The Cairo Egyptian Museum has the status of one of the largest depositories of antiquities in the world. And among the collections devoted to the relics of ancient Egypt, it has no equal. Total within the walls of the Cairo Museum stored more than 120 thousand items, of which is constantly exhibited only a small fraction.

In the past, the most valuable archaeological finds made in the land of the pyramids, rarely remained in Egypt. More often they were transported to other countries, not a small part of the relics still have not returned to their homeland. However, for those who are interested in the history of the country, do not imagine vacation without getting acquainted with its ancient culture, an excursion to Cairo and visit the national museum – a must in the tourist program.

History of Cairo Egyptian Museum

On the territory of Egypt, the museum is by no means the oldest such institution. But after cases of looting of vaults with architectural finds, in the heart of the capital, at the command of the ruler Ismail Pasha, a new exhibition complex with free entrance was founded in 1900.

At first its collection was not so rich, numbering just over 3,000 objects. With new excavations and the return from abroad of taken relics, the Cairo Museum increased the number of exhibits. Entire halls have been set aside for some of the thematic exhibitions that are most popular with tourists.

During the 2011 unrest, the Cairo Egyptian Museum survived a pogrom. During it several valuable finds from the XVIII dynasty, New Kingdom era were stolen. Vandals also destroyed several exhibits and statues and destroyed two mummies.

Exhibits in the Cairo Egyptian Museum

It is impossible to list even the most valuable antiquities exhibited in the museum. For tourists are of particular interest are three expositions:

• items from the pyramids at Giza – only here you can see the original statue of Pharaoh Khufu (the same Cheops after whom the largest of the pyramids is named), many other items from the Ancient Kingdom period; they are over 4500 years old;
• The Valley of the Kings, the largest freestanding exhibit in the house; 1,700 objects are on display in 12 rooms with an equal number in storage; among the relics is perhaps the most famous find in the world, the death mask of Tutankhamun, made of pure gold and embellished with precious stones;
• The hall of royal mummies – the rooms where the remains of great kings, queens and their attendants are kept have a special microclimate; without exception, every tourist’s visit to this hall will cause the most vivid emotions.