Egyptian Museum of Turin: a treasure of antiquities

Egyptian Museum of Turin: its history and how it is today

Founded in 1824, the Egyptian Museum of Turin was born from the acquisition of the Drovetti collection, further enriched by excavations conducted in Egypt and donations from various scholars. This heritage has become one of the most comprehensive in the world, with artifacts ranging from prehistoric times to the Roman period. Today, the museum has been renewed thanks to recent restoration work that has improved its accessibility and layout, offering the public an immersive and well-organized journey into Egyptian history.

With over 30,000 artifacts and four exhibition floors, the Egyptian Museum of Turin is the oldest Egyptian museum in the world after the one in Cairo. Located in the heart of the city, this museum attracts thousands of visitors every year, captivated by the richness and beauty of its collections. Explore the history of Egyptian civilization through unique objects, mummies, papyrus, statues, and artifacts collected over the centuries.

Useful information for visiting the Egyptian Museum of Turin

With its rich calendar of events and activities, the Egyptian Museum is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Turin. Here are some essential details to help you plan your visit.

Opening hours
The museum is open every day with the following hours:

• Monday: from 09:00 to 14:00.

• From Tuesday to Sunday: from 09:00 to 18:30.

• Timed entries available every 30 minutes.

• Last bookable time: 12:00 on Mondays and 16:00 from Tuesday to Sunday (except for possible late openings or early closures on certain days of the year).

• Closing days: January 1, December 25 (except for possible extraordinary openings or closures).

Any changes in schedule or extraordinary closures may occur on special holidays, so it is advisable to check the official website before your visit.

Types of passes:

1. Egyptian Museum: Skip-the-line ticket + Guided tour

• Prices: starting from € 49.

• Maximum number: 12 people.

2. Egyptian Museum: Skip-the-line ticket + Guided tour

• Prices: starting from € 59.90.

• Maximum number: 25 people.

It is advisable to book in advance to avoid queues, especially during the weekends and high season periods.

How to get to the Egyptian Museum in Turin

Bus/Tram: lines 13, 15, 55, 56, 72 at Piazza Castello; lines 4, 72 on Via XX Settembre.

From Porta Nuova Station: about 800 meters on foot along Via Lagrange-Via Accademia delle Scienze.

From Turin Airport, Caselle: Shuttle bus service to the center of Turin (Porta Susa and Porta Nuova train stations); one ride every 30 minutes.

FAQ about the Egyptian Museum of Turin 

Why does Turin have an Egyptian Museum?
Turin’s Egyptian Museum, or Museo Egizio, was established in 1824 when King Charles Felix of Sardinia acquired a vast collection of Egyptian antiquities. The interest in Egyptology in Italy during the 19th century was strong, and Turin’s museum quickly became one of the most significant centers for the study and preservation of ancient Egyptian artifacts. Today, it houses one of the most comprehensive Egyptian collections outside Egypt.

Is the Egyptian Museum open yet?
Yes, the Egyptian Museum in Turin is open to the public. It operates with regular visiting hours, though it’s recommended to check the official website for the latest updates on opening times or any temporary closures due to events or renovations.

How long does it take to see the Egyptian Museum in Turin?
A typical visit to the Egyptian Museum in Turin takes about 2-3 hours to view the main exhibits. However, for visitors deeply interested in Egyptology, exploring the extensive collection of artifacts could easily take half a day or more.

Where is the second largest Egyptian Museum in the world?
The second largest Egyptian museum in the world, after Cairo's, is in Turin, Italy. The Museo Egizio holds one of the most extensive collections of Egyptian artifacts, second only to the collections housed in Egypt itself.

What is the 2nd largest museum in the world?
In terms of overall size and collections, the Louvre Museum in Paris, France, is often considered the second largest museum in the world. It features vast and diverse collections, including a notable section dedicated to ancient Egyptian artifacts.

What is the Egyptian collection in Italy?
The Egyptian collection in Italy primarily refers to the artifacts housed in the Museo Egizio in Turin. This collection includes thousands of items, from mummies and statues to everyday objects and scrolls, covering over 5,000 years of Egyptian history.

How to Visit the Egyptian Museum

Visiting the Egyptian Museum in Turin is a unique experience that allows you to immerse yourself in the grandeur of ancient Egypt, among ancient relics and works of extraordinary beauty. This famous museum, one of the most important in the world for its collection of Egyptian art, offers an exhibition route of 2.5 km over 4 floors, each dedicated to a specific theme, allowing you to explore in detail Egyptian culture and history.

Exhibition Route and Main Artefacts

Start your visit on the basement level, where you can discover the historical origins of the museum and admire the papyrus of the Book of Luefankh, a precious collection of religious formulas dating back to the Ptolemaic period (332-320 BC). Ascending to the second floor, you will find artefacts such as stele decorated with hieroglyphics and ancient sarcophagi. Among the most fascinating objects in this section are the mummy of Gebelein and a painted linen canvas from the predynastic era, depicting scenes of daily life.

Upper Floors and Must-See Attractions

The first floor is dedicated to the late ancient period, with works from Deir el-Medina and the Valley of the Queens. Here, you can admire polychrome sarcophagi, the statue of Nefertari and Pendua, the Chapel of Tammit and Maia, and other fascinating historical testimonies. Descending to the ground floor, you will encounter the majestic Gallery of Kings, featuring statues of pharaohs and Egyptian deities such as the lion-headed Sekhmet, Tutankhamun, and Ramses II, all illuminated by light displays that enhance their beauty and mystery.

News and Recent Sections

The museum has recently added new halls on the first floor, focused on ceramic art and animal embalming techniques, further enriching the cultural experience offered to visitors. Don't miss the monuments honoring Neferu and Iti, the burial complex of the unknown, and the artifacts from the Gallery of Material Culture, such as the cup of the goddess Hathor and the Royal Canon.

A visit to the Egyptian Museum of Turin thus offers you the opportunity to explore centuries of Egyptian history in a suggestive and engaging context.

Curiosities about the Egyptian Museum of Turin

• Mummies and mysteries: The Egyptian Museum houses over 500 mummies and a vast collection of sarcophagi. Among the most curious artifacts is also the “Book of the Dead” of Pharaoh Iuefankh, which recounts the funerary rites of ancient Egypt.

• A pioneering museum: The Egyptian Museum of Turin was the first museum in the world entirely dedicated to Egyptian civilization, a record that continues to attract scholars and enthusiasts from all over the world.

• Interactive experiences: The museum offers multimedia and interactive experiences, allowing visitors to virtually explore tombs and ancient Egyptian sites.

Plan your visit to the Egyptian Museum of Turin and let yourself be transported back in time to discover the wonders and mysteries of ancient Egypt.