Cairo Museums

(Cairo, Egypt)

With so many important pieces of antiquity to display, Cairo's museums rank among the best in the world for sheer volume of important artefacts and documenting one of the worlds truly important realms of historic study - Egyptology. Historic relics can be seen in many of the museums, with many of the best artefacts being housed within the exceptional Egyptian Antiquities Museum.

Other important treasures from Cairo's past can also be found at the Egyptian Ethnological Museum, the Military Museum and also within the Pharaonic Village.

Egyptian Antiquities Museum

Address: Al-Mathaf al-Masri, Maydan Tahrir, Cairo, Egypt, EG
Tel: +202 575 4319
Boasting the world's most extensive collection of Egyptian artefacts, the Egyptian Antiquities Museum is one of the centrepieces of Egypt's tourism portfolio and is a must for all visitors, no matter how much you may find museums boring. There are more than 100,000 displayed items in total, so it is worth considering multiple trips. Undoubtedly the most popular exhibit is the famous Tutankhamen collection - famous the world over for its distinctive gold, lapis and jewelled sarcophagi. The Royal Mummy Room is probably one of the more bizarre tourist attractions you will see in this popular exhibition space. Some mummies even have their faces unwrapped, but be prepared to line up with the crowds and forget about any flash photography. A guided tour is recommended to help get your head around complex Egyptology.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 18:45
Admission: charge

Egyptian Ethnological Museum

Address: Geographical Society Building, Cairo, Egypt, EG
Tel: +20 02 794 5450
The Egyptian Ethnological Museum is a far more modest in comparison to many of its peers. However, this small gem reveals a museum that is home to a number of exhibitions detailing traditional life in Cairo throughout its long history, including displays of village crafts and costumes, as well as reconstructions of daily life.
Open hours: daily - 09:30 to 14:30
Admission: charge

Military Museum

Address: Citadel Historic Area, Cairo, Egypt, EG
Tel: +20 02 512 9619
The Militarian Museum, contrary to expectations, isn't a display of nationalistic pride, but rather an insightful study of ancient warfare in the region. Highlights include examples of ceremonial equipment and costumes, and scale models of several of Egypt's most important battles. The Military Museum is particularly fun for the kids, since you can actually step into some of the scenes.
Open hours: daily, summer - 08:00 to 17:30; winter - 08:00 to 16:30
Admission: charge

Pharaonic Village

Address: 3 El Bahr El Aazam street, Cairo, Egypt, EG
Tel: +20 02 571 8675
This museum recreates day-to-day life in Pharonic Egypt with some fun interactive displays. If you have difficulty picturing life 4,000 years ago, this exhibition will be a good starting point for your 'Ancient Egyptian journey'.
Open hours: daily, summer - 09:00 - 21:00; winter - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge