Reading any guidebook to Egypt and they will say that the Egyptian Museum is a little disorganized, with no labeling, and bursting to the brims with so many ancient objects that it can be overwhelming. They will also advise that you get “Illustrated Guide to the Egyptian Museum” by Zahi Hawass so you can easily understand what you’ll be seeing. However, this book is out of print, and so the prices on Amazon and Ebay move wildly. (A few months ago the book went over $100 on Amazon.)
One tip I figured out, was that that book and “Treasures of Ancient Egypt” by Zahi Hawass is essentially the same book, just different publishers. This version is astronomically cheaper, you can usually pick up a copy for under $2. But note both of these books are 600 plus pages, and so are a bit hefty, but they are filled with great information.
And since the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza is still very delayed in construction these books are going to be very key for most travelers for the next couple of years, so these books will continue to be in demand.
Don’t need a guidebook to the Egyptian Museum and instead want a coffee table book? Inside the Egyptian Museum with Zahi Hawass: Collector’s Edition is a great book. Although I’m a bit partial to my copy as I met Zahi Hawass and got him to sign the book (and one of his signature hats) in December 2010 prior to the revolution.
These recommendations are my own, I was not paid or solicited for these suggestions. This post does not contain any affiliate links. Should you make a purchase I will not receive any money or compensation.
Museum Monday is an every other week series about museum news, objects, and reviews.
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