Exploring Ancient Egypt: The Egyptian Museum in Cairo.

1 The Egyptian Museum (Cairo Museum)

The Egyptian National Museum is located in the ancient city of Fustat, in the Cairo region, covering an area of approximately 15 hectares, and is one of the largest museums in the world. Since its opening to the public in 1902, the Egyptian Museum has become a leading museum in the world for ancient Egypt, with a view overlooking Tahrir Square in the capital, Cairo. It houses over 120,000 artifacts, ranging from statues, royal images, archival scrolls, to sentimental jewelry.

The museum complex includes exhibition centers, artifact restoration centers, and entertainment centers, including restaurants, self-service eateries, and an antique market. It is one of the very few museums that display different aspects of Egyptian civilization throughout the ages, from prehistoric times to the modern era. The museum also showcases significant archaeological finds from various periods.

Notably, the museum exhibits 22 royal mummies dating back to the 17th, 18th, 19th, and 20th dynasties. Among the transferred royal mummies are those of King Ramses II, King Seqnen Ra Taa, King Tuthmosis III, King Seti I, Queen Hatshepsut, Queen Meritamun, the wife of King Amenhotep I, and Queen Ahmose Nefertari.

The Grand Egyptian Museum will replace the Cairo Museum, where the golden funeral mask of King Tutankhamun is housed. The old museum, constructed in 1901, has been known for preserving numerous artifacts and mysterious mummies. All of these treasures will be completely transferred to the new museum and opened to visitors. With a larger space, many artifacts that were previously kept hidden in the basement will be brought to light for visitors to admire.

The Grand Egyptian Museum will provide an enhanced experience for visitors, with modern exhibition techniques and state-of-the-art facilities. It will not only showcase the rich history and culture of ancient Egypt but also serve as a center for research and education. The museum’s design and architecture will be awe-inspiring, capturing the essence of ancient Egyptian grandeur while blending harmoniously with the surrounding landscape.

For tourists and history enthusiasts, a visit to the Egyptian Museum will be an unforgettable journey through time. From the majestic statues of pharaohs to the intricate jewelry of queens, every artifact tells a story of an ancient civilization that continues to captivate and inspire. With the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum, the wonders of Egypt’s past will shine brighter than ever before, inviting visitors from around the world to delve into the mysteries of this extraordinary land.

2 Egyptian Museum

In a vast space steeped in ancient history, the latest addition to Egypt’s museum collection, the Grand Egyptian Museum, is nearing completion. Standing out amidst the construction is the colossal statue of King Ramses II, with its left foot stepping forward and both hands clenched tightly, exuding a sense of grandeur.

The museum is expected to house 100,000 artifacts, along with a 3D cinema hall equipped with 250 seats specifically designed for children. From the museum, visitors can also enjoy a panoramic view of the Giza pyramids.

The construction of the Grand Egyptian Museum posed a significant challenge for architects. They had to design a new type of insulated concrete to ensure that Egypt’s harsh climate would not damage the precious artifacts stored inside and maintain a stable temperature of 23 degrees Celsius within the museum. The museum is so vast that visitors can spend an entire day exploring its wonders. Some artifacts are occasionally loaned out for exhibitions worldwide.

The statue of Pharaoh Tutankhamun standing on a paper boat, once stolen in January 2011, is also a highlight of the museum. The artifacts from the tomb of this pharaoh of the 18th dynasty are prominently displayed here. Tutankhamun perished at the young age of 19 and was buried with numerous treasures, most of which are exhibited in the museum. The golden coffin of King Tutankhamun occupies a prestigious position within the Grand Egyptian Museum. The large gilded coffin was removed from the Valley of the Kings in July and transported to Cairo to undergo restoration before its official display.

Visitors will have the opportunity to admire the golden mask of Pharaoh Tutankhamun, adorned with lapis lazuli, lapis stone, and coral. Additionally, the museum showcases mummies and jewelry found in the tomb. However, these priceless items are housed in a separate chamber and photography is not permitted.

Tutankhamun’s golden sandals were buried with the pharaoh for over 3,000 years. Pharaoh Khufu, also known as Cheops, is the creator of the magnificent pyramids that still stand today. This 5 cm tall, small ivory portrait is the only remaining image of him and dates back 5,000 years.

There are countless other precious artifacts on display at the museum, making it an unmissable destination for anyone visiting Egypt. The Grand Egyptian Museum is a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of this extraordinary civilization.

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