Step into a world where history comes alive, where every corner holds a piece of ancient marvel. Welcome to the Egyptian Museum Turin, where pharaohs' stories are etched in stone and hieroglyphs whisper mysteries of the past. Immerse yourself in a symphony of artifacts — from mummies that have braved time's embrace to majestic statues that guard secrets of a bygone era. Embark on a journey through the sands of time, each exhibit a portal into the enigmatic world of Egypt's rich heritage.
Know Before You Go
Handy information
⏰ Suggested Duration: | 1-2 hours |
☀️ Best Time to Visit: | Weekdays/Early morning |
🎟️ Egyptian Museum of Turin Ticket: | €42 |
Must-see at the Egyptian Museum of Turin
- Temple of Ellesija
- Papyrus Collection
- Mummies & Sacrophagus
Getting There
Via Accademia delle Scienze, 6, 10123
Torino - Italy
Get Directions
Opening Hours
Tuesday - Sunday: 9 AM - 6.30 PM
Monday: 9 AM - 2 PM
What to expect at Egyptian Museum of Turin?
- Witness the captivating journey of the Ellesiya Temple, transferred from Nubia to Turin to preserve its stone-carved splendor
- Discover the preserved papyrus scrolls, intricate hieroglyphs, and ancient manuscripts that provide insights into language, wisdom, and the daily life of ancient Egyptians.
- Experience the mystique of mummies up close, where the Mummy Conservation Project lays bare the secrets of the afterlife through preserved artifacts and intricate details.
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Eguptian Museum of Turin History
The journey of the Egyptian Museum of Turin is like an adventure through time. It all started in 1630 with the arrival of an exotic piece called the Mensa Isiaca, igniting King Charles Emmanuel III's fascination with all things Egyptian. This led botanist Vitaliano Donati to Egypt in 1753, returning with a treasure trove of 300 artifacts, the seeds of the museum's collection. Fast forward to 1824, King Charles Felix added the Drovetti collection, thanks to French General Consul Bernardino Drovetti's efforts in Egypt.
The legend deepened in 1833 with Giuseppe Sossio's collection, and Egyptologist Ernesto Schiaparelli's excavations further enriched the museum between 1900 and 1920. A special gem, the temple of Ellesiya, made its home here as a token of Egypt's gratitude during the Nubian monument campaign in the 1960s. The museum itself, nestled in Via Accademia delle Scienze 6, has witnessed history, even surviving the Second World War. In 2004, it became a trailblazer in museum privatization with the establishment of the Fondazione Museo delle Antichità Egizie.
Highlights of Egyptian Museum of Turin
1Papyri
Embark on a time-tripping odyssey at Floor -1, Room 1, Egyptian Museum Turin! Explore the mind-boggling "Papyri Collection" boasting 700 manuscripts, 17,000 fragments, and 3000 years of Egyptian sagas. Behold the 18-meter-long Papyrus of Iuefankh, a star in the "Book of the Dead" series, while the Royal Canon of Turin maps divine reigns.
2Tomb of the Unknown
Discovered in Gebelein, an ancient Nile-side city about 30 km south of Luxor, this intact marvel carved from rock reveals a corridor leading to three funerary chambers. While one chamber stands vacant, the other two unveiled coffins, mummies, wooden beds, chests, and everyday relics. Mystery swirls around their occupants, perhaps denizens of the 5th dynasty (2435-2305 BC), still shrouded in anonymity
3Mummies
The ingenious initiative of Mummy Conservation project delves into restoring and analyzing ancient human remains, adding to a remarkable collection of 116 mummies or body parts from ancient Egypt. But hold tight, there's more to uncover! On the first floor's "Restoration Area," a lively array of 17 animal mummies takes center stage—cats, fish, birds of prey, a bull, and even a crocodile!
4Tomb of Kha
Ascend to the 1st Floor, Room 7, and step into the captivating tale of Kha's Tomb at the Egyptian Museum Turin. Kha, a nobleman, held sway as a public works overseer in Deir el-Medina during the 18th Egyptian dynasty. Ernesto Schiaparelli's monumental 1906 discovery of Kha and his wife Merit's tomb marked a historic triumph in Egyptian archaeology, for intact tombs are a rarity
5Coffin Gallery
Venture into the 21st dynasty's sarcophagi, plucked from the Valley of the Queens—an age-old Egyptian necropolis—thanks to Bernardino Drovetti's excavations. Amid this trove, the luminaries are unmistakable: Butehamon, the royal scribe; Pahoreniset, the pastry virtuoso; and the lyrical Taba-Kenkhonsu and Tamutmutef, two soulful singers, all beckoning you into their mystic stories.
6Gallery of Kings
In the heart of the Egyptian Museum Turin's labyrinthine corridors, a true marvel beckons—the mesmerizing Gallery of Kings. This enclave, shrouded in mysterious darkness, unveils a procession of captivating Egyptian statues, each whispering tales of the ages. Among them, a towering figure reigned supreme: the monumental Pharaoh Seti II, an astonishing 5 meters tall and an impressive 5 tons in weight.
7Temple of Ellesiya
Originally nestled near Qasr Ibrim, an archaeological marvel in southern Egypt (formerly Nubia), the Temple of Ellesiya emerges as a stone-carved masterpiece. Its devotion extended to three Egyptian deities—Amun, Horus, and Satis—a testament to its legacy, as surviving reliefs, hieroglyphs, and intricacies illustrate.
Best Time to Visit Egyptian Museum of Turin
The optimal time to explore the Egyptian Museum of Turin is during spring (April-June) and fall (September-October). These seasons offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and various cultural events. Plan your visit on the weekdays and in the morning to avoid crowds.
Egyptian Museum of Turin Opening Hours
- Tuesday - Sunday: 9 AM - 6.30 PM
- Monday: 9 AM - 2 PM
- Last Admission: One hour before closing time
Getting There
Bus
Below is the detail of bus stops and respective bus lines:
BERTOLA-247 Stop:Bus Lines 4 and 15
BERTOLA-1642 Stop:Bus Lines 58, 58B, 11, 55, 57
BERTOLA-2179 Stop:Bus Lines 72 and 72B
BERTOLA-469 Stop:Bus Lines 13, 56, 51
BERTOLA-1632 Stop:Bus Line 27
CASTELLO-471 Stop:Bus Lines 13, 15, 55, 56
CASTELLO-409 Stop: Bus Line 7
Metro
To reach the Egyptian Museum Turin using the metro, take Line 1 and alight at the PORTA NUOVA stop. From there, a pleasant 10-15 minute stroll along Via Roma or Via Lagrange (which transforms into Via Accademia delle Scienze) will lead you to the Museo Egizio. Alternatively, you can opt for convenience by taking either bus 58 or 58B, getting off at the BERTOLA-1642 stop, or tram 4, with the BERTOLA-247 stop as your destination
Car & Parking
If you are reaching the destination by car then the closest parking facility to the Museo Egizio is the Roma-San Carlo-Castello parking lot, accessible via entrances at three locations: Piazza Castello (adjacent to Via Viotti), Piazza Carlo Felice, and Via Lagrange. This parking area operates round the clock, offering continuous access.
Insider Tips to Visit Egyptian Museum of Turin
- If possible, arrive early in the day to avoid crowds and enjoy a more serene exploration of the museum's treasures.
- Don't miss the "Restoration Area" on the first floor, where animal mummies are displayed.
- In the Mummy Conservation Project section, look closely at the embalmed mummies' intricate adornments. Jewelry, textiles, and amulets often hold clues about the person's status and beliefs.
- As you explore the Coffin Gallery, pay special attention to the intricate details on the coffins. These details often reflect the era's artistic style and spiritual beliefs, offering insights into ancient Egyptian culture.
- Take your time at the Ellesiya Temple exhibit. Study the surviving reliefs, hieroglyphs, and artwork to unravel the story behind this stone-carved marvel, which journeyed from Nubia to Turin.
- In the Temple of Ellesiya section, the sandstone Sphinx from the 19th dynasty is a highlight. Observe its features, as each detail holds significance in Egyptian iconography.
Restaurants Near Egyptian Museum of Turin
Nestled nearby, El Pan D'Na Volta SRL beckons with its cozy ambience and delectable Italian fare. A perfect spot for a leisurely meal, it offers a blend of traditional flavors and contemporary twists.
Distance: 0.1 km
Discover culinary delights at Planet Risto Cafe, where diverse cuisine meets an inviting atmosphere. From savory bites to aromatic coffee, this eatery caters to diverse tastes, making it an ideal stop after museum exploration.
Distance: 0.1 km
For a sweet interlude, Gelateria Pepino serves up artisanal gelato creations. Treat yourself to an array of flavors that embody Turin's rich dessert heritage, all within a short stroll from the museum.
Distance: 0.1 km
L'Essenza del Gelato captures the essence of Turin's gelato scene. Savor thoughtfully crafted flavors and relish the cool comfort this gelateria offers, adding a delightful touch to your museum adventure.
Disatance: 0.1 km
Immerse yourself in culinary excellence at Il Ristorante del Cambio. With a rich history and gourmet menu, this restaurant presents an exquisite dining experience that beautifully complements your visit to the Egyptian Museum Turin.
Distance: 0.1 km
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FAQs
The museum is open on Monday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. On Tuesday to Sunday, the museum operates from 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
The museum boasts an extensive collection, including mummies, statues, papyrus scrolls, hieroglyphs, and intricate artifacts that span various dynasties and aspects of ancient Egyptian life
You can reach the museum by taking metro Line 1 to the PORTA NUOVA stop, followed by a short walk. Alternatively, buses like 58, 58B, and tram 4 also provide convenient options.
Don't miss the Mummy Conservation Project, the Gallery of Kings with majestic statues, and the Ellesiya Temple exhibit that tells a captivating journey.
The Ellesiya Temple exhibit is a stone-carved masterpiece transferred from Nubia to Turin, sharing the story of its cultural importance and the efforts to preserve it.
Photography is generally allowed, but flash photography is prohibitted within the museum
Yes, purchasing tickets online in advance is a convenient option, allowing you to skip the ticket lines and save time upon arrival.
Yes, the museum usually provides cloakroom facilities for storing bags, coats, and personal items during your visit.