Is the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Still Worth Visiting After the Opening of the GEM?
When travelers plan their trip to Cairo today, one question almost always comes up: “Now that the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is open, should I still visit the classic Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square?”
The short answer is absolutely, yes.
While the Grand Egyptian Museum is a modern architectural masterpiece, the original Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square remains an irreplaceable jewel of world history. Here is why Tahrir Square is still an absolute must-visit on your Egyptian itinerary:
1. The Building Itself is a Piece of History
Opened in 1902, the Tahrir Museum is not just a storage space for artifacts—it is a historic monument in its own right. Walking through its pink neoclassic halls with their high ceilings and natural dusty sunlight feels like stepping back into the golden age of 19th-century archaeology.
2. Home to the Founders of the Pyramids
While many masterworks have shifted to new homes, Tahrir Square remains the realm of the great Old Kingdom pharaohs. Here, you will stand face-to-face with:
King Djoser (3rd Dynasty): The visionary behind the Step Pyramid at Saqqara, represented by his iconic limestone statue.
The Builders of Giza (4th Dynasty): The legendary kings Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. (Including the famous tiny ivory statue of Khufu—the only known 3D portrait of the builder of the Great Pyramid!).
3. The Silver Pharaoh: Psusennes I
While Tutankhamun’s treasures have moved to the GEM, Tahrir holds a treasure that rivaled Tut’s in beauty: the Silver Coffin and Solid Gold Mask of King Psusennes I (21st Dynasty). Known as the "Silver Pharaoh," his incredible tomb discovered at Tanis features rare silver craftsmanship that survived intact through millennia.
4. The Intact Treasures of Yuya and Thuya
Long before the world discovered Tutankhamun, the most complete ancient Egyptian tomb ever found belonged to Yuya and Thuya—the great-grandparents of Tutankhamun. Their pristine gilded coffins, beautifully preserved mummies, functional wooden chariot, and intimate household belongings remain on display in Tahrir in breathtaking detail.
5. Monumental Masterpieces
Tahrir still houses some of the most impressive colossal sculptures ever carved, such as the towering Colossus of Amenhotep III and Queen Tiye—a massive limestone masterpiece that showcases the absolute height of 18th Dynasty royal portraiture and romance.
The Verdict
The Grand Egyptian Museum and the Tahrir Museum are not rivals; they complete each other. Viewing the GEM gives you scale, modernity, and the full Tutankhamun story. But walking through Tahrir connects you with the raw origin of Egyptology.
Planning your trip to Cairo? Let’s craft a custom itinerary that combines both museums with an expert local guide to bring these ancient stories to life!
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