CAIRO: OLD EGYPTIAN MUSEUM

We visited Egypt with a group of 16 friends to celebrate a milestone birthday. Our itinerary first started in Cairo and Giza, we then flew down to Luxor, took a boat down the Nile and ended in Aswan. It was an epic adventure.

On our first full day in Cairo, we visited the Old Egyptian Museum, a historical landmark that has captivated visitors for generations. Although the Old Egyptian Museum is in the process of being replaced by the Grand Egyptian Museum, which promises to showcase Egypt's ancient treasures in a more modern and expansive setting, there was still an abundance of fascinating artifacts and exhibits within the old museum that made our visit truly memorable.

As we entered the museum, we were greeted by the grandeur of its architecture, which reflected the colonial style that has stood the test of time, althought a bit dusty! The interior of the museum was just as impressive, filled with dimly lit halls and spacious galleries that housed thousands of artifacts, each telling a unique story of Egypt's illustrious past. We navigated through the exhibits, each room revealing a different aspect of ancient Egyptian civilization.

One of the highlights of our visit was the extensive collection of mummies, which offered a glimpse into the ancient Egyptian practices surrounding death and the afterlife. We marveled at the intricate details of the mummification process and the elaborate sarcophagi that once held these revered figures. The sight of the royal mummies, including those of famous pharaohs, was both eerie and awe-inspiring, as we stood before the remnants of individuals who had ruled thousands of years ago.

In addition to the mummies, we took in the vast array of artifacts from the tomb of Tutankhamun. The museum housed many of the treasures that were unearthed from his tomb, including the iconic golden mask, which glimmered under the museum lights, showcasing the incredible craftsmanship of ancient artisans. Each piece, from the jewelry to the ceremonial items, was a testament to the wealth and artistry of ancient Egypt, and we found ourselves lost in admiration for how detailed these artisans were given the limitation of the tools they had at their disposal.

As we explored further, we encountered numerous statues, inscriptions, and everyday objects that painted a vivid picture of life in ancient Egypt. The hieroglyphics carved into stone tablets intrigued us, and we took a moment to appreciate the complexity of the writing system that conveyed stories and religious beliefs. The museum also featured displays on ancient Egyptian religion, shedding light on the pantheon of gods and goddesses that played a crucial role in the lives of the people.

Overall, our visit to the Old Egyptian Museum was an enriching experience that deepened our understanding of Egypt's ancient history. Despite its impending replacement, the old museum still held a treasure trove of knowledge and artifacts that left a lasting impression on us. As we left the museum, we felt awe for the history the Egyptian civilization demonstrated over thousands of year.

We were able to see the lobby of the New Great Egyptian Museum, but it was not otherwise open yet at the time of our visit. The museum is huge and is estimated to be twice the size of the Louvre occupying 500,000 square meters or the size of 80 football fields!!! While Cairo was not a city I would desire to revisit because of the intense poverty and pollution, visiting this new museum would be worthwhile.