Plizio Visual Lab

Nubian Museum

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Landmark

Weather…

The Nubian Museum in Aswan is an award-winning cultural institution dedicated to preserving the rich history and heritage of the Nubian people. Opened in 1997, its establishment was part of the international UNESCO campaign to save the monuments of Upper Egypt from the rising waters of the Aswan High Dam. Designed by architect Mahmoud El-Hakim, the building received the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 2001 for its seamless integration into the surrounding rocky landscape. The museum houses over 3,000 artifacts that trace the development of Nubian civilization from prehistory through the Pharaonic, Coptic, and Islamic eras. A key feature is the ethnographic section, which depicts traditional Nubian life and customs through life-sized dioramas. The extensive outdoor area serves as a botanical garden and features reconstructed tombs and houses.

Location: Egypt
Top sights: hieroglyphs · Satet Temple of Sesostris I · Radio Station
Nearby: Idfu (84 km)

📋 Practical info

🚪

Visiting

The Nubian Museum in Aswan is open to the public, showcasing the rich culture of Nubia. Both the interior and the outdoor area with traditional houses are accessible.

🕒

Typical hours

The museum usually opens from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with longer hours in winter. Fridays may have the morning reserved for prayers.

📷

Photography

Photography is allowed in the museum without flash to protect the exhibits. In the outdoor area, tripod shots are possible.

⏱️

Time needed

Allow two to three hours for a thorough visit including the garden and indoor exhibitions. The permanent exhibition is very informative.

➕

Combine with

Combine your visit with the nearby Elephantine Island dam and the Botanical Garden. The Aswan Dam is also easily accessible.

🧭

Getting there

The museum is located on the Nile bank in Aswan, within walking distance from the city centre. It is reachable by taxi or on foot.

💡

Insider tip

Visit the museum in the morning to explore the interior before the heat. The terrace provides a beautiful view of the Nile.

Geography

Coordinates

24.08030, 32.88890

Facts

The museum was opened to the public in 1997.
It was built to display artifacts saved during the UNESCO rescue mission.
The complex covers an area of 50,000 square meters.
The design won the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 2001.
The museum features artifacts from the Kerma and Kushite civilizations.
It includes an outdoor theater and a research center for Nubian studies.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Elephantine Island Park<1 km · EExplore →

Philae Temple5 km · WExplore →

Aswan High Dam10 km · WExplore →

Temple of Kalabsha11 km · WExplore →

Kom Ombo Temple35 km · EExplore →

Benban Solar Park39 km · SEExplore →

Gabal el-Hosh72 km · EExplore →

Red Sea78 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Nubian Museum (6)

hieroglyphs 🏺 historical

These hieroglyphs carved into the bare rock are testaments to the ancient Egyptian written culture in the Aswan region.

Satet Temple of Sesostris I 🏺 historical

The remains of the Satet Temple of Sesostris I stand as evidence of the early veneration of the Nile flood goddess on Elephantine Island.

Radio Station 📍 landmark

The Radio Station is a modern telecommunications tower that visibly dominates the urban landscape from afar.

Late Khnum Temple Main Entrance 🏺 historical

The main stone entrance marks the gateway to the late Temple of Khnum, the center of the ram-cult on Elephantine.

Unfinished obelisk 📍 landmark

The Unfinished Obelisk still rests within the massive granite bedrock of the ancient Aswan quarry.

Nubian Museum 🏛 museum

This extensive museum showcases the rich history, art, and culture of Nubia from prehistoric times to the modern era.

🌐 egymonuments.gov.eg🕒 Sa-We 09:00-17:00; Th,Fr 09:00-17:00,18:00-21:00💶

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What does the museum display?

It is dedicated to Nubian history, art, and culture from prehistory to today.

Where in Aswan is it located?

At the southern end of the city, near the Unfinished Obelisk.

What are the opening hours?

Daily from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

Is the museum air-conditioned?

Yes, the exhibition halls are well air-conditioned, which is pleasant in summer.

Is there an outdoor area?

Yes, the garden features traditional Nubian architecture and cave paintings.

Nubian Museum: where is it located?

Nubian Museum is located in Egypt.

Nubian Museum: what is there to see?

Highlights include hieroglyphs, Satet Temple of Sesostris I, Radio Station.

Nubian Museum: why is it worth visiting?

The Nubian Museum in Aswan is an award-winning cultural institution dedicated to preserving the rich history and heritage of the Nubian people.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →

Nubian Museum