Hurghada Museum

It houses more than 1,500 artifacts including royal pieces that date back to the royal epoch in Egypt at the beginning of the 20th century.The museum is expected to contribute to boosting tourism in the Red Sea governorate east of Cairo.Hurghada is a city in the Red Sea governorate, a major tourist center 400 km from the capital.The museum, which covers 10,000 square meters, displays artifacts, and has an entertainment area, shopping complex and parking lots. It cost 160 million Egyptian pounds ($10 million).

The Hurghada Museum is one of the most prominent projects implemented by the Ministry of Antiquities for the first time, in partnership with the private sector, which provided the museum with all requirements need to complete its furnishing. This was done in accordance with the ministry’s requirements, provided that the Ministry of Antiquities alone will be in charge of the museum’s management and supervision.  Muhammad Osman, head of the museum sector, explained that the museum was designed according to the international standards of museums. The museums’s screening scenario demonstrates the beauty and luxury of the Egyptian civilization throughout the ages, whereby the displays showcase pieces that embody the comforts of homes, their furniture , and the products used by the ancient Egyptians for hair, clothes, perfumes, and accessories. 

With a strong focus on ‘Beauty and Luxury’ across ancient Egyptian to modern history, the museum is home to over 1,500 artifacts which are exhibited according to various themes such as daily life, sports, royal imagery in ancient Egypt. Additionally, more distinct items are exhibited, such as Coptic icons, a decorated case which encases the Torah scrolls, oil painting portraits, as well as a unique bust statue of queen Meritamun.

Merit-Amun, Ramses II’s daughter, painted limestone statue, from the Ramesseum at Thebes. Detail. Egyptian Civilisation, New Kingdom, Dynasty XIX.

Most of the items were taken from artifact storages from areas in the Red Sea area as well as from the rest of the country.

Unlike many museums in Egypt, the construction Hurghada Museum was entirely funded by the private sector although profit is intended to be shared between the latter and the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. The management and administration of the newly built space, which cost up to 185 m EGP (almost 12 million US), will however be entirely left up to governmental officials under the ministry’s supervision.