Louvre Museum Ancient Egypt: A Journey Through Time -

The Louvre Museum’s Ancient Egypt collection is a treasure trove of artifacts spanning over 6,000 years of history. Located in the heart of Paris, this extensive exhibit showcases thousands of pieces, from monumental sculptures to intricate jewelry, offering visitors a comprehensive look into one of the world’s most fascinating ancient civilizations. The collection is spread across multiple floors, providing a chronological journey through Egypt’s Old, Middle, and New Kingdoms, as well as insights into daily life, religious practices, and artistic achievements of the ancient Egyptians.

What Are the Hours of Operation for the Louvre Museum’s Ancient Egypt Exhibits?

louvre museum ancient egypt — Image ‘File:Louvre-Lens Autel.- Sacrifice compitalice (cap855).JPG’ by Pierre André Leclercq

The Louvre Museum, including its Ancient Egypt exhibits, operates on the following schedule:

Monday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Wednesday and Friday: 9:00 AM to 9:45 PM
Closed on Tuesdays

For those looking to avoid crowds, early mornings or late evenings on Wednesdays and Fridays are recommended. The museum’s extended hours on these days provide a unique opportunity to explore the Ancient Egypt collection in a more relaxed atmosphere.

How Is the Ancient Egyptian Artifacts Section Laid Out?

The Ancient Egyptian collection at the Louvre is strategically organized to provide a comprehensive educational experience:

First Floor:
Introduction to ancient Egyptian civilization
Displays of monuments, crypts, and mummies
Everyday items such as jewelry, perfume bottles, and games
Notable artifacts like the granite statue of a god with a lion’s body and a Pharaoh’s head (26th century BCE)
Second Floor:
Chronological arrangement covering the Old, Middle, and New Kingdoms
In-depth exploration of major historical events and figures

This layout allows visitors to gradually build their understanding of ancient Egyptian culture and history as they progress through the exhibits.

What Accessibility Options Are Available for Visitors?

The Louvre Museum is committed to making its Ancient Egypt exhibits accessible to all visitors:

Free Admission: Available for disabled visitors and their carers
Mobility Assistance:
Elevators throughout the museum
Accessible restrooms
Wheelchair-friendly pathways
Transportation:
Easily accessible by Paris Metro (lines 1 and 7, Palais-Royal–Musée du Louvre station)
Bus routes with stops near the museum
Designated drop-off points for visitors with mobility challenges

These options ensure that the rich history of ancient Egypt is accessible to a wide range of visitors, regardless of physical limitations.

What Special Events and Guided Tours Are Offered for the Ancient Egypt Exhibits?

The Louvre offers several specialized tours focusing on the Ancient Egypt collection:

Highlights Tour:
Duration: 2 hours
Coverage: First floor exhibits
Topics: Nile river, afterlife, altars, temples, spirituality, rituals, daily life, clothing, jewelry, and hieroglyphs
Availability: Daily except Tuesdays
Advanced Guided Tour:
Duration: 3-4 hours
Coverage: First and second floor exhibits
Focus: Comprehensive look at ancient Egyptian history
Availability: Daily except Tuesdays
Combo Tour:
Unique feature: Combines highlights of Egyptian and Mesopotamian collections
Guide: Same expert for both sections
Availability: Single-day option

Tour Type	Duration	Coverage	Cost
Highlights	2 hours	First floor	€9-€12 (tour only)
Advanced	3-4 hours	First and second floors	€9-€12 (tour only)
Combo	Varies	Egyptian and Mesopotamian collections	€9-€12 (tour only)

Note: Entrance ticket (€17) or combined ticket and tour (€26) are additional costs.

It’s advisable to book these tours in advance to ensure availability, especially during peak tourist seasons.

What Are Some Must-See Artifacts in the Louvre’s Ancient Egypt Collection?

The Louvre’s Ancient Egypt collection boasts numerous remarkable artifacts:

Great Sphinx of Tanis:
Date: Old Kingdom, c. 2600 BCE
Material: Pink granite
Significance: One of the largest sphinx statues outside of Egypt
Seated Scribe:
Date: Old Kingdom, c. 2500-2350 BCE
Material: Painted limestone
Significance: Renowned for its lifelike features and inlaid crystal eyes
Sarcophagus of Ramesses III:
Date: New Kingdom, c. 1184-1153 BCE
Material: Pink granite
Significance: Intricately carved with scenes from the Book of Gates
Dendera Zodiac:
Date: Ptolemaic period, c. 50 BCE
Material: Sandstone
Significance: Ancient Egyptian astronomical ceiling depicting constellations
Statue of Akhenaten:
Date: New Kingdom, c. 1353-1336 BCE
Material: Sandstone
Significance: Unique representation of the ‘heretic’ pharaoh known for religious reforms

These artifacts provide a tangible connection to ancient Egyptian culture, offering insights into their beliefs, artistic techniques, and historical developments.