Category: TRAVEL GUIDE & MUSEUMS
๐ 7 min. reading
โ๏ธ Turin Why Not!
title article:
Egyptian Museum of Turin: Discovering Over 4,000 Years of History
SUBTITLE:
Founded in 1824 in the heart of Turin, the Egyptian Museum (Museo Egizio) is the world’s oldest museum dedicated entirely to ancient Egyptian civilization and second only to Cairo in historical importance. Featuring mummies, intricately decorated sarcophagi, ancient papyri, and the imposing statues of the Kings’ Gallery, stepping into Palazzo dell’Accademia delle Scienze is a true journey back in time. Here is your complete guide to planning a stress-free visit.
quick table of contents
๐In this article:
- A Unique Heritage: The World’s Oldest Egyptian Museum
- Must-See Galleries: From the Kings’ Gallery to the Tomb of Kha
- โ Where to eat near the museum
- Practical Tips: Tickets, Duration & How to Plan Your Visit
- ๐๏ธ Must-Try Guided Tours in Turin
- ๐จ Where to Stay Near the Egyptian Museum
- Curiosities & Trivia: From Champollion to Pharaohs’ Secrets
before starting…
Looking for a memorable tour through the streets of Turin? Try these two ๐
(Click on the image to discover the tour)
. FIRST SECTION – A Unique Heritage: The World’s Oldest Egyptian Museum
Turinโs Egyptian collection officially originated two centuries ago when King Charles Felix of Savoy acquired the extensive collection of diplomat Bernardino Drovetti. Today, the Egyptian Museum houses over 40,000 artifacts, with around 3,300 displayed across a modern, interactive, and fully accessible multi-level gallery.
It is not only a world-class tourist attraction, but also an international research hub dedicated to studying, conserving, and unveiling the mysteries of ancient Egypt.
. SECOND SECTION – Must-See Galleries: From the Kings’ Gallery to the Tomb of Kha
To get the most out of your visit, here are the absolute masterpieces you shouldn’t miss along the tour:
- Tomb of Kha and Merit: An intact non-royal funerary assemblage dating back to the 18th Dynasty. It displays personal items, mummified food, clothing, and the magnificent sarcophagi of architect Kha and his wife Merit.
- The Gallery of the Kings: A dramatic and hauntingly beautiful hall designed by Oscar-winning set designer Dante Ferretti. Surrounded by mirrors and dim lighting, majestic statues of gods and pharaohs stand tall, including the renowned statue of Ramesses II.
- The Turin Royal Canon (Papyrus of Kings): One of the most significant historical documents in the world, written in Hieratic, essential for establishing the chronology of Egyptian dynasties.
- The Temple of Ellesyia: A rock-cut temple saved from flooding and gifted by Egypt to Italy as a token of gratitude for assisting in the rescue of Nubian monuments during the construction of the Aswan High Dam.
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. THIRD SECTION – โ Where to eat near the museum
WHERE TO EAT (near museum)
(SUGGEST BY TURIN WHY NOT!)
Pescaria restaurant Turin
The โPescheria Torinoโ is a place that I personally appreciate a lot for its practicality and convenience. It can be an ideal spot for those of you who want to take a break, as you can sit comfortably either inside or outside in the outdoor seating area if itโs a nice day, but itโs also great for those of you who are pressed for time since thereโs also the option for takeaway.
SestoGusto Pizzeria
A restaurant located on the central Via Mazzini that perfectly combines refinement, elegance, and style! Chef Massimiliano Prete has reimagined the concept of pizza, bringing all his experience to create a place that blends culinary research and flavor.
Crostone Carlo Alberto
Itโs a places where you can enjoy, either seated at a table or on the street ordering take away, the classic Piedmontese street food. Simple yet high-quality food for those who want to keep it a bit lighter.
. FOURTH SECTION – Practical Tips: Tickets, Duration & How to Plan Your Visit
To ensure a seamless visit without long waiting lines, keep these essential tips in mind:
Accessibility: The museum is completely barrier-free, equipped with elevators and dedicated paths for all visitors.
Advance Booking Highly Recommended: As one of Italy’s most visited museums, purchasing your ticket online in advance with a specific time slot is essential, especially on weekends and holidays.
Visit Duration: Plan for approximately 2 to 3 hours to walk through the main highlights.
Audio Guides & App: Ticket entry includes access to multimedia guides, which provide crucial context for the artifacts displayed.
. FIFTH SECTION – ๐๏ธ Must-Try Guided Tours in Turin
BEST GUIDED TOURS IN TURIN
(partner with somewhere)
UNDERGROUND TURIN – WALKING TOUR
MAGIC TURIN TOUR
. SIXTH SECTION – ๐จ Where to Stay Near the Egyptian Museum
WHERE TO STAY (near museum)
(SUGGEST BY TURIN WHY NOT!)
Grand Hotel Sitea (โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ)
Its spacious and exquisitely elegant rooms make you feel as though youโve stepped back in timeโtruly charming and beautiful!
Hotel Victoria & Iside Spa (โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ)
The Art Nouveauโstyle rooms exude exceptional charm and elegance, attracting tourists from all over the world. The hotel features a large spa, perfect for unwinding after a long day exploring the city, and a high-quality restaurant offering a varied menu for each meal.
Salottino Via Carlo Alberto (Residence)
Featuring designer furnishings with unique pieces and a very modern style, it also boasts high ceilings that create a sense of space and openness. Located on the central Via Carlo Alberto, just steps from the main Piazza San Carlo.
. SEVENTH SECTION – Curiosities & Trivia: From Champollion to Pharaohs’ Secrets
The Famous Quote: When Jean-Franรงois Champollion, who deciphered the Rosetta Stone, arrived in Turin to examine the collection, he famously declared: “Ancient Egypt is in Turin”.
The Mystery of Kha: The tomb of architect Kha and his wife Merit is one of the very few non-royal ancient Egyptian tombs discovered completely untouched by grave robbers.
Buy the Torino+Piemonte Card for free access to top attractions, and book your tickets for the Egyptian Museum and Mole Elevator well in advance!
