In museums of other countries, you may find a combination of foreign artifacts or international exhibits. But not in Egypt! Here, you'll find millennia of civilization on display everywhere, with only the most significant artifacts accompanied by explanations. Most pieces are marked only with numbers.
This is a national-level museum where certain areas feel like a construction site, and visitors are allowed to interact with the exhibits by touching them, and air conditioning may not be apparent. After discussing all the unique aspects of the Egyptian Museum and how it differs from other museums, let's talk about the incredible experience of witnessing ancient artifacts up close.
While it was a bit chaotic on site, the route for the important artifacts was well planned. The classic treasures from the Old Kingdom, including Tutankhamun's golden mask and burial items, the exquisite sculptures of Amenhotep I's wife, and the mummies of Yuya and Thuya, gave me goosebumps.
The Egyptian Museum is divided into two floors. The first floor displays artifacts from ancient Egypt to the era of Roman rule, while the second floor features Tutankhamun's golden mask, numerous burial items, the mummies of Yuya and Thuya, and special exhibitions.
Contents
◦ Narmer Palette: The Cornerstone of History
This significant artifact dates back to 3,000 years before the Common Era and was left behind by the First Dynasty of Egypt. The stone palette depicts Pharaoh Narmer, who is credited with unifying Egypt for the first time in history. This cornerstone of Pharaonic history is a significant artifact that you can see as soon as you enter the museum.
◦ The Old Kingdom: Starting from Gallery 42
01｜Khafra on the 10 Egyptian Pound Note
Behind Pharaoh Khafra, there is the Horus guardian, which is printed on the 10 Egyptian Pound note.
02｜Khufu Statuette
This statue of Pharaoh Khufu, the only one in existence, stands in stark contrast to the largest pyramid he constructed.
03｜The Scribe on the 200 Egyptian Pound Note
In ancient Egypt, those who had the ability to read and write were highly esteemed. The scribe featured on the 200 Egyptian Pound note holds a papyrus scroll in his heir left hand and a pen in his right. The vividly inlaid eyes left a lasting impression on me.
◦ Middle Kingdom: Starting from Gallery 26
During the Middle Kingdom period, wood carving gradually replaced stone carving, and the colored wood carvings from this era displayed even greater intricacy than before. However, what truly amazed me was the exquisite carving of the wife of Amenhotep I, from the First Dynasty of the New Kingdom. The craftsmanship of colored wood carving, honed through the long experience of the Middle Kingdom, reached its pinnacle!
◦ New Kingdom: Tutankhamun's Golden Mask
Tutankhamun, who ruled for only ten years, did not leave behind many achievements, but he did leave an impressive collection of golden funerary treasures! Compared to other pharaohs or queens, his golden mask is not only much more exquisite but also exceptionally well-preserved. It's no wonder that it's the centerpiece of the museum! Unfortunately, photography is not allowed in the Golden Mask exhibition area. Therefore, the image shown here is from another section of the exhibition.
◦ Other Important Artifacts
01｜Benben Stone
'Benben' is the ancient symbol of the creator god, and the Benben stone, often seen as the pyramidion, is the pointed capstone placed at the top of pyramids. The Egyptian Museum houses a Benben stone that belonged to Pharaoh Amenemhat III's Black Pyramid in Dashur. Today, the pyramid has collapsed, but the Benben stone is well-known thanks to its appearance in the anime "Duel Monsters" as the Millennium Puzzle.
02｜Yuya and Thuya's Mummies
Yuya and Thuya were a married couple during the New Kingdom, and they held high positions during their time. Archaeologists believe that Thuya was the great-grandmother of Tutankhamun. Despite their tomb having been looted in the past, the mummies are remarkably well-preserved. The level of completeness of the mummies sends shivers down my spine!
The Egyptian Museum in Cairo Opening Hours：0900-1900 Address：El-Tahrir Square, Ismailia, Qasr El Nil, Cairo Tickets：Adult 300 EGP ／Student 150 EGP （09/2023） ➤ Read More