The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, in the old district of Fustat in south Cairo, is where Egypt’s royal mummies now rest. They were carried here from the Egyptian Museum in April 2021 in a televised procession known as the Pharaohs’ Golden Parade, and today around twenty kings and queens, including Ramesses II and Hatshepsut, lie in individual cases in the Royal Mummies Hall, designed to feel like a burial chamber. Upstairs, the main hall covers the whole sweep of Egyptian civilization, from prehistoric tools through pharaonic, Coptic and Islamic art to modern times, which makes it a good primer at the start of a trip. The building overlooks a lake and is close to Coptic Cairo, so the two pair naturally in one day.
How it works: buy a ticket for the museum and the mummies hall, then start in the main gallery before going down to the mummies. The museum is in Fustat, a taxi ride from downtown or Zamalek.
What to expect: the mummies hall is quiet and respectful, with low light and rules on photography, and some visitors find it moving rather than gruesome. The main hall is spacious and well labelled.
Making the most of it: come in the morning, then walk or take a short taxi to Coptic Cairo for the Hanging Church and Ben Ezra Synagogue. It also pairs well with the Citadel in an afternoon.
What to expect
The experience
A modern museum with a main history hall and an underground Royal Mummies Hall.
Best time
Morning, before heading on to Coptic Cairo.
How long
Two to three hours.
Tips
Check photography rules for the mummies hall and combine the visit with Coptic Cairo nearby.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Seeing the faces of the pharaohs, and a clear overview of all of Egyptian history.
- Families
- Older children are fascinated by the mummies; the main hall suits all ages.
- Couples
- A quiet morning, then lunch and a stroll in Coptic Cairo.
- Pair with
- Coptic Cairo and the Cairo Citadel.
- Time needed
- Half a day.
Good questions
Where are the royal mummies in Cairo?+
In the Royal Mummies Hall at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization in Fustat, where they moved in April 2021.
Which pharaohs can you see?+
Around twenty royal mummies are on show, including Ramesses II and Hatshepsut.
Can you take photos of the mummies?+
Photography rules in the mummies hall are strict, so check at the entrance before you visit.
Is the NMEC near Coptic Cairo?+
Yes, it is a short taxi ride away, so the two make an easy half day.
Is it suitable for children?+
Generally yes, though parents of younger children may want to preview the mummies hall.
