The Khufu Solar Boat is a reconstructed funerary vessel of the Fourth Dynasty pharaoh Khufu, dating to about 2560 BCE in Egypt's Old Kingdom. It is displayed in the Grand Egyptian Museum on the Cairo-Alexandria Desert Road at Kafr Nassar, Giza, about two kilometres west of the Giza Plateau. The ship is about 43.6 metres long and 5.9 metres wide, built mostly of Lebanese cedar planks edged together with rope lashings rather than nails, and was found in 1954 by the Egyptian archaeologist Kamal el-Mallakh and the restorer Hag Ahmed Youssef in a sealed pit on the south side of the Great Pyramid.
The boat had been dismantled into more than 1,200 pieces, which were laid in layers in a limestone-covered pit. Reassembly took more than a decade and was completed in the 1960s, after which the vessel was displayed in a purpose-built museum next to the pyramid. A second sealed pit was identified in 1987 and contains another boat, still unexcavated. Scholars interpret the boats either as vessels for the king's journey with the sun god Ra across the sky or as funeral barges that carried the body from Memphis to Giza.
In 2021 the ship was moved in a single piece on a remote-controlled transporter to the Grand Egyptian Museum, a journey of about 7 kilometres, and is now housed in a dedicated conservation hall with controlled climate and lighting. Visitors can view the hull from walkways and see conservation facilities, and the display is accompanied by interpretation on the ship's construction, the pit discoveries and the move. The vessel is included in the main museum admission, with timed entry arranged through the museum's official ticketing site. Conservators continue to monitor the wood for stress and humidity changes.
| Admission | Included in the Grand Egyptian Museum ticket, about EGP 1,450 (~$29) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Galleries 09:00-18:00; Wednesday and Saturday to 21:00 |
| Address | Cairo-Alexandria Desert Road, Kafr Nassar, Giza |
Why it matters
Built for Khufu around 2560 BCE, the cedar vessel is one of the oldest and best-preserved ships in the world. It was buried beside the Great Pyramid to carry the king's spirit in the afterlife.
Location
Cairo-Alexandria Desert Road, Kafr Nassar, Giza
29.9946, 31.1191 View on map
Highlights
- View the 43.6 m cedar hull, assembled from more than 1,200 dismantled pieces
- See construction details, including rope lashings and mortise joints, without nails
- Learn about the 2021 move across Giza on a remote-controlled transporter
- Visit the conservation hall to see how the wood is monitored
Tips for visiting
- Entry is included with the museum ticket; book timed tickets in advance through the museum's official site.
- Check the opening hours of the boat hall, which may differ from the main galleries.
- Visit early in the day for fewer crowds around the display walkways.
- Photography rules differ by hall; follow posted signs near the vessel.
When to visit
Weekday mornings are generally quieter. Wednesdays and Saturdays with late opening give a calmer evening visit.
Accessibility
The museum is a modern building with ramps, lifts and level walkways, and the boat hall is accessible to wheelchair users.
Frequently asked questions
Is the boat in the same place as the Great Pyramid?
No. The original pit is beside the Great Pyramid, but the reconstructed boat was moved in 2021 and is now displayed inside the Grand Egyptian Museum.
How long does a visit take?
Allow about 30-45 minutes for the boat hall as part of a longer museum visit.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes, the ship is visual and suitable for children, with level walkways and clear sightlines.