National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC)

The museum is located in Old Cairo, close to:

• Coptic Cairo
• The Citadel of Saladin
• Historic Islamic Cairo
• Fustat Lake area

Because of its central location, NMEC can easily be combined with nearby historical attractions in one day.

Unlike many traditional museums, NMEC tells the story of Egypt from prehistoric times to the modern era.

The museum focuses on:

• Human development in Egypt
• Daily life and society
• Religion and belief systems
• Arts and craftsmanship
• Technology and science
• Royal history
• Cultural continuity across different eras

The museum collection includes approximately 10,000 artifacts, displayed through modern storytelling and thematic exhibitions.

The most famous section of NMEC is the Royal Mummies Hall, which houses the remains of 22 royal mummies.

These include:

• 18 kings
• 4 queens

The mummies were transferred from the Egyptian Museum in Cairo during the globally celebrated Royal Mummies Parade.

The hall is designed to create a respectful and atmospheric experience, with dim lighting and carefully controlled environmental conditions.

Visitors can see some of Egypt’s most important rulers, including:

• Ramesses II
• Seti I
• Queen Hatshepsut
• Thutmose III
• Seqenenre Tao

This section is considered one of the most unique museum experiences in Egypt.

Although the museum is not extremely large, it contains several rare and fascinating objects.

Skeleton of Nazlet Khater

One of the oldest human remains discovered in Egypt.

• Estimated age: approximately 35,000 years old
• Important evidence of prehistoric life in Egypt

Artificial Foot Prosthesis

One of the oldest known artificial limbs in history.

• Demonstrates early medical innovation
• Shows advanced understanding of body repair and functionality

Ancient Water Clock

A rare scientific object showing ancient Egyptian understanding of:

• Time measurement
• Astronomy
• Engineering principles

Treasure of Kosh

A unique archaeological discovery from Egypt’s desert regions.

Includes:

• Jewelry
• Personal objects
• Decorative items

Textile and Cover Collections

The museum displays rare historical coverings and textiles linked to religious and ceremonial use.

One of the notable objects is the final Egyptian-made Kaaba covering (Kiswah) preserved in Egypt after historical and diplomatic transitions related to Saudi Arabia.

NMEC presents Egypt through several major periods:

• Prehistoric Egypt
• Pharaonic Egypt
• Greco-Roman Period
• Coptic Egypt
• Islamic Egypt
• Modern Egypt

This broad approach makes NMEC different from other museums that focus mainly on one historical period.

The museum offers:

• Spacious galleries
• Air-conditioned exhibition halls
• Modern lighting and display systems
• Clear educational interpretation
• Easy visitor flow

Recommended visit duration:

• 1 to 1.5 hours for a comfortable visit
• Longer if combined with nearby sites

Ticket Information

• Ticket price: approximately 550 EGP
• Payment accepted: cash or credit card

Opening Hours

• Daily: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

NMEC works very well when combined with:

• Coptic Cairo
• The Citadel of Saladin
• Islamic Cairo
• Fustat and Old Cairo district

The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization provides a modern, complete understanding of Egypt’s history beyond the pharaohs.

It is ideal for travelers who want:

• A quieter museum experience
• A deeper historical timeline
• Royal mummies in a modern setting
• A combination of ancient, Coptic, Islamic, and modern Egyptian heritage

NMEC is one of Egypt’s most educational and accessible museums. It combines royal history with daily life, science, religion, and culture, offering a full journey through Egyptian civilization from prehistoric times to the modern age.