One of the world's largest museums can be found in the former ancient city of Fustat in the south of Cairo. The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) opened in 2017 and, together with the GEM - the Great Egyptian Museum, which specializes mainly in archaeological artifacts, forms the main cultural and historical axis for charting Egypt's history.

Gradually, all the objects from the original Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square, as well as from other museums throughout Egypt, are being moved to these two new museums.

The museum's collections

The museum is divided into two main sections: chronological and thematic. The former, by name, shows the history of Egypt on a timeline, while the latter specialises in specific themes, areas and milestones of civilisation from antiquity to the present day.

One of the main draws of the National Museum is the 22 mummies on display: 18 pharaohs and 4 of their wives.

Unlike the GEM, you won't find archaeological excavations here, but mainly various objects found in other museums, information maps and boards, as well as rooms with documentary screenings.

Entrance fees and opening hours

The museum is open every day from 9:00-17:00. The last entry is possible one hour before closing time.

Ticket prices are as follows:

500 egp - Adults
250 egp - students with ISIC card

Tickets can be purchased on site with cash and card or online at the museum's official website: egymonuments.com/nmec

How to get to the museum?

The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization can be found in the south of Cairo in the historic area of Fustat. The only relevant mode of transport is by taxi.

From the central Tahrir Square you will pay for an Uber ride around 90 egp, a classic taxi is unlikely to be arranged under 100 egp.