Five Things Not to Miss at the Egyptian Museum
Tonight, tune into the premiere broadcast of Museum Secrets: Inside the Egyptian Museum on History Television (Canada) at 10 PM. Before you do, get ready for the show by reading some travel tips provided by the director of this episode, Paul Kilback, for the next time you find yourself in Egypt!
Read our Insider Tips for your Next Visit to Egypt
1. Find the secret behind King Tut’s walking staff
“Most visitors to the Cairo Museum will make a stop at King Tut’s treasure room, but this really is just the tip of the iceberg. In fact, almost half of the entire second floor of the museum is devoted to artifacts found in King Tut’s tomb (the most intact ever discovered.)
To get a true sense of what a royal burial was really like you need to wander through the rows of artifacts that range from the ordinary to extraordinary.
For example, there you’ll find a hand-carved walking staff that was made by the boy king himself. It’s a staff, amongst the other 130 walking sticks found in his tomb, that many people believe may be a clue that reveals that King Tut might have been born with a clubfoot or crippling bone disease.”
2. Discover modern archeology in Tanis
“If you want to avoid the crowds and take a look at a real live archeological dig, Tanis is the place!”
“The city of Tanis is located in the Nile Delta and is off the beaten track for most visitors to Egypt. When we were shooting there I saw only one tourist - and with a French dig currently underway - you can get a real sense of what modern archeology in Egypt is really like. If you’re lucky, you might even get a chance to talk to dig leader Dr. Philippe Brissaud.”
3. Wander deeper into Cairo’s Khan el-Khalili Market
“A popular spot for tourists when visiting Cairo is the Khan el-Khalili Market. Here you can find all kinds of trinkets and gifts for tourists, but if you head a little deeper into the twisting alleys and crowded lanes, you will discover a more authentic Egyptian market experience - including a centuries old spice market, that is a veritable feast for all the senses!”
4. Stare into the faces of Pharaohs in the Royal Mummy Room
“Perhaps the most impressive part of Cairo’s Egyptian Museum is the Royal Mummy Room. This room is not included with the regular price of admission to the Museum. Although it costs an extra twenty dollars - believe me - it’s worth it. You can see incredibly preserved remains of some of the most famous kings and queens of Egypt. It is a once in a lifetime chance to stare into the faces of some of history’s most infamous leaders - including the Great Pharaoh himself - Ramesses the II.”
“You will regret missing this room!”
5. Find a moment of serenity at Al-Azhar Park, Cairo
“With its bustling traffic and seemingly endless sprawl, one of the most surprising places I visited in Cairo was Al-Azhar Park. Located in the heart of Cairo, this beautiful park is a sanctuary from the urban chaos. Here the vibe is completely different with families and young couples leisurely strolling through the quiet and beautiful grounds. But what is most impressive are the views of the city. You get stunning views of some of Cairo’s more famous historical sites and the panorama of the city itself is breathtaking.”
“It’s here where you can really see why Cairo is called a city of a thousand minarets!”
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What do you think of Paul’s travel recommendations for history and museum fans? Do you have any to add?
