The Egyptian Museum: Preserving the Treasures of Pharaohs
The Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, widely known as the Egyptian Museum or Museum of Cairo, stands as a veritable treasure trove, housing an extensive collection of ancient Egyptian antiquities. Home to a staggering 120,000 items, the museum offers visitors a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Egypt’s historical and cultural legacy, with a representative selection displayed while the rest finds its place in the museum’s storerooms. Among the region’s largest museums, the Egyptian Museum takes pride in preserving the heritage of the pharaohs and sharing it with the world.
The museum boasts an unparalleled assemblage of Pharaonic antiquities, securing its place as the home to the world’s largest collection of these invaluable relics. The museum’s origins date back to 1835 when it was initially established near the Ezbekeyah Garden. Later, in 1855, Archduke Maximilian of Austria received all the artifacts, which are currently housed in Vienna’s Kunsthistorisches Museum, as a gift from the Egyptian government. Subsequently, a new museum took root in Boulaq in 1858, with Auguste Mariette leading the new Antiquities Department. This location, perched along the banks of the Nile River, faced significant damage during a Nile River flood in 1878.
In 1891, the museum’s priceless collections were moved to a former royal palace in the Giza district of Cairo, marking a significant moment in the museum’s history. This locale was home to these treasures until 1902 when they found their permanent residence in the current museum in Tahrir Square.
The museum’s legacy has not been without its challenges. During the Egyptian Revolution of 2011, the museum’s doors were breached, resulting in the destruction of two mummies and damage to several artifacts. Around 50 pieces were reported missing, although 25 have since been recovered and restored. These restored artifacts were showcased in an exhibition called “Damaged and Restored,” which opened in September 2013. Among the highlights of this exhibition were two statues of King Tutankhamun crafted from cedar wood and adorned with gold, a statue of King Akhenaten, ushabti statues belonging to the Nubian kings, and a mummy of a child alongside a small polychrome glass vase.
The museum’s extensive collection is distributed across two main floors. On the ground floor, visitors can explore an array of papyrus fragments and ancient coins from different eras. These papyrus fragments, albeit small due to their age and fragile state, provide insights into various languages, including Greek, Latin, Arabic, and ancient Egyptian. Meanwhile, the collection of coins, hailing from diverse periods and crafted in various metals like gold, silver, and bronze, offers a window into the history of ancient Egyptian trade.
The ground floor is also home to artifacts from the New Kingdom, spanning the years from 1550 to 1069 BC. These relics, typically larger than earlier pieces, encompass statues, tables, and coffins, offering a glimpse into the opulence of the period.
Venturing to the first floor, visitors are transported to the final two dynasties of Egypt, featuring items from the tombs of Pharaohs Thutmosis III, Thutmosis IV, Amenophis II, Hatshepsut, and the courtier Maiherpri. The museum proudly displays numerous artifacts from the Valley of the Kings, notably items from the intact tombs of Tutankhamun and Psusennes I. Special chambers house several royal mummies from the New Kingdom, allowing visitors to connect with the distant past of these illustrious figures.
The Egyptian Museum stands as a testament to Egypt’s glorious history, inviting all who enter to explore its rich tapestry of civilization and experience the enduring legacy of the pharaohs.
