A Treasured History
The Egyptian Museum in Cairo is one of the most prominent archaeological museums in the region due to its rich collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts. Located in Cairo’s Tahrir Square, the museum building dates back to 1857 when it was established to exhibit artifacts from Pharaonic times.
- Place: The Egyptian Museum
- Country: Egypt
- Governorate: Cairo Governorate
- Age: Over 200 years old
- Population: Tourist site with no permanent residents
- Discovered by: Auguste Mariette
- Famous for: Housing the largest collection of ancient Egyptian antiquities, including artifacts from King Tut’s tomb
- Nearby locations: Tahrir Square, Downtown Cairo
Home to Precious Relics
Over 200,000 objects are present within its walls, with the most prized pieces belonging to the treasure of the young pharaoh Tutankhamun. Upon entering the museum, visitors are greeted by an awe-inspiring sight of towering stone columns showcasing reliefs of Osiris, Isis, Horus, and other Egyptian gods. The rooms house a glittering array of gold and stone carvings recovered from the tombs of pharaohs and noblemen.
Enduring Discoveries
One of the highlights of the collection is a beautifully adorned jewelry box and the golden miniature portrait of Tutankhamun, highlighting exquisite craftsmanship during that period. Other notable exhibits include a beautifully composed statue of Ramses II flanked by his son and the famous Rosetta Stone – a multilingual stele crucial in deciphering ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs. Continuous excavations are adding new knowledge about ancient Egyptian civilization through freshly discovered treasures.
Architectural Grandeur
The structure juxtaposes old-world grandeur with its high vaulted halls showcasing rows upon rows of colossal stone sculptures. Walking through its marble corridors strewn with busts of pharaohs imparts a feeling of stepping back in time. Although the building faces infrastructural challenges due to its age, an extension has significantly enlarged the display area facilitating improved organization of the memorable antiquities.
Enduring Legacy
Over a century and a half since its founding, the Egyptian Museum remains one of Egypt’s premier tourist attractions and a center of learning about one of the earliest civilizations. Its unparalleled collection offers an unforgettable glimpse into the power, opulence and artistry of the world’s first nation state – the mighty Egypt of the Pharaohs that lasted for over 3000 years. Future plans include moving some artifacts to the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum at Giza Plateau for better viewing experience.
