Prof Ali Abdel Halim Ali (Egyptian Museum Tahrir Director): "We have 45,000 artifacts on display, in 2026 we will focus on digital projects"

Prof. Ali Abdel Halim Ali, director of the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square, Cairo, was interviewed by Il Giornale d'Italia regarding the museum's importance and its upcoming renovation.

 Why do you define the museum as the "mother of all museums in Egypt"?

The Egyptian Museum in Tahrir is called the ‘mother of all museums in Egypt’ because it is the country’s oldest national museum and the source of most collections now displayed in newer museums. Its treasures have shaped Egyptian museology, and it remains the central guardian of memory, connecting civilizations and inspiring knowledge.

Oldest archaeological museum in the Middle East, inaugurated in 1902 by Khedive Abbas Helmy II. New museums in Egypt (like GEM, NMEC, and regional museums) often received their main collections from the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir, making it the foundation of Egypt’s museology

How many artifacts are housed in the museum and its storage facilities?

About 120,000 artifacts are catalogued, with ~45,000 on display at any given time. Collections span from Predynastic Egypt to the Greco-Roman era, including Yuya and Thuya’s burials, Psusennes I treasures, and Tanis gold.

What are the artifacts most appreciated by the public?

All the collections at the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir are unique, each piece carrying its own story and cultural significance. Among the most remarkable examples is the treasure of Tanis, discovered in intact royal tombs and including dazzling gold masks, silver coffins, and exquisite jewelry that rival even the treasures of Tutankhamun. This collection highlights the museum’s role as guardian of Egypt’s most extraordinary heritage.

 What links and types of collaborations exist between Italy and the Egyptian Museum in Cairo? How do the two museums differ?

Italy maintains long-standing and consolidated ties with the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir in Cairo in the fields of photography, conservation, and archaeology. Among the most significant initiatives stands out the Virtual Heritage Experience of 2023, a digital exhibition created in collaboration with the Italian Embassy, which has innovated the enjoyment of cultural heritage.
Of great relevance was the Transforming the Egyptian Museum Project (2018-2023), funded by the European Union in partnership with the Egyptian Museum in Turin and other European institutions, aimed at modernizing the museum's exhibitions and services. In 2025, numerous collaborations followed: the Photography Exhibition organized with the Italian Archaeological Center and the Italian Cultural Institute in August; the Soknopaiou Nesos Project in October, resulting from joint work with the Universities of Salento and Palermo; the Nefertari Tomb Exhibition in November, which highlighted Italian-Egyptian conservation efforts.

 With the opening of the GEM, have you experienced a decrease in visitor flow?

The Egyptian Museum is focusing on heritage continuity and specialized exhibitions. GEM is designed for monumental displays (like Tutankhamun’s full collection), while Tahrir emphasizes historic identity, specialized exhibitions, and scholarly research.

The museum will soon undergo a renovation project. Can you elaborate on the approach?

The renovation project for the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir, discussed in a recent high-level meeting chaired by the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, revolves around four key points to relaunch the institution. First, the redefinition of the museum's identity in a modern and distinctive perspective, strengthening its foundational role in Egyptian museology. This is accompanied by the development of a new visual identity aimed at enhancing the site's international presence.
At the same time, attention will focus on improving visitor services and elevating the overall tourist experience, with targeted interventions to optimize welcome and enjoyment. Finally, a continuous monitoring and development system will ensure that the museum remains a global cultural beacon, adapting to the evolutions of the museum landscape.

What are the plans for the museum in 2026?

The plans for the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir in 2026 confirm a decisive commitment to modernization and redefinition of its role after the opening of the GEM, maintaining its centrality in Egyptian museology. Among the ongoing initiatives stand out digital projects and the ethical integration of AI, such as interactive exhibitions and innovative displays, to enrich the visitor experience.
The expansion of educational and intercultural programs will include guided tours and thematic workshops, while international collaborations will be strengthened through traveling exhibitions. A further development will concern the basement, transformed into a global resource for research and specialized exhibitions.