Egyptian Museum and GEM: What to Know Before You Visit
There are two museums in Cairo that showcase ancient Egypt, namely the Egyptian Museum located in Tahrir Square and the Grand Egyptian Museum located near the Giza Pyramids. Both have large collections of ancient Egyptian artifacts, but they are quite different in terms of experience they provide to their visitors. The Egyptian Museum has its collection displayed in an old building consisting of more than 100 halls, while the Grand Egyptian Museum has its collection displayed in new galleries, the Grand Hall, Grand Stairs and the Tutankhamun Galleries.
If you are wondering which one to visit out of the Egyptian Museum and Grand Egyptian Museum, here is some information about them that will assist you in planning your trip in Cairo.
Egyptian Museum: A Historic Cairo Landmark
One of the most prominent archaeological museums of Cairo is the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square. This historical building was created by the French architect Marcel Dourgnon and includes more than 100 display rooms on two floors, where objects are shown either chronologically on the ground floor and by category on the first floor.
This museum boasts a large collection of ancient Egyptian antiquities, such as papyri, sarcophagi, jewelry and statues. Some famous objects from this museum include the Narmer Palette and statues linked to the construction of the pyramids built by Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure.
The central location of this museum makes it easy to add it to the tour of other interesting places of Cairo located nearby.
Grand Egyptian Museum: A Modern Journey Through Ancient Egypt
The Grand Egyptian Museum is also an entirely different experience that takes you close to the pyramids of Giza. The Main Galleries of the museum have exhibits showcasing the history of ancient Egypt under the themes of society, kingship, and beliefs, with exhibits ranging from prehistoric times up to the Roman period.
Visitors may visit the Grand Hall, Grand Stairs, the gardens, and other parts of the museum. 59 exhibits, including statues, columns, stelae, and sarcophagi, are on display at the Grand Stairs.
A highlight of the museum is the Tutankhamun Galleries that house over 5,000 exhibits from the grave of the young king as part of the collection showcased by the museum.
Collections and Artefacts: What Can You See?
Both museums feature ancient Egyptian civilization; however, their collections are shown in different manners.
In the Egyptian Museum, there is an enormous collection of artifacts that can be seen throughout its historical galleries. These include royal sculptures, funerary items, papyrus scrolls, jewelry, sarcophagi, and many other archaeological artifacts.
In the Grand Egyptian Museum, the Main Galleries allow following a thematic path regarding society, kingship, and beliefs. There are also special galleries devoted to Tutankhamun and other collections.
It means that depending on whether you prefer the historical atmosphere of the museum or the modern one, you may select one or another.
Egyptian Museum or Grand Egyptian Museum: Which Fits Your Itinerary?
It would depend from traveler to traveler as there are differences between the two museums.
It could be a great fit if the Egyptian Museum is a part of your day of sightseeing in Cairo, especially when combined with attractions in downtown Cairo.
The Grand Egyptian Museum could be suitable to include within a Giza tour, due to its location close to the Pyramids, along with its modern museum setting, thematic Main Galleries, Grand Hall, Grand Stairs and Tutankhamun Galleries.
If you have enough time, visiting both could give two angles of exploring the ancient heritage of Egypt, one from a historic museum located in central Cairo and another from a modern museum in Giza area.
Tips for Choosing Between the Two Museums
Think about your Cairo tour, the attractions you wish to see around, and the kind of museum visit you wish to have.
In case your day revolves around downtown Cairo, the location of Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square might make it an easier attraction for you. In case you are planning a visit to Giza and the pyramids area, the location of Grand Egyptian Museum near the Giza plateau will be a better option.
You need to keep in mind what kind of collection you wish to view. In this regard, Egyptian Museum will offer you access to a very big collection in a historic museum, whereas Grand Egyptian Museum will give you thematic galleries with a modern presentation of the ancient Egypt.
