The Egyptian Museum

The Egyptian Museum: A Journey Through Ancient Egypt

The Egyptian Museum in Cairo stands as a magnificent gateway to the world of ancient Egypt. It is one of the most significant museums globally, housing an unparalleled collection of artifacts that span thousands of years. This guide offers an in-depth look at its history, key founders, artifacts, and a detailed exploration of its sections. to help visitors navigate and appreciate its vast treasures.

History of The Egyptian Museum

Officially inaugurated in 1902, this museum was designed by the French architect Marcel Dourgnon.. It marked a major step in preserving Egypt’s heritage, shifting from private collections and looted artifacts to a structured institution dedicated to Egyptology. The museum’s establishment was largely driven by the efforts of Auguste Mariette, a pioneering French archaeologist who recognized the urgency of safeguarding Egypt’s antiquities.

Key Figures Behind Its Establishment.

• Auguste Mariette (1821–1881) – A French Egyptologist and founder of the Egyptian Antiquities Service. He was instrumental in stopping the rampant looting of ancient Egyptian sites and established the first centralized collection of Egyptian artifacts in Boulaq. Mariette’s work laid the foundation for what would eventually become the Egyptian Museum.
• Gaston Maspero (1846–1916) – A French Egyptologist who succeeded Mariette as head of the Antiquities Service. He was responsible for expanding the museum’s collection and systematizing excavation efforts. Maspero played a key role in uncovering the Royal Cache in Deir el-Bahari, which contained the mummies of famous pharaohs, including Ramses II and Seti I.
• Marcel Dourgnon – A French architect who designed the neoclassical building of the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square. His design provided a permanent, grand home for Egypt’s artifacts, replacing the previous Boulaq and Giza locations.
• Zahi Hawass (Modern Era) – An influential modern archaeologist and former Minister of Antiquities. Hawass played a key role in preservation efforts, excavation projects, and the promotion of Egyptian heritage worldwide. He was instrumental in organizing the relocation of royal mummies to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) and preparing the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM).

Layout and Sections of This Historic Landmark

The museum consists of two main floors, each showcasing different aspects of Egyptian history. Here’s a breakdown of its sections and what visitors can expect to see:

Ground Floor: Chronological Exhibition of Ancient Egyptian Artifacts

The ground floor follows a historical timeline, displaying artifacts from Egypt’s earliest history to the Greco-Roman period.

1. Pre-Dynastic and Early Dynastic Periods
   • Pottery, tools, and the famous Narmer Palette, which records the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt.
2. Old Kingdom (2686–2181 BC)
   • Statues of Pharaohs such as Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure (builders of the Great Pyramids).
   • Tomb artifacts from Saqqara and Giza, including beautifully decorated sarcophagi.
3. Middle Kingdom (2055–1650 BC)
   • Jewelry collections, wooden models of daily life, and statues depicting more realistic facial features.
4. New Kingdom (1550–1070 BC)
   • The impressive statues of Hatshepsut, Akhenaten, and Ramses II.
   • Exquisite burial items, including gold and lapis lazuli artifacts.
   • Artifacts from Tutankhamun’s tomb (excluding the mummy, which has been moved to the Grand Egyptian Museum).
5. Late Period and Greco-Roman Artifacts
   • Items from the Persian and Ptolemaic periods, including statues of Cleopatra VII and the Rosetta Stone replica (the original is in the British Museum).

First Floor: Thematic and Specialized Collections in The Egyptian Museum

1. The Royal Mummy Room (Previously in the Museum, Now Relocated)
   • Previously housed mummies of famous pharaohs like Seti I, Ramses II, and Hatshepsut.
   • These mummies were moved to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) in 2021 during the ‘Golden Parade of Pharaohs.’
2. The Amarna Room
   • Dedicated to the revolutionary period of Akhenaten, showcasing statues, reliefs, and items related to the Aten cult.
3. Tutankhamun Galleries
   • The golden mask of Tutankhamun (which remains one of the most famous artifacts).
   • The collection includes jewelry, weapons, furniture, and a stunning alabaster canopic jar set.
4. Jewelry and Daily Life Artifacts
   • Ornate necklaces, rings, and bracelets from various dynasties.
   • Household objects, including cosmetics containers and ancient board games.
5. The Animal Mummy Room
   • Preserved remains of sacred animals, including cats, crocodiles, and ibises, showing their religious significance.

Notable Artifacts That Have Been Relocated from The Egyptian Museum

• The Royal Mummies – Moved to NMEC for better preservation.
• Many of Tutankhamun’s treasures – Being relocated to the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) near the Pyramids of Giza.
• The Solar Boat of Khufu – Moved to the new Grand Egyptian Museum to be displayed alongside the pyramid-related artifacts.

How to Explore The Egyptian Museum in Cairo?

Given the museum’s vast size, here’s a recommended itinerary:

1. Start with the Ground Floor, following the chronological arrangement.
2. Move to the first floor for themed collections, especially the Tutankhamun and Amarna exhibits.
3. Visit the relocated collections at the NMEC and the Grand Egyptian Museum to see the royal mummies and other treasures.

Conclusion

The Egyptian Museum remains an essential destination for history enthusiasts. While some collections have been relocated, it still offers a fascinating journey through Egypt’s glorious past. Whether you are drawn to the grandeur of the pharaohs, the beauty of ancient craftsmanship, or the mysteries of Egyptian rituals, this museum provides an unforgettable experience for all visitors.