The Egyptian Museum on Tahrir Square, opened in 1902, is the Middle East's first national museum and home to a world-class collection of roughly 170,000 ancient Egyptian antiquities in the heart of downtown Cairo. With the full opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) near Giza in November 2025, the Tutankhamun treasures (including the golden mask) moved to the GEM and the royal mummies to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) in Fustat — yet masterpieces such as the Narmer Palette and the Tanis royal gold remain here. Egyptian authorities confirmed in January 2026 that the Tahrir museum will stay open at least through 2030 (a phased renovation is planned for 2027–2029), and much of its appeal lies in the historic 1902 building itself.
The Narmer Palette, the c. 31st-century BC object recording the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt and a founding icon of Egyptology.
The Tanis royal treasures, including the silver coffin and gold funerary mask of Psusennes I — the museum's signature gold now that Tutankhamun's mask has moved to the GEM.
The tomb goods of Yuya and Thuya, the richest noble burial found before Tutankhamun's was discovered.
Colossal royal statues (Khafre, Menkaure, Hatshepsut) and Amarna-period art of Akhenaten.
The Fayum mummy portraits, strikingly lifelike painted faces from Roman-era Egypt.
The landmark neoclassical building and its grand central hall (opened 1902, designed by Marcel Dourgnon).
Good to know
SeasonCairo in July–August can reach 35–40°C by day and the older museum is only partly air-conditioned. Visit early after opening and carry water, a hat and sunshade. The most comfortable months are November–March.
CautionOutside the museum and around Tahrir Square, expect unlicensed 'guides', papyrus and perfume shop touts, and people who pose for photos then demand a tip. Politely decline and use only the official ticket office and staff.
CautionStreet taxis often skip the meter and overcharge. Use a ride-hailing app such as Uber or Careem, or agree the fare before you get in if paying cash.
SafetyWatch for pickpockets in the crowds at the square and entrance, and wear your bag in front. Traffic around the square is chaotic, so avoid jaywalking and use crossings or underpasses.
RulesThe Tahrir museum and the GEM near Giza are separate museums with separate tickets. Tutankhamun's golden mask is now at the GEM, so book according to your goal. Photography needs a separate photo permit, and some halls, tripods and professional gear are restricted.
MannersEgypt has a small-tipping (baksheesh) custom, so keep small change (about 5–20 EGP) for restrooms, bag storage and minor help. Modest dress that covers shoulders and knees is advisable out of cultural respect.
Practical info
The museum sits on the north side of Tahrir Square, directly linked to Sadat station where Metro Lines 1 and 2 meet. Opening hours are generally about 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily (with changes on Fridays and during Ramadan), and the foreign-visitor ticket price rose in 2026 — always confirm fares, hours and the photo permit on the official ticketing page before you go.
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