Alexandria National Museum

The Alexandria National Museum (ANM), located in Alexandria, Egypt, was officially opened on December 31, 2003, by former President Hosni Mubarak. It is housed in a beautifully restored Italian-style mansion on Tariq Al-Horreya Street, a building that once served as the United States consulate. Originally constructed in 1926, the mansion was formerly the residence of a wood merchant and later became a social hub for Alexandria’s upper class. Surrounded by a spacious garden and complete with a basement, the three-story structure now serves as one of the city’s most prominent cultural institutions.

The museum holds a collection of approximately 1,800 artifacts that trace the rich and diverse history of Alexandria and Egypt. Many of these pieces were transferred from other major Egyptian museums. The exhibits are organized across three main floors, each dedicated to a specific historical period.

The first floor focuses on the Pharaonic era, featuring items from ancient Egypt, including mummies displayed in a reconstructed funerary chamber. The second floor is dedicated to the Hellenistic and Roman periods, with artifacts from the submerged cities of Heraklion and Canopus, as well as pieces from the reign of Nectanebo II. Highlights include Roman canopic jars, sculptures of the Emperor Caracalla, depictions of Medusa, and a mosaic portrait believed to represent Queen Berenice II, wife of Ptolemy III.

The third floor explores the later periods of Egyptian history, featuring collections from the Coptic, Islamic, and modern eras, including exhibits from the 19th and 20th centuries. This level also highlights the city of Alexandria itself, offering insights into its evolution over time. A centerpiece of the museum is a sculpture thought to depict Alexander the Great, the city’s legendary founder.

In addition to its historical displays, the museum also showcases a variety of jewelry, coins, weapons, statues, and glassware, making it a comprehensive destination for those interested in Egypt’s rich cultural heritage.