The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization

If you are wondering where is the Egyptian Civilization Museum located, the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) sits in Fustat, Old Cairo, overlooking the scenic Ain El-Sira Lake. Just a short drive from downtown Cairo, the museum is easily accessible and lies close to other major attractions such as Coptic Cairo, the Amr Ibn Al-As Mosque, and the Citadel.

Fustat was chosen as the site because it was the first Islamic capital of Egypt, making it a place of immense historical value. By situating the NMEC here, Egypt connected its modern cultural landmark with a location that has witnessed centuries of its history.

This setting emphasizes the museum’s mission to showcase Egypt’s full heritage—from prehistoric times through the Pharaonic, Greco-Roman, Coptic, Islamic, and modern eras—while also placing it in the heart of one of Cairo’s most historically rich districts.

The Egyptian Civilization Museum in Cairo, officially known as the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, houses an extraordinary collection that spans the entire history of Egypt. Unlike many other museums, the national museum in Egypt presents not only Egyptian antiquities from the Pharaonic era but also artifacts from the prehistoric, Greco-Roman, Coptic, Islamic, and modern periods.

One of its most famous highlights is the Royal Mummies Hall, where visitors can view the preserved remains of Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs and queens. Beyond this, the museum features thematic galleries that explore everyday life, crafts, traditions, and cultural practices across the ages, offering insight into how Egyptians lived through different eras.

The National Civilization Museum is designed to emphasize the continuity of Egypt’s culture over thousands of years, connecting the past with the present. It provides visitors with a deeper appreciation of Egypt’s rich and diverse heritage.

The Egyptian Museum's most valuable artifact at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization is undoubtedly the Royal Mummies collection. This extraordinary hall houses the remains of 22 pharaohs and queens, including some of Egypt’s most legendary rulers. Visitors can encounter the mummies of Seqenenre Taa II, Amenhotep I, Thutmose I, Thutmose II, Thutmose III, Thutmose IV, Amenhotep II, Amenhotep III, Seti I, Ramses II, Merenptah, Seti II, Siptah, Ramses III, Ramses IV, Ramses V, Ramses VI, Ramses IX, as well as the powerful queens Ahmose-Nefertari and Hatshepsut.

These royal mummies are not only scientifically remarkable but also powerful symbols of leadership, religion, and the continuity of Egyptian history. Standing face-to-face with rulers such as Ramses II or Hatshepsut offers a profound link to the past.

While the Royal Mummies are the highlight, the museum also preserves other priceless artifacts of Egyptian civilization, representing every era—from prehistoric tools and Pharaonic treasures to Greco-Roman sculptures, Coptic art, Islamic manuscripts, and modern heritage pieces.

These collections are historically significant because they demonstrate how Egyptian culture evolved over thousands of years while maintaining a strong sense of identity. Together, they make the NMEC one of the most important cultural landmarks in the world.

The history of the NMEC dates back to early plans in the 1980s to create a museum that would showcase the full span of Egypt’s heritage. Construction progressed in phases, and the museum officially opened to the public in 2017. Unlike traditional museums, the NMEC was envisioned as a comprehensive cultural institution, highlighting Egypt’s continuity from prehistoric times to the present day.

The museum gained worldwide attention in April 2021 during the spectacular “Pharaohs’ Golden Parade.” In this historic event, 22 royal mummies, including those of Ramses II, Seti I, and Hatshepsut, were transferred with great ceremony from the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square to their new permanent home at the NMEC.

Since then, the museum has become an international symbol of Egypt’s cultural identity. Its mission goes beyond preserving artifacts, aiming to educate, inspire, and connect visitors with thousands of years of Egyptian civilization.

Visiting the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization is simple and convenient thanks to its central location in Fustat, Old Cairo. The museum is easily accessible by car or taxi, and it is only a short drive from downtown Cairo and popular attractions like Coptic Cairo and the Citadel. Public transportation options are limited, so most visitors prefer private transfers or organized tours for comfort and efficiency.

For a seamless experience, joining a guided tour is highly recommended. Inside Egypt provides curated visits that include round-trip transport, professional Egyptologists, and pre-arranged entry tickets—ensuring you avoid long lines and get the most out of your time.

During your visit, you can admire the stunning galleries and take in the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization photos that capture its architecture and remarkable collections. This makes your journey not just educational, but also a memorable cultural highlight of any Cairo itinerary.

The cost of National Museum of Egyptian civilization tickets is straightforward and includes access to all galleries, including the Royal Mummies Hall. For international visitors, the Egyptian Museum ticket price in 2025 is 550 EGP for adults and 300 EGP for students. Egyptian citizens pay a reduced rate of 80 EGP for adults and 40 EGP for students.

There is no need to purchase a separate ticket for the Royal Mummies Hall, as entry is included in the main admission. This makes the NMEC excellent value for anyone wishing to explore thousands of years of Egyptian heritage in one place.

To make the process even easier, Inside Egypt includes all ticketing in its luxury tour packages. With transport, expert guides, and pre-arranged entry, you can enjoy the museum without waiting in line or worrying about additional costs.

Inside Egypt offers a range of carefully designed tours, from short cultural highlights to extended journeys combining history, culture, adventure, and relaxation.

Egypt Total Solar Eclipse Tour 2027 (7 days) – Once-in-a-lifetime eclipse in Luxor + Egypt’s highlights.

8-Day Egypt Tour – Classic Egypt in one week with a Nile cruise.

10-Day Tour of Egypt – Deeper exploration with Cairo, Luxor, Aswan & cruise.

12-Day Tour - luxury Dahabiya Nile cruise. 

Around Egypt in 14 Days – Slow-paced journey with extended Nile cruise.

Egypt & Siwa Oasis Tour (15 days) – History, culture & adventure to Egypt’s desert oasis.

Long Nile Cruise from Cairo to Aswan (17 days) – Epic Nile journey with rare archaeological stops.

Whichever tour you choose, Inside Egypt ensures exclusive experiences, expert guides, and unforgettable memories.

Visitors from around the world praise the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization for its unique collections and unforgettable atmosphere.

“I was blown away by the depth and quality of the exhibits at the NMEC. The highlight for me was standing just a few feet away from the mummies of Ramses II and Hatshepsut—it felt surreal. The layout is modern, easy to navigate, and far less crowded than other museums in Cairo. I left with a much deeper appreciation for Egypt’s full history, not just the pharaohs.” Sarah Johnson from the USA

“As a history enthusiast, the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization exceeded my expectations. It was fascinating to see collections spanning from prehistory to modern times, all under one roof. The Royal Mummies Hall was extraordinary and presented with great respect. The setting in Fustat, overlooking Ain El-Sira Lake, adds to the atmosphere and makes the visit even more memorable.” David Williams from the UK

“Visiting the NMEC was the highlight of my trip to Egypt. Unlike the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir, this space is well organized and very informative, with displays covering all eras of Egyptian culture. The mummies were impressive, but I also loved the sections on everyday life and crafts. The museum staff were friendly and knowledgeable, which made the experience even better.” Emily Brown from Australia

In summary, travelers consistently describe the NMEC as a world-class museum that brings Egypt’s entire civilization vividly to life.