National Military Museum
๐ Location: Inside the Cairo Citadel, the former Harem Palace ย ยท ย ๐บ Focus: Egyptian military history ย ยท ย ๐๏ธ Tickets: included with Citadel ticket
Housed in the Harem Palace of Muhammad Ali Pasha โ built in 1827 as quarters for the royal family's women on the high ground of the Cairo Citadel โ the National Military Museum has been the central exhibition of Egyptian military history since its inauguration in 1937. Renovated and expanded in 1993 with North Korean curatorial assistance, it spans the country's military story from pharaonic battles to the October 1973 War with Israel.
The chronological galleries on the ground floor begin with reproductions of New Kingdom war chariots and Mamluk armour, then move briskly through the Ottoman, Muhammad Ali, British and revolutionary periods, with original uniforms, weapons, swords and decorations. Upstairs the museum concentrates on 20th-century campaigns โ the 1948 and 1956 wars, the 1967 Six-Day War, and especially the 6th of October 1973 crossing of the Suez Canal, presented with a large diorama and original equipment. The palace itself, with its painted Ottoman ceilings and gilded mirrors, is half the experience.
Highlights
- Painted Ottoman ceilings of the Harem Palace
- New Kingdom war chariot reproductions
- Muhammad Ali's personal sword
- October 1973 crossing diorama
- Sweeping Citadel views from the terrace
Visiting
- Opening hours: 9 am โ 5 pm; same as the Citadel
- Tickets: included with the Citadel ticket
- Best time: when you visit the Citadel
- Nearby: Cairo Citadel, National Police Museum, Royal Carriages Museum