt’s most famous pharaohs, including Ramses II and Hatshepsut. Visitors can also see the Rosetta Stone, which played a crucial role in deciphering hieroglyphics, and a variety of other artifacts, including pottery, jewelry, and funerary objects.
In addition to its permanent collections, the Egyptian Museum hosts various temporary exhibitions throughout the year. These exhibitions often focus on aspects of Egyptian history or showcase recent discoveries from archaeological sites.
Tips for Visiting the Egyptian Museum
If you plan to visit the Egyptian Museum, remember to make the most of your experience. First, visiting the museum early in the day is a good idea, as it can get quite crowded later. You should also be prepared for the museum’s size – there are over 120,000 artifacts on display, which can be overwhelming at first.
To get to the museum, you can take a taxi or use public transportation. The museum is in Tahrir Square, a central location in Cairo. Admission to the museum costs 160 Egyptian pounds (around USD 10), and the museum is open from 9 am to 5 pm every day except for Friday when it closes at 4 pm.
When visiting the museum, follow the museum’s guidelines for photographing and filming. Flash photography is prohibited in many parts of the museum, and some galleries prohibit photography altogether. It’s also a good idea to wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking.
Fun Facts about the Egyptian Museum
There are many interesting facts and stories about the Egyptian Museum that are sure to delight visitors. For example, did you know that the museum’s most famous artifact, the golden mask of Tutankhamun, was nearly lost forever? In 2014, a museum worker accidentally knocked the beard off the front and attempted to glue it back using epoxy. The botched repair caused significant damage to the mask and required a team of experts to restore it.
Another interesting fact about the museum is that it has been used as a filming location for many famous movies and TV shows. Scenes from the 1999 movie “The Mummy” were filmed in the museum’s galleries, as were scenes from the TV show “Doctor Who” and the 1978 James Bond movie “The Spy Who Loved Me.”
Finally, the museum has hosted many notable visitors throughout its long history. In 1869, Mark Twain visited the museum and wrote about his experiences in his travelogue “The Innocents Abroad.” More recently, the museum was visited by former U.S. President Barack Obama during a trip to Egypt in 2009.
Conclusion
Visiting the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square is an unforgettable experience for anyone interested in ancient history and archaeology. With its vast collections of artifacts spanning thousands of years of Egyptian history, the museum offers a unique window into one of the world’s most fascinating civilizations. Following the tips outlined in this post, travelers can make the most of their visit and create lasting memories. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or visiting Egypt for the first time, the Egyptian Museum is a must-see destination that should be noticed.
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