iNational Museum of Egyptian Civilization
The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC), inaugurated on 3 April 2021, is located in the historic Fustat district of Old Cairo on the shores of Ain El-Sira Lake. Spanning roughly 14 hectares, it is the first museum in the Arab world dedicated to the full breadth of a civilization's history. Its 50,000-artifact collection is organized into thematic galleries covering the Dawn of Civilization, the Nile, Writing, State and Society, Material Culture, and Beliefs and Thinking. The centrepiece is the Royal Mummies Hall on the lower level, housing 22 royal mummies — including Ramesses II, Hatshepsut, and Thutmose III — transferred from the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square during the celebrated 2021 Golden Parade. Additional facilities include a textile museum, ancient dye house, temporary exhibition halls, a library, cafe, and gift shop.
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What's On
Permanent Collections
Main Gallery
A chronological journey through the full sweep of Egyptian civilization, from the 35,000-year-old Nazlet Khater skeleton through the Pharaonic, Greco-Roman, Coptic, Islamic, and modern eras. Highlights include a gilded chariot of Thutmose IV, Ekhnaton's statue, and Mahmoud Mokhtar's Al Falaha sculpture.
Royal Mummies Hall
Home to 22 royal mummies transferred in the 2021 Golden Parade, including Ramesses II, Hatshepsut, and Thutmose III. The hall recreates the atmosphere of the Valley of the Kings, with coffins, canopic chests, and preserved burial goods displayed alongside each royal.
Textile Gallery
Around 600 artifacts tracing Egyptian textile history from Greco-Roman tanagra dresses to Islamic Kiswa fragments and Muhammad Ali dynasty royal garments. One centrepiece is a section of the Kaaba's internal door covering (Kiswa) in place since 1941.
Ancient Dye House
Cairo's sole surviving ancient dye house, dating to at least the early Fatimid period (969–1171 AD). This archaeological exhibit offers a rare glimpse into medieval industrial textile production in the heart of what is now Old Cairo.
Plan Your Visit
Getting there
El Fustat Road, Ein El Sira, Old Cairo, Cairo 17611, Egypt
Nearest station: Mar Girgis (Metro Line 1, ~1.5 km) and El-Malek El-Saleh (Metro Line 1)
Show on mapHours
| Mon | 09:00–17:00 |
| Tue | 09:00–17:00 |
| Wed | 09:00–17:00 |
| Thu | 09:00–17:00 |
| Fri | 09:00–17:00 |
| Sat | 09:00–17:00 |
| SunToday | 09:00–17:00 |
Admission
From E£550
Student: 300 EGP. Royal Mummies Hall included in general admission — no separate ticket. Price increased Jan 2025.
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible throughout with smooth, wide pathways and ramped entrance. Elevator to all levels including Royal Mummies Hall. Free wheelchairs on request. Designated accessible parking. Braille brochures and sign-language tours available (advance reservation).
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Visitor Information
- How much does National Museum of Egyptian Civilization cost?
- Standard adult admission to National Museum of Egyptian Civilization is E£550. Student: 300 EGP. Royal Mummies Hall included in general admission — no separate ticket. Price increased Jan 2025.. Prices for special exhibitions and timed-entry slots may differ.
- What are the opening hours of National Museum of Egyptian Civilization?
- National Museum of Egyptian Civilization is open Sat–Thu 9:00–17:00, Fri 9:00–17:00 then 18:00–21:00. Last ticket 1 hour before close.. Holiday hours can vary, so check the museum's website before you go.
- Where is National Museum of Egyptian Civilization?
- National Museum of Egyptian Civilization is located at El Fustat Road, Ein El Sira, Old Cairo, Cairo 17611, Egypt, in the Fustat, Old Cairo area of Cairo. The nearest stations are Mar Girgis (Metro Line 1, ~1.5 km) and El-Malek El-Saleh (Metro Line 1).
- What can I see at National Museum of Egyptian Civilization?
- Egypt's national museum spanning all eras of Egyptian civilization, from prehistory to the present day, and home to the Royal Mummies Hall with 22 pharaohs and queens. Current highlights include Main Gallery, Royal Mummies Hall and Textile Gallery.
- Do I need to book National Museum of Egyptian Civilization in advance?
- Booking ahead is recommended, especially for weekends, school holidays, and special exhibitions. Tickets are normally on the museum's website, and a pre-booked timed slot helps you avoid queues at the entrance.
- When is the best time to visit National Museum of Egyptian Civilization?
- Weekday mornings shortly after opening are typically the quietest, especially mid-week. Late afternoons can also be calmer. Weekends, school holidays, and the lunch rush are the busiest periods.
- Is National Museum of Egyptian Civilization accessible?
- Wheelchair accessible throughout with smooth, wide pathways and ramped entrance. Elevator to all levels including Royal Mummies Hall. Free wheelchairs on request. Designated accessible parking. Braille brochures and sign-language tours available (advance reservation).
Image credits
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- National Museum of Egyptian CivilizationRoland Unger, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0