The Alexandria National Museum occupies a restored early 20th-century Italian-style villa on Tariq Al-Horreya Street in downtown Alexandria, formerly the residence of a wood merchant before its conversion into a museum in 2003. The collection spans three floors and traces Alexandria's history from the Pharaonic period through the Greco-Roman, Coptic, and Islamic eras, drawing many of its roughly 1,800 artifacts from underwater excavations in the city's harbours and from other Egyptian museums. The basement floor covers the Pharaonic and underwater archaeology collections, including pieces recovered from the sunken remains of the ancient Pharos lighthouse and the palace quarter; the ground floor covers the Greco-Roman period; and the upper floor covers Coptic and Islamic Alexandria. A visit typically takes an hour and a half to two hours to see all three floors. The compact villa layout means the museum rarely feels crowded compared to Alexandria's outdoor sites, and weekday mornings are the quietest time to visit. The building's restored interior details, including its staircase and ceiling work, are worth noting alongside the exhibits. The museum is centrally located and walkable from Raml Station, making it easy to combine with a walk through downtown Alexandria.
| Admission | Adult EGP 150 (~$2.88) foreign visitors · Child EGP 75 (~$1.44) students with valid ID |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily 9:00AM-4:00PM |
| Typical visit | 1.5-2 hours |
| Best time | Weekday mornings |
| Getting there | Central downtown, walkable from Raml Station |
| Address | 110 Tariq Al-Horreya Street, Alexandria, Egypt |
Location
110 Tariq Al-Horreya Street, Alexandria, Egypt
31.1975, 29.9089 View on map
Highlights
- Three-floor collection spanning Pharaonic, Greco-Roman, Coptic, and Islamic Alexandria
- Underwater archaeology finds from the sunken Pharos lighthouse and palace quarter
- Restored early 20th-century Italian-style villa building
- Compact layout that avoids the crowds of Alexandria's larger sites
Tips for visiting
- Visit on a weekday morning for the quietest experience
- Allow 90 minutes to two hours to see all three floors
- Photography is generally allowed but flash photography may be restricted near delicate artifacts
- Bring a passport or student ID for reduced admission where applicable
- The museum is walkable from Raml Station, so it pairs well with a downtown walking route
When to visit
Weekday mornings are quietest, before local school groups and tourists visit later in the day.
Accessibility
The museum is housed in a converted historic villa with stairs between floors; accessibility for wheelchair users is limited on the upper levels.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to the Alexandria National Museum take?
Most visitors spend about one and a half to two hours covering all three floors.
Is the museum suitable for children?
Yes, the compact size and chronological layout make it manageable for children compared to larger open-air archaeological sites.
Is photography allowed inside the museum?
General photography is typically allowed, though flash use may be restricted in some galleries.