Cairo's Great Museums
Discovering the Egyptian Museum in Cairo
Kareem George here, marveling at treasures that span thousands of years. Where am I? The answer is the legendary Egyptian Museum in Cairo.
Located in the heart of Tahrir Square, the museum is housed in a neoclassical building designed by Marcel Dourgnon and inaugurated in 1902. Within its walls are more than 120,000 artifacts, making it one of the world’s largest collections of Egyptian antiquities. Step inside and you are immediately immersed in millennia of history, from towering statues and ancient papyrus scrolls to dazzling royal treasures.
Among the highlights are the famed gold mask of Tutankhamun (photographs are not permitted), royal mummies, and exquisite jewelry that once adorned pharaohs and queens. Each gallery feels like a journey through time, where every object whispers stories of empire, ritual, and artistry.
Although the forthcoming Grand Egyptian Museum is capturing global attention, this original institution remains essential. On this visit, I found it especially rewarding to see the collection newly arranged, with more space that allows these extraordinary objects to shine.
My gratitude goes to AmaWaterways and to our expert guide, Marwa Abbas, whose knowledge and storytelling brought the museum’s treasures vividly to life.
Inside the Grand Egyptian Museum: Egypt’s Treasures Come to Life
Kareem George here, excited to share my second visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum. This time, we return with our AmaWaterways group and our amazing Egyptologist, Marwa Abbas, who brings the museum even more to life.
Set at the edge of the Giza Plateau, the Grand Egyptian Museum is set to become the largest archaeological museum in the world. Construction began in 2002, with a soft opening in 2023, and the full debut is expected soon. The museum will showcase more than 100,000 artifacts spanning Egypt’s 5,000-year history.
Visitors are greeted by a vast atrium dominated by a colossal statue of Ramses II, before exploring 12 permanent galleries organized thematically. Exhibits cover daily life in ancient Egypt, royal power, religion, and the afterlife. Among the highlights is the entire treasure collection of Tutankhamun, displayed together for the first time since its discovery. Even now, the collection is breathtaking.
With immersive lighting, interactive technology, and state-of-the-art conservation labs, the Grand Egyptian Museum blends ancient wonder with modern storytelling, offering an experience unlike any other. This visit also provides a fascinating prelude to the temples and historic figures we will explore in more depth over the course of our cruise.
