National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC)
Ein as Seirah, Cairo, Egypt, 4245001
A vast, modern edifice on a lake in Cairo’s historic Fustat district, the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) is one of the city’s most important museums. A beautifully curated selection of artifacts opens a pathway into different eras of Egyptian civilization, with the royal mummies, most sourced from the Valley of the Kings, a particular highlight.
The basics
While exhibits like an ancient water clock and an opulent leather mummification tent dazzle, there’s more to the museum than displays on ancient Egypt. Families with younger children will thrill to the Kimet Kids area, which offers hands-on experiences and workshops covering everything from mosaics to archaeology; fashionistas will love the gorgeous selection of textiles and the recreation of a medieval dye house.
You can buy tickets online in advance, but that’s not usually necessary. Many tours pair a visit here with an exploration of Old Cairo, neighboring the Fustat district.
Things to know before you go
The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) is a must for history buffs, textile fans, lovers of Islamic art, and anyone who’ll be visiting Luxor’s ancient remains.
Tickets are heavily discounted for Egyptian residents.
Allow 1–3 hours to explore the museum, depending on your interest in history.
Photography is only allowed inside if you’ve bought a photography ticket, and flash is not permitted.
The museum has food options, bathrooms, and a coat check with space to store large bags.
NMEC is wheelchair-friendly, with elevators between floors, wheelchairs available for use, and dedicated parking areas for travelers with disabilities. Braille brochures should also be available.
How to get there
The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization is in Fustat, about a 2-mile (3-kilometer) drive from the nearest metro station. Most travelers will find joining a tour, booking a private driver, or ridesharing with Uber or Careem preferable to haggling with metered taxis, piecing together minibus routes, or braving Cairo’s traffic maelstrom.
When to get there
The museum is open for typical daytime business hours, and reopens for additional hours on Friday evenings; the last tickets are sold an hour before closing. It’s rarely overly crowded, but for a quieter experience visit in the mornings during the Egyptian work week (Sunday to Thursday).
Looking beyond ancient Egypt
Positioned on the cusp between Africa and Arabia, Egypt’s story extends far beyond its pharaonic glory days. The museum’s main gallery pairs perfectly with a visit to Old Cairo nearby, covering the Greek, Roman, Coptic, and Islamic influences that shaped this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Highlights include Roman gold, Coptic murals, a beautiful carved minbar (Muslim pulpit), and embroidered fabric that once covered the Kaaba in Mecca.
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