Alexandria National Museum: One Museum, Many Eras
Alexandria National Museum is housed in an elegant Italianate palace that once belonged to Asaad Basili Pasha. The building was acquired by the Supreme Council of Antiquities in 1996 and officially opened as a museum in 2003.
Its galleries present Egypt’s history chronologically, from prehistoric and Pharaonic periods through the Greco-Roman era, Coptic and Islamic history, and into the modern period. This makes it especially useful for visitors who want to understand Alexandria within the wider story of Egypt.
The collection includes objects from archaeological excavations in Alexandria, antiquities recovered through underwater archaeology in Abu Qir Bay, coins from different periods, Islamic arms, ceramics, glass, metalwork and jewellery associated with Egypt’s modern royal era.
Discover Ten Highlights of Alexandria National Museum
Move through Egypt’s history from the Pharaonic era and Greco-Roman Alexandria to Coptic, Islamic and modern collections.
Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Alexandria National Museum
Plan a smooth visit with practical advice about opening hours, tickets, gallery rules and combining the museum with Alexandria’s historic sites.
Check Current Opening Hours
The museum is currently listed as open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the ticket window closing at 4:00 PM. Recheck official information before visiting.
Allow 1.5–2 Hours
Around one and a half to two hours is comfortable for a focused visit, with extra time if you enjoy reading labels and studying individual objects.
Check Current Ticket Prices
The current official listing shows EGP 220 for foreign adults and EGP 110 for foreign students, with lower Egyptian rates. Prices can change, so confirm before visiting.
Travel Light
Large bags, backpacks, luggage or parcels larger than 40×40 cm are not permitted in the galleries, although storage is available in the cloakroom.
No Food in the Galleries
Food and drinks are not allowed in the museum galleries, apart from small water bottles under the current visitor policy.
Respect Photography Rules
Follow current museum signs and staff guidance. Avoid flash or other lighting that could affect exhibits, and respect any gallery-specific restrictions.
Use a Guide for Context
An Egyptologist can connect the museum’s chronological galleries with the archaeological sites and historical periods represented across Alexandria.
Explore Central Alexandria
The museum combines naturally with Kom el-Dikka, Pompey’s Pillar & Serapeum, the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa and Bibliotheca Alexandrina.
Travel note: Museum hours, ticket prices and visitor regulations can change. Confirm the latest official information shortly before your visit.
Explore Alexandria National Museum with a Private Egyptologist
Add Alexandria National Museum to a private Alexandria day with an Egyptologist who can connect its collections with the city’s Pharaonic, Greco-Roman, Coptic, Islamic and modern history.
Remarkable Facts About Alexandria National Museum
The museum combines a historic palace, a chronological collection and objects connected with Alexandria’s underwater archaeology.
Museum Opening
The palace officially opened to the public as Alexandria National Museum in 2003.
Objects
More than 1,800 objects tell the story of Egypt across several historical periods.
Palace Acquired
The former Asaad Basili Pasha palace was acquired for conversion into a national museum.
Underwater Finds
The collection includes objects connected with underwater archaeological discoveries in Abu Qir Bay.
Experience Alexandria National Museum Your Way
Choose a real Alexandria programme and ask us to include Alexandria National Museum when it fits your route, timing and interests.
Nearby Attractions in Alexandria
Alexandria National Museum sits close to several of the city’s most important archaeological and cultural attractions.
Kom el-Dikka
Walk through Alexandria’s Roman theatre, lecture halls, baths, houses and mosaics.
Explore Site
Pompey’s Pillar & Serapeum
Visit Alexandria’s monumental Roman column and the archaeological remains of the ancient Serapeum.
Explore Site
Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa
Explore one of Alexandria’s most distinctive Roman-period burial complexes.
Explore Site
Bibliotheca Alexandrina
Continue to Alexandria’s modern library and cultural centre on the Mediterranean waterfront.
Explore SiteAlexandria National Museum FAQ
Essential answers for planning a visit to one of Alexandria’s most useful historical museums.
What is Alexandria National Museum?
Alexandria National Museum is a historical museum housed in the former palace of Asaad Basili Pasha. Its collections cover Pharaonic, Greco-Roman, Coptic, Islamic and modern Egypt.
Where is Alexandria National Museum located?
It is located in central Alexandria, making it easy to combine with Kom el-Dikka, Pompey’s Pillar, the Catacombs and Bibliotheca Alexandrina.
How much time do I need at Alexandria National Museum?
Most visitors should allow around one and a half to two hours, with additional time if you enjoy reading labels and examining the collections in detail.
What can I see at Alexandria National Museum?
Highlights include Pharaonic objects, Greco-Roman antiquities, Coptic and Islamic material, coins, historic weaponry, jewellery and objects connected with underwater archaeology.
Why is the museum important for an Alexandria visit?
Its chronological layout helps explain how Alexandria fits into the wider history of Egypt and gives useful context before or after visiting the city’s archaeological sites.
Do I need a guide for Alexandria National Museum?
A guide is not essential, but an Egyptologist can connect the displays with the monuments and historical periods you encounter throughout Alexandria.
Can I take photographs inside Alexandria National Museum?
Photography rules may change by gallery or object. Follow current signs and staff guidance and avoid flash or other lighting where it is restricted.
Is Alexandria National Museum suitable for families?
Yes. Its manageable size and chronological arrangement can work well for families and older children interested in history.
What attractions are close to Alexandria National Museum?
Nearby options include Kom el-Dikka, Pompey’s Pillar & Serapeum, the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa and Bibliotheca Alexandrina.
How do I add Alexandria National Museum to my Egypt tour?
Ask Egypt Travel Consultant to include the museum in a private Alexandria itinerary or to tailor an existing Alexandria programme around your interests and available time.