National Museum of Egyptian Civilization Tour & Royal Mummies

The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) tells the story of Egypt from prehistory to the present day, and it is home to the Royal Mummies Hall, where you can stand in front of some of the most famous pharaohs of ancient Egypt. A private NMEC tour with an Egyptologist guide turns the visit into a journey through 7,000 years of history.

The museum is in Fustat, in Old Cairo, overlooking Ain El Sira Lake. In April 2021, 22 royal mummies were moved here from the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir in a famous night procession known as the Pharaohs’ Golden Parade.

What you will see

The Royal Mummies Hall

The highlight of the museum is a quiet, dimly lit underground gallery designed to feel like the Valley of the Kings. Here rest kings and queens of the New Kingdom, including Ramses II, Seti I, Thutmose III and Queen Hatshepsut. Each mummy is shown in its own case with information about the ruler’s life and how the body was studied by modern science.

The main gallery

The central hall follows Egyptian civilization through time: prehistoric tools and pottery, Pharaonic statues and objects, the Greco-Roman period, Coptic and Islamic art, and modern Egypt. It is a great overview of how Egyptian culture changed and continued over thousands of years.

Textiles, writing and daily life

Themed displays cover weaving, writing, crafts, beliefs and daily life, which helps you understand what you will later see at the temples and tombs.

How to combine your NMEC visit

The museum works well as part of a half-day or full-day Cairo tour:

• NMEC and Coptic Cairo: Old Cairo is only a short drive away. Add the Hanging Church, the Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus and the Ben Ezra Synagogue. See our Old Coptic Cairo tour.
• NMEC and Islamic Cairo: continue to the Citadel of Saladin, the Sultan Hassan Mosque and Khan El Khalili bazaar. See our Coptic and Islamic Cairo tour.
• A museum day: combine NMEC with the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza for the two most important collections in Egypt.

Every tour is private, with hotel pickup in Cairo or Giza, an air-conditioned vehicle and a professional Egyptologist guide. Browse all our Cairo day tours, or ask us to build a day around your interests.

Sample half-day tour

• Pickup from your hotel in Cairo or Giza.
• National Museum of Egyptian Civilization: about two hours in the main gallery and the Royal Mummies Hall with your guide.
• Optional: continue to Coptic Cairo, or stop for lunch at a local restaurant.
• Drop-off at your hotel.

Practical information

• Tickets: the foreign adult ticket was about 500 EGP in early 2026. Prices are set by the Egyptian authorities and can change, and tickets are usually paid by card.
• Photography: photos are allowed in most of the museum, but not in the Royal Mummies Hall.
• Time needed: plan at least two hours for the museum.
• Dress: comfortable clothes and shoes. The museum is air-conditioned.

Frequently asked questions

Where are the royal mummies of Egypt now?

Since April 2021, the royal mummies of the New Kingdom have been displayed in the Royal Mummies Hall of the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization in Fustat, Old Cairo.

Which mummies can I see at NMEC?

The hall includes famous rulers such as Ramses II, Seti I, Thutmose III and Queen Hatshepsut. Read more in our guide to the most famous mummies of ancient Egypt.

Is Tutankhamun at NMEC?

No. Tutankhamun’s mummy remains in his tomb in the Valley of the Kings in Luxor, and his treasures are displayed at the Grand Egyptian Museum.

Is NMEC the same as the Grand Egyptian Museum?

No. They are two different museums. NMEC in Old Cairo covers all periods of Egyptian history and holds the royal mummies. The Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, next to the Pyramids, focuses on ancient Egypt and displays the treasures of Tutankhamun.

How long should I spend at the museum?

About two hours is enough for the main gallery and the Royal Mummies Hall with a guide.

Is the museum suitable for children?

Yes. Children usually enjoy the Royal Mummies Hall. Please note it is a quiet space, and visitors are asked to keep their voices low.