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On May 18th, the world comes together to celebrate International Museum Day&mdash;an annual event that shines a light on the cultural, educational, and historical significance of museums. While the day itself may last only 24 hours, the festivities often extend through the weekend or even the entire week. First launched over 40 years ago, International Museum Day now sees participation from thousands of museums across the globe.
And when it comes to museums, no country tells the story of human civilization quite like Egypt. As the land of pharaohs, pyramids, and ancient wonders, Egypt proudly showcases its rich heritage through an impressive variety of museums, each offering a unique glimpse into its past and present.
If you&rsquo;re planning a visit to Egypt, here are 8 museums you absolutely shouldn&rsquo;t miss:
1. Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)
Location: Giza, near the Giza Pyramids
Opened: Soft opening in 2023 (official grand opening expected on 3rd of July)
The Grand Egyptian Museum is set to be the largest archaeological museum in the world. It will house over 100,000 artifacts, including the entire Tutankhamun collection displayed together for the first time. The museum&rsquo;s design blends modern architecture with ancient motifs and offers panoramic views of the pyramids. It also includes advanced conservation labs, immersive exhibitions, and educational centers.
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2. The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC)
Location: Fustat, Old Cairo
Opened: 2021
NMEC offers a comprehensive look at Egyptian civilization across different historical periods&mdash;from prehistoric to modern times. It is best known for housing the Royal Mummies Hall, which showcases the preserved remains of pharaohs like Ramses II and Hatshepsut. The museum is organized by themes (e.g., writing, state, society) rather than just chronology, making it a unique educational experience.
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3. Egyptian Museum in Cairo (Tahrir Museum)
Location: Tahrir Square, Cairo
Opened: 1902
This historic museum was the main home of Pharaonic antiquities for over a century. Its vast collection includes the original Tutankhamun treasures, ancient mummies, statues, and sarcophagi. Although many artifacts are being transferred to the GEM, the Tahrir museum still plays a vital role in Egypt's cultural landscape and will continue to operate as a museum focused on specific periods and themes.
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4. Coptic Museum
Location: Coptic Cairo (next to the Hanging Church)
Opened: 1910
The Coptic Museum preserves Egypt&rsquo;s Christian heritage with a collection of Coptic art, manuscripts, textiles, and stonework that date back to the 3rd to 19th centuries. It tells the story of early Egyptian Christianity and its evolution through Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic rule. The museum is also notable for its beautiful wooden ceilings and ornate architectural features.
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5. Gayer Anderson Museum
Location: Beside the Mosque of Ibn Tulun, Cairo
Opened: 1945
This unique museum was once the home of Major Gayer-Anderson, a British army doctor and orientalist. He lived in this 17th-century house and filled it with Islamic, Persian, and Asian antiquities, as well as personal collections. The house itself is a blend of Islamic architecture and decorative arts, and it&rsquo;s famous for appearing in the James Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me.
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6. Museum of Islamic Art in Cairo
Location: Bab El Khalq, Cairo
Opened: 1903
Regarded as one of the most important Islamic art museums in the world, it features artifacts from various Islamic eras, including the Umayyad, Abbasid, Fatimid, Mamluk, and Ottoman periods. The museum holds over 100,000 items such as rare manuscripts, woodwork, textiles, ceramics, coins, and metalwork. The building itself is a masterpiece of Islamic architectural style.
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7. Royal Jewelry Museum in Alexandria
Location: Zizinia, Alexandria
Opened: 1986
Housed in a former royal palace, this museum displays the jewelry and treasures of the Muhammad Ali dynasty (Egypt&rsquo;s royal family from 1805 to 1952). Exhibits include bejeweled crowns, watches, gold and diamond-encrusted items, and personal belongings of queens and princesses. The building&rsquo;s interiors are richly decorated with stained glass, elaborate ceilings, and elegant mosaics.
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8. Umm Kulthum Museum
Location: Manasterly Palace, Roda Island, Cairo
Opened: 2001
Dedicated to Egypt&rsquo;s iconic singer Umm Kulthum, this museum pays tribute to her life and legendary career. It includes personal items such as her sunglasses, radio, handwritten letters, and concert costumes, along with rare audio recordings and photos. It celebrates her cultural influence on the Arab world and is located in the beautiful 19th-century Manasterly Palace.
Museums in Egypt: More Than Just History
In Egypt, museums go beyond ancient history&mdash;they celebrate art, religion, culture, music, and royal legacy. Whether you're an art enthusiast, history buff, or curious traveler, Egypt offers a diverse museum landscape that&rsquo;s bound to leave a lasting impression.
So this International Museum Day, consider putting Egypt at the top of your travel list&mdash;you&rsquo;ll walk through thousands of years of civilization in just a few unforgettable steps.

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