The opening of the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization stands as one of the most important tourist landmarks in Egypt in recent times. Despite the passage of time, the stunning images of the Royal Mummies Parade that took place on April 3, 2021—an event that captured global attention—remain etched in everyone’s memory. During this historic spectacle, the mummies of the most important pharaohs and queens of ancient Egypt were displayed on the streets of Cairo as they were transported from the Egyptian Museum to their new, prestigious home in the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization.

Understanding the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization

You may wonder what this newly opened museum is all about, what its primary attractions are, and how it complements other major landmarks like those visited during our Cairo Tours. The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) is one of the largest international museums dedicated to exhibition, conservation, research, and the dissemination of Egyptian history. It holds the distinction of being the first museum dedicated entirely to the most ancient and prehistoric civilizations. The exhibits of the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization were meticulously transferred from other renowned institutions, including the Cairo Museum, the Museum of Islamic Art, the Coptic Museum, and the Museum of the Royal Jewels in Alexandria.

The Location and Origin of the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization

The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization is located in the historic city of Fustat—the first Arab capital in Egypt—within Old Cairo, overlooking the "Ain Al Sira" hot spring. The vision for this institution began in 1982 when UNESCO, at the request of the Egyptian government, campaigned to build the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization. By 1999, the present site near Fustat was selected, and the first stone was laid in 2002 during the era of President Mohamed Hosni Mubarak.

In 2017, the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization received a generous donation of 5,000 artifacts from French Ricciardone, director of the American University in Cairo. The museum saw a partial opening in February of that year, featuring a temporary exhibition hall showcasing "Egyptian Handicrafts and Industries through the Ages." However, it was the "Golden Parade of the Royal Mummies" on April 3, 2021, that marked the official inauguration of the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization.

Architecture and Collections at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization

Designed by an Egyptian architect who won an international competition, the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization spans an impressive 23,236 square meters. It exhibits a vast collection of 50,000 artifacts reflecting the development of Egyptian civilization since prehistoric times. The collection within the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization is organized into two distinct sectors: thematic and chronological. The chronological journey covers the prehistoric, archaic, pharaonic, Greco-Roman, Coptic, medieval, Islamic, modern, and contemporary eras. Meanwhile, the thematic section explores the Nile, writing, society, culture, religion, and the famous Royal Mummies.

Main Attractions of the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization

The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization covers all phases of history, from the dawn of pre-dynastic periods to the recent contemporary era. Visitors can find exquisite sculptures of Akhenaten, grave goods, and furniture from historic mosques. The most attractive feature is undoubtedly the Royal Mummies Hall, where kings such as Seqenenra Taa, Ahmose I, and Ramses II, along with Queen Hatshepsut, are displayed. The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization continues to enrich its holdings, signaling a new phase in which Egypt’s heritage becomes a great spectacle for travelers.

The Royal Mummies of the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization

A highlight of any Egypt tour packages is seeing the 22 mummies—18 kings and 4 queens—housed in the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization. Unlike their previous display, they are now presented with their sarcophagi in a modern environment with climate-controlled conditions.

Mummies from Deir Al Bahari (DB 320):

  • Seqenenra: Ruler from 1558 to 1555 BC, the last of the XVII dynasty, now at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization.
  • Amosis I: The liberator of Egypt from the Hyksos (1549–1524 BC).
  • Amenhotep I: Ruler from 1525 to 1504 BC, whose tomb (KV 39) is in the Valley of the Kings.
  • Tutmosis I, II, and III: Powerful New Kingdom pharaohs now resting in the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization.
  • Seti I and Ramses II: Iconic rulers of the XIX dynasty.
  • Ramses III and IX: Notable monarchs from the later dynasties.
  • Ahmose-Meritamón and Ahmose-Nefertari: Influential royal women.
  • Hatshepsut: The mighty female pharaoh (1490–1468 BC).

Mummies from the tomb of Amenhotep II (KV 35):

  • Amenhotep II and Tutmosis IV: Rulers who maintained Egypt’s golden age.
  • Amenhotep III: Whose reign saw unprecedented prosperity.
  • Meren-Ptah, Seti II, and Ramses IV, V, and VI: Successors who shaped the later New Kingdom.
  • Queen Tiy: The influential wife of Amenhotep III, now at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization.

Distinguishing the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization

It is vital not to confuse the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization with the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) located near the Pyramids of Giza. While the GEM is the largest archaeological museum, the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization serves a unique role in displaying the full chronological breadth of Egyptian culture. Discover all that Egypt has to offer by booking a day tour or a Nile Cruise between Luxor and Aswan. To experience this breathtaking history firsthand, Inquire now via WhatsApp -> http://wa.me/+201550191399.