In the heart of the modern metropolis of Cairo is one of the greatest historical treasures in the world, the Egyptian Museum. The ‘Service of Egyptian Antiquities’ was founded in 1835 by Mohammed Ali and was created to prevent the further plundering and destruction of Egypt’s ancient treasures.

The museum was built in 1900 by the French architect, Marcel Dourgnon. Its Neo-Classical design still guards the priceless heritage of ancient Egypt and today more than 155,000 impressive archaeological discoveries that cover 4,500 years of Egyptian history are on display.

The museum’s unique collection of jewellery contains rings once worn by high priests and also amulets that belonged to Ramses the Second.

The fantastic grave offerings of Tutankamen who died at the age of nineteen cover almost half a floor of the museum and its importance is due to precious objects such as the golden mask of the young pharaoh that have assured its place among the world’s greatest museums.