Plizio Visual Lab
National Museum of Egyptian Civilization
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC), located in Fustat, Cairo, is the first museum in the Arab world to offer a comprehensive overview of Egypt's entire history. The museum guides visitors through thousands of years of cultural evolution, from the Prehistoric era through the Pharaonic, Coptic, Islamic, and modern periods. It gained worldwide fame in April 2021 during the 'Pharaohs' Golden Parade,' which relocated 22 royal mummies from Tahrir Square to their new permanent home here. The Royal Mummies Gallery is the museum's centerpiece, designed to replicate the atmosphere of the Valley of the Kings. Situated overlooking Lake Ain el-Sira, the NMEC serves as both an educational hub and a cultural center, featuring research facilities, a cinema, and specialized exhibition halls.
- Location: Egypt
- Top sights: Mohamed Awad · Carrefour MAADI · falluka rides
- Nearby: Giza (4 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Oct, Nov.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 12 | 14 | 17 | 21 | 25 | 29 | 30 | 30 | 28 | 24 | 19 | 14 |
| Rain mm | 8 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 17 | 7 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization in Fustat is open to the public. The exhibitions span multiple floors and eras.
Typical hours
The museum is usually open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, on Fridays until 7:00 PM. Last entry is typically one hour before closing.
Photography
Photography is allowed in most areas without flash. Some special exhibitions may have photography bans, watch for signs.
Time needed
A thorough tour of the museum takes about two to three hours. The Royal Mummies exhibition especially takes a lot of time.
Combine with
Combine your visit with the nearby Temple of Amun-Re in Karnak and the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square. The historic Fustat district also awaits exploration.
Getting there
The museum is located in the Fustat district, south of Cairo city centre. It is reachable by taxi or metro (Mar Girgis station).
Insider tip
Plan your visit on a weekday to avoid queues at the ticket counters. The Royal Mummies exhibition should not be missed.
Geography
Facts
- The museum was partially opened in 2017 and fully in 2021.
- It houses the royal mummies of 18 kings and 4 queens.
- The main exhibition space spans over 23,000 square meters.
- The site is located in Fustat, the first capital of Egypt under Islamic rule.
- The Royal Mummies Gallery was inaugurated on World Heritage Day in 2021.
- Over 50,000 artifacts illustrate the continuity of Egyptian civilization.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (9)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the main attraction at NMEC?
The main attraction is the Royal Mummies Hall, housing 22 pharaohs.
Is photography allowed in the mummies' hall?
No, photographing the mummies is strictly prohibited.
Where is the museum located?
It is located in the Fustat district of Old Cairo.
Is there parking available?
Yes, the museum has a large, secured parking lot.
Is the museum child-friendly?
Yes, it is modern, spacious, and gives easy-to-understand explanations.
National Museum of Egyptian Civilization: where is it located?
National Museum of Egyptian Civilization is located in Egypt.
National Museum of Egyptian Civilization: what is there to see?
Highlights include Mohamed Awad, Carrefour MAADI, falluka rides.
National Museum of Egyptian Civilization: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Oct, Nov.
National Museum of Egyptian Civilization: why is it worth visiting?
The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC), located in Fustat, Cairo, is the first museum in the Arab world to offer a comprehensive overview of Egypt's entire history.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Africa
More places in Egypt →
Nearby cities
History & landmarks
Mosque of Ibn Tulun
The oldest mosque in Cairo surviving in its original form, renowned for its massive size and unique spiral minaret.
Hanging Church
One of the oldest churches in Egypt, located in Coptic Cairo, uniquely built suspended over the gatehouse of a Roman fortress.
Mosque of Muhammad Ali
A grand Ottoman mosque situated in the Citadel of Cairo, visible from across the city.
Sultan Hassan Mosque
A monumental mosque and madrasa located in the historic district of Cairo, known for its massive scale.
Al-Rifa'i Mosque
A massive mosque in Cairo located next to the Sultan Hassan Mosque, serving as the royal mausoleum for the Egyptian royal family.
Manial Palace
A historic art and history museum situated in the El Manial district of southern Cairo, built by Prince Mohammed Ali Tewfik.
Abdeen Palace
A historic Cairo palace serving as one of the official residences and principal workplaces of the President of Egypt.
Al-Azhar Mosque
A historic Islamic mosque in Islamic Cairo, established in 972 and renowned as a center for Islamic learning.
Nature
More places
Coptic Cairo
A part of Old Cairo which encompasses the Babylon Fortress, the Coptic Museum, and numerous ancient churches.
Citadel of Saladin
A medieval Islamic-era fortification in Cairo, built by Saladin to protect it from the Crusaders.
Al-Azhar Park
A green oasis in Cairo's old city.
Islamic Cairo
The historic core area of Cairo containing a wealth of Islamic architecture covering hundreds of years.
Gezira Island
An island in the Nile in the middle of Cairo.
Heliopolis Park
Large city park with recreational opportunities.
Great Sphinx of Giza
A massive limestone statue with the body of a lion and the head of a human, likely Pharaoh Khafre.
Giza Pyramid Complex
Egypt's most famous pyramids, built for the pharaohs Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure.