With over 26,000 ancient Egyptian artifacts gathered between the 18th and 20th century, Turin's Egyptian Museum (Museo Egizio) houses one of the largest collections of Egyptian antiquities in the world. The galleries were extensively enlarged, renovated, and reorganized, reopening in 2015, and the result is both spectacular and engaging.
The Basics
Founded in 1824, the Museo Egizio is the world’s oldest museum dedicated to ancient Egypt and covers four floors of the Palace of the Academy of Sciences (Palazzo dell'Accademia delle Scienze). The collection includes human mummies, an important papyrus collection, and the Gallery of Kings (Galleria dei Re), a statuary collection organized and dramatically lit by Academy Award–winning production designer Dante Ferretti. Museum highlights include a papyrus measuring 60 feet (18 meters), an important statue of Ramesses II, and the Tomb of Kha, which dates to 3500 BC.
The Egyptian Museum is one of the most popular attractions in Turin. To avoid a long wait in line, book a museum tour with skip-the-line tickets. Many Turin walking or bike tours include a stop at the museum, as do full-day tours from Milan. For a deep dive into this significant collection, consider a private tour with an Egyptologist guide.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A visit to the museum is a must for history buffs and a fun activity for kids, who especially enjoy the mummies and tomb.
- The Egyptian Museum is completely wheelchair accessible.
- Large bags, backpacks, and umbrellas must be left at baggage check at the entrance.
- The museum houses a small bookshop and café.
- Photography without flash is allowed in the museum.
How to Get There
The Egyptian Museum is in the historic center of Turin, a 10-minute walk northeast from the train station. The museum is also accessible via tram (line 4 to Bertola) and any number of city buses to the Bertola or Castello stop. Turin is an easy day trip by car or train from Milan.
When to Get There
The Egyptian Museum can be very crowded on the weekends so is best visited on a weekday. The museum is closed on Monday afternoon.
Other Famous Sights to Explore in Turin
The elegant center of Turin is home to beautiful baroque, rococo, neoclassical, and art deco architecture. Highlights include sweeping squares such as Piazza San Carlo and Piazza Castello, the Royal Palace (Palazzo Reale), Turin Cathedral of St. John the Baptist (Cattedrale di San Giovanni Battista, or Duomo di Torino), and Mole Antonelliana.
