National Museum of Egyptian Civilization

The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) is a large museum located in Old Cairo, a district of Cairo, Egypt. It opened partially in 2017 and had its official opening on April 3, 2021. During this special event called the Pharaohs' Golden Parade, 22 important mummies were moved from the Egyptian Museum in central Cairo. These mummies included 18 kings and four queens.

The museum shows a big collection of 50,000 artifacts. These items tell the story of Egyptian civilization from very old times, called prehistoric times, all the way up to today, called the Modern era. Visitors can see many wonderful things that help them learn about the history and culture of ancient Egypt.

Background

The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization has two main parts: one that follows time in order, and another that groups items by themes. The time-based areas cover periods like the very early days, the time of the pharaohs, the Greco-Roman era, the Coptic and Medieval times, and up to modern days. The theme-based areas include topics such as the beginning of civilization, the Nile River, writing, society, everyday life, beliefs, and a special gallery for royal mummies. UNESCO helped the museum with technical support.

Interior of the museum

The museum’s collections come from many other museums in Egypt, such as the Egyptian Museum, the Coptic Museum, the Museum of Islamic Art, the Manial Palace and Museum in Cairo, and the Royal Jewelry Museum in Alexandria.

Museum halls

The main gallery shows visitors the story of Egyptian civilization from very old times up to today. It includes important items like the Nazlet Khater Skeleton, the Tent of Purification, the coffin of Sennedjem, and special statues.

The Royal Mummies’ Hall displays mummies of ancient Egyptian kings and queens. It feels like walking through the Valley of the Kings, where these mummies were originally kept. The hall shows 20 royal mummies, including 18 kings and 2 queens, from the 17th to the 20th dynasties.

The Textile Hall has around 600 pieces of ancient Egyptian cloth. The Dye House is an old place used for coloring fabrics, from the Fatimid period, and it is the only one left from Cairo’s ancient dye houses.

Name	Dynasty	Role/Notable Facts
Seqenenre Tao	17th Dynasty	Known for resisting the Hyksos.
Ahmose-Nefertari	18th Dynasty	Founder of the 18th Dynasty, wife of Ahmose I.
Amenhotep I	18th Dynasty	Son of Ahmose I and Ahmose-Nefertari, second ruler.
Meritamun	18th Dynasty	Possible sister-wife of Amenhotep I.
Thutmose I	18th Dynasty	Expanded Egypt’s borders significantly.
Thutmose II	18th Dynasty	Son of Thutmose I, husband of Hatshepsut.
Hatshepsut	18th Dynasty	Famous female pharaoh who assumed the throne.
Thutmose III	18th Dynasty	Renowned as Egypt’s greatest conqueror.
Amenhotep II	18th Dynasty	Son of Thutmose III, known for military campaigns.
Thutmose IV	18th Dynasty	Known for the Dream Stele at the Great Sphinx.
Amenhotep III	18th Dynasty	Brought Egypt to its peak of artistic and cultural power.
Queen Tiye	18th Dynasty	Great royal wife of Amenhotep III, influential in court.

Name	Dynasty	Role/Notable Facts
Seti I	19th Dynasty	Known for restoring Egypt’s glory after unrest.
Ramesses II	19th Dynasty	Known as “Ramesses the Great,” ruled for over 60 years.
Merenptah	19th Dynasty	Son of Ramesses II, fought the Sea Peoples.
Seti II	19th Dynasty	Faced internal conflicts during his reign.
Siptah	19th Dynasty	Young pharaoh, possibly ruled under regency.
Ramesses III	20th Dynasty	Defended Egypt from invasions by the Sea Peoples.
Ramesses IV	20th Dynasty	Continued temple constructions but faced economic issues.
Ramesses V	20th Dynasty	Short reign, known from the Wilbour Papyrus.
Ramesses VI	20th Dynasty	Faced challenges in maintaining Egypt’s stability.
Ramesses IX	20th Dynasty	Last significant ruler of the 20th Dynasty.

Ain el-Sera Lake

The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization is near Ain el-Sera Lake. This area was improved in 2022 from old neighborhoods into a place for visitors. It now has restaurants, an open-air theater, green spaces, wooden shelters, fountains, and a water cleaning system for the lake.

Accessibility and tickets

The museum makes it easy for everyone to visit. You can get free wheelchairs, special parking spots, and elevators to help you move around. If you need it, you can ask for brochures in Braille, but you should let them know ahead of time if you want tours with sign language.

Tickets cost different amounts depending on who is visiting. For adults who are not from Egypt, tickets are 550 EGP (which is about 11 US dollars). Students pay 300 EGP (about 6 US dollars).

Notable donations

In late 2017, the president of the American University in Cairo gave 5,000 artifacts to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization. This generous donation helped the museum grow its collection.

Usage

The museum was the place where the final matches of the 2021 World Men's Handball Championship were played. It also has a special area for protecting old items and storing them safely.