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    Egyptian Museum
    Museums and Cultural Heritage

    Egyptian Museum

    Egypt flagEgypt

    "Home to the world's largest collection of ancient Egyptian antiquities"

    Founded March 15, 1902 Cairo, Egypt
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    About

    Construction on the iconic building in Tahrir Square began in 1897 and officially opened its doors in 1902. Auguste Mariette established this institution to house artifacts excavated from the Giza plateau and other sites across Egypt. For over a century, it served as the premier repository for ancient Egyptian history, keeping more than 170,000 items under one roof.

    The brand identity expanded significantly with the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum near the Great Pyramids. This new facility officially welcomed visitors in late 2025 and achieved full gallery access by mid-2026. It now displays approximately 100,000 artifacts, including the complete collection of King Tutankhamun's treasures for the first time.

    While the historic Cairo museum retains its vast secondary collection, the new site competes globally with major institutions like the British Museum and the Louvre. The transition marks a pivotal shift in Egypt's cultural tourism strategy, positioning the Grand Egyptian Museum as a modern architectural marvel alongside the legacy of the original 1902 structure.

    Products & Sub-brands

    Tutankhamun CollectionRoyal Mummies HallGrand Egyptian Museum ExhibitionAncient Artifacts

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is the Egyptian Museum still in business?
    Yes, the historic Egyptian Museum in Cairo remains fully operational and open to the public, continuing to house over 170,000 artifacts, even as many top-tier pieces have moved to the new Grand Egyptian Museum.
    Who owns the Egyptian Museum?
    The museum is owned and operated by the Egyptian government through the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, specifically managed by the Supreme Council of Antiquities.
    What is the difference between the Egyptian Museum and the Grand Egyptian Museum?
    The Egyptian Museum (Tahrir Square) is the historic 1902 building containing a massive general collection, while the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is the new, massive complex near the Pyramids designed to showcase the most famous artifacts, including Tutankhamun's full collection.
    Where is the Egyptian Museum located?
    The main historic museum is located in Tahrir Square, Cairo, Egypt, while the newer Grand Egyptian Museum is situated on the Giza Plateau, adjacent to the Great Pyramids.
    How many artifacts does the Egyptian Museum have?
    The historic Egyptian Museum in Cairo holds more than 170,000 individual items, making it the largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts in the world, though only a fraction are on display at any given time.

    Keywords

    Egyptian MuseumGrand Egyptian MuseumTutankhamunAuguste MarietteCairoGizaAncient EgyptAntiquities

    Sources

    WikipediaBBC NewsGrand Egyptian MuseumForbesNPR

    Company Info

    Founded
    March 15, 1902
    Founder
    Auguste Mariette
    Headquarters
    Cairo, Egypt
    Industry
    Museums and Cultural Heritage
    Parent Company
    Supreme Council of Antiquities
    Collection Size
    Over 170,000 items
    New Facility Opening
    Late 2025

    Official Website

    egyptianmuseum.org/

    Links

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