The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) is a large museum (490,000 square metres (5,300,000 sq ft) ) located in Old Cairo, a district of Cairo, Egypt. Partially opened in 2017, the museum was officially inaugurated on 3 April 2021 by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, with the moving of 22 mummies, including 18 kings and four queens, from the Egyptian Museum in central Cairo, in an event termed the Pharaohs’ Golden Parade. The museum displays a collection of 50,000 artifacts, presenting the Egyptian civilization from prehistoric times to the present day.

Background

Interior of the museum

The permanent collection divided into two separate regions; one chronological and the other is thematic. The chronological areas are the following: Archaic, Pharaonic, Greco-Roman, Coptic, Medieval, Islamic, modern and contemporary. The thematic areas are the following: Dawn of Civilization, The Nile, Writing, State and Society, Material Culture, Beliefs and Thinking and the Gallery of Royal Mummies. UNESCO provided technical help to the museum.

The collections will be taken from other Egyptian museums such as the Egyptian Museum, the Coptic Museum, the Museum of Islamic Art, the Manial Palace and Museum in Cairo, and the Royal Jewelry Museum in Alexandria.

  • Inside the museum

    Inside the museum

  • Mummy of queen Tiye, now displayed at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization

    Mummy of queen Tiye, now displayed at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization

  • Mummy of Ramesses II, now displayed at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization

    Mummy of Ramesses II, now displayed at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization

 

Description of the museum

 The museum opened in 2021 and houses over 180,000 artifacts that span over 7,000 years of Egyptian history, from the predynastic period to the Islamic era. The museum’s mission is to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Egypt and to promote the study and understanding of its history and civilization.

The museum’s exhibits divided into several sections, each showcasing a different aspect of Egyptian history and culture.

Firstly,  features artifacts from the predynastic period, including pottery, stone tools, and jewelry.

Secondly, showcases artifacts from the Old Kingdom, including statues, funerary artifacts, and architectural elements.

Thirdly, focuses on the Middle Kingdom, featuring artifacts such as statues, jewelry, and pottery.

The fourth section showcases artifacts from the New Kingdom, including statues, paintings, and pottery.

The fifth section focuses on the Ramesside Period, featuring artifacts such as statues, jewelry, and architectural elements.

The sixth section showcases artifacts from the Ptolemaic Period, including coins, sculptures, and pottery.

The seventh section focuses on the Roman Period, featuring artifacts such as mosaics, coins, and architectural elements.

The eighth section showcases artifacts from the Byzantine Period, including mosaics, icons, and architectural elements.

The ninth section focuses on the Islamic Period, featuring artifacts such as pottery, textiles, and architectural elements.

The museum also features a number of interactive exhibits, including a virtual reality experience that allows visitors to explore ancient Egyptian tombs and temples. The museum’s gift shop offers a wide range of souvenirs, including replicas of ancient artifacts, books, and posters.

Overall, the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Egyptian history and culture. The museum’s exhibits are well-curated and provide a comprehensive overview of Egypt’s rich cultural heritage. The museum’s interactive exhibits and gift shop add an extra layer of fun and educational value to the experience.