Alexandria National Museum
Greco-Roman sculpture in the Alexandria National Museum.
Photo
John Wilbanks.
Elegant staircase of the former palace. Photo
John Wilbanks.
Ancient Egyptian statue. Photo
PMgD.
Roman mosaic. Photo © Richard Beck.
Coptic tombstone with cross. Photo
John Wilbanks.
Arabic manuscript. Photo
John Wilbanks.
Opened in 2003, the Alexandria National Museum displays some 1,800 artifacts discovered in and around Alexandria, Egypt. Many of the artifacts were not previously on display, but hidden in the storage rooms of other museums.
What to See
The National Museum is housed in a restored Italian-style palace (Al-Saad Bassili Pasha Palace, built 1926) with three floors.
The first level, with dark blue walls reflecting the Egyptian symbolic color of the afterlife, is dedicated to the Pharaonic period. On display are several notable statues, including portraits of Menkaure (builder of the third Giza), Akhenaton (Amenhotep IV) and the female pharaoh Hatshepsut. There is also an interesting replica of the sort discovered in the Valley of the Kings, complete with a mummy and original funerary treasures.
The middle level displays artifacts from the Greco-Roman period, during which Alexandria flourished, such as figurines of Greek women and a majestic bust of the bearded god Serapis. Also on this level are finds from recent underwater excavations conducted around Alexandria, including several notable stone statues.
The top floor displays Coptic and Islamic treasures, illustrating the rich heritage of these two faiths that are still alive and well in Egypt. There are icons of Christ and the Virgin Mary, carved tombstones and clothes with silver and gold crosses. Notable among the Islamic objects are 162 coins minted in Alexandria and religious supplies such as incense burners, chandeliers and pottery.
Quick Facts
Site Information |
| Names: | Alexandria National Museum |
| Location: | Alexandria, Egypt |
| Category: | Museums |
| Faith: | Museum |
| Date: | 2003 |
Visitor Information |
| Coordinates: | 31.199819° N, 29.9042° E (view on Google Maps) |
| Photography: | Permitted without flash and with camera fee. |
Travel Resources
- Alexandria Map - our detailed interactive map of Alexandria, plus hand-picked links to more
- Alexandria Guided Tours - book sightseeing tours and activities in Alexandria
- Alexandria Hotels - check availability, maps, photos and reviews, then book at the guaranteed lowest rate
- Alexandria Restaurant Reviews - the best places to eat in town
- Alexandria Travel Forum - tips, answers and advice on Alexandria tourism
Location Map
Below is a location map and aerial view of Alexandria National Museum. Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around. For a larger view, see our Alexandria Map.
Article Sources
Article written by Holly Hayes with reference to the following sources:
- The Alexandria National Museum - Tour Egypt
- Reviews of the Alexandria National Museum - TripAdvisor
- Underwater Museum Planned for Egypt's Alexandria - National Geographic, September 16, 2008
Article last updated: 10/27/2009.
