About the museum
The Royal Jewelry Museum in Alexandria, Egypt, is in the Zizenia neighborhood, inside the former palace of Princess Fatma Al-Zahra. It preserves more than 11,500 pieces of jewelry and artifacts from the Muhammad Ali Dynasty, offering insight into the royal family’s history and the dynasty’s artistic and cultural achievements (Wikipedia; Egyptian Monuments; Travel2Egypt).
History
The palace and the dynasty
Constructed in 1919, Princess Fatma Al-Zahra’s palace reflects the opulence and architectural grandeur of the early 20th century. Its design blends European styles with intricate details.
The Muhammad Ali Dynasty was founded by Muhammad Ali Pasha in 1805 and ruled Egypt for nearly 150 years, until the Egyptian Revolution of 1952. Muhammad Ali Pasha is credited with modernizing Egypt, and the dynasty’s rule saw developments in military, economic, and cultural life (Egyptian Monuments).
Museum establishment and renovation
The museum was established by decree of President Mubarak and inaugurated on October 24, 1986. It opened to the public in 1986 as a museum dedicated to the jewelry and artifacts of the Muhammad Ali Dynasty (Wikipedia).
Extensive renovations and expansions began in 1986 and continued until the museum reopened in April 2010. The work added central air conditioning, a library, a café, a seminar hall, and a restoration laboratory. The total renovation cost was more than nine million dollars (Alexandria Government).
What to see
Palace interiors and museum halls
The palace foyer has burgundy carpets and gilded ceilings, leading to a grand staircase with marble steps. Its windows feature colored glass, and the grounds are coated with fine types of wood imported from Turkey and other European countries (Live the World).
The museum is divided into ten halls, each dedicated to different members of the royal family and their collections. Painted portraits of Khedive Ismail, his wives, sons, and daughters, framed in pure gold, adorn the walls. The ceilings have intricate designs and colors (ETB Tours Egypt).
Jewelry and historical artifacts
Notable items include:
- Queen Eugenie’s Plate A gift to Khedive Ismail during the opening of the Suez Canal, estimated to be worth around 15 million pounds and ornamented with diamonds, sapphires, and emeralds (Alexandria Government).
- King Farouk’s Collection Known for its extensive use of diamonds, it includes a sistrum shaped like a royal crown and adorned with palatine, diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and gold (Egyptian Monuments).
- Princess Fawzeya’s Collection Princess Fawzeya was King Farouk’s sister and the wife of the Shah of Iran. Her collection includes a palatine ring with her name carved on it and a belt ornamented with 240 pieces of diamonds (Alexandria Government).
- Gold Chessboard Made of gold and encrusted with diamonds, rubies, and emeralds (Egyptian Monuments).
- Golden Binoculars Encrusted with precious stones and used by the royal family during various events (Live the World).
- Diamond and Emerald Collar Belonging to Muhammad Ali Pasha, this is among the museum’s most prized possessions (Egyptian Monuments).
Practical visiting information
Visiting hours and tickets
The museum is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Visiting hours may change during public holidays or special events.
- General admission 100 EGP
- Students 50 EGP
- Children under 6 Free
Accessibility and facilities
The museum has ramps and elevators for visitors with mobility issues. Guided tours are available upon request. Its facilities also include a library, café, seminar hall, and restoration laboratory.
Security and preservation
The museum is equipped with a security alarm system, surveillance cameras, and fire protection measures to help protect the collections from theft and damage (Alexandria Government).
Tips
- Best time to visit Early mornings or late afternoons to avoid crowds.
- Photography Photography is allowed, but flash photography is prohibited to protect the artifacts.
- Hours Check for changes during public holidays or special events.
Nearby places
Nearby attractions include the Alexandria National Museum and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina.
FAQ
What are the visiting hours for the Royal Jewelry Museum?
The museum is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
How much are the tickets for the Royal Jewelry Museum?
General admission is 100 EGP, students pay 50 EGP, and children under 6 can enter for free.
Is the museum accessible to visitors with disabilities?
Yes. The museum has ramps and elevators for visitors with mobility issues.
Are guided tours available?
Yes, guided tours are available upon request.
Can I take photographs inside the museum?
Yes, photography is allowed, but flash photography is prohibited to protect the artifacts.
What are some nearby attractions?
Nearby attractions include the Alexandria National Museum and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina.
