Turin is home to the second largest collection of Egyptian artefacts in the world, second only to Cairo. The Egyptian Museum of Turin in Piedmont, located within the Palazzo dell’Accademia delle Scienze, is considered the oldest and most important collection dedicated to the ancient civilization of Egypt after Cairo. Among the extensive collection are ancient jewels, statues and papyri, making a visit here a fantastic day out for all the family.

Why Turin?

You may not be alone in asking yourself, why is the world’s second largest collection of ancient Egyptian artefacts located in the Italian city of Turin? To find out, we must take a step back in time: After the Napoleonic campaigns in the 1800’s a keen interest for Egyptian artefacts spread throughout Europe. One of the most prolific collectors was Bernardino Drovetti who was born in the province of Turin and whose collection was bought and displayed in the city. This, along with the Savoy’s long standing interest in the ancient Egyptians has led to Turin being the western centre for the study of ancient Egypt.

Visiting the Egyptian museum in Turin

The Egyptian Museum in Turin is a must-stop while in the city of Turin with over 2 kilometres of exhibition space filled with fascinating artifacts. With over 3300 artefacts on display, spanning from 4000 B.C to 700 A.D, there is plenty to keep you entertained for hours.

Guided tours or independent exploration:

Visiting the museum can be done with a guided tour that lasts for 2 hours, consisting of small groups of up to 6 people. This way you won’t miss any information, and you can enjoy a real insight into the history of each artifact. Alternatively, visitors can peruse the museum at their own leisure. There is also the option of a free audio tour, that will guide you through the different exhibitions.

The best time to visit:

The Turin Museum is very popular, so if you want to avoid the crows its best to visit in the afternoons during the week. Mornings during the week tend to be popular with school groups and the weekends are popular with families.

Must see exhibits in the museum

The museum offers a multimedia experience with virtual reconstructions of life in ancient Egypt, interactive workshops and projections for a fully immersive experience. This is not to mention the main event: the incredible number of ancient objects, including statues, clothing, and jewels. Here are just a few of the most important artifacts:

-The Chapel of Maia: a great example of Egyptian painting, that has been almost perfectly preserved dating back to the 18th Dynasty.

- The Statue of Ramesses II: carved in stone and found in the temple of Amun at Karnak, depicting the ruler alongside his wife, son and his defeated enemies at his feet.

-The Predynastic Mummy:  the sphinx, with the body of a lion and the head of a human were usually put in pairs at the entrance of temples, this one dates back to the Ramesside period.

- The wig of Merit: made from strands of real human hair that has been beautifully braided, and would have been decorated with flowers and jewels, very popular during the mid-18th Dynasty.

- The Statue of Seti II: an imposing statue representing the power of the king, once guarding the entrance to the chapel of the temple of Karnak, erected by Seti II himself.

- The book of the Dead of Iuefankh: this document dates back to the Hellenistic Period, a spiritual guide complete with spells and formulas to assist the dead on their journey though the afterlife and ensure safe passage to the realm of the dead.

Personal Shopper at Fiumicino airport

During your journey to the Egyptian museum of Turin, your departure from area E of Rome Fiumicino airport can turn into a moment of pleasure: the Personal Shopper Service offers you a personalised shopping experience, perfect for completing your itinerary and adding a touch of class to your trip.

Art at Fiumicino airport

Rome airport isn’t simply a point of arrival and departure, it is a space that showcases Italian culture and art and a stage for promoting upcoming artists. Visitors can admire impressive works of art outside the departure area in Terminal 1, such as ‘Getto di Luce’ by Helidon Xhixha; ‘Master of Mistakes’ by Daniele Sigalot, as well as three prestigious stained glass windows attributed to Goitto.

The Egyptian Museum in Turin is one of the most important museums in the world dedicated to Egyptian civilisation. With a vast collection of exhibits, including mummies, sarcophagi and papyri, the museum offers a fascinating journey into the history of ancient Egypt, making it a must-see destination for history and culture enthusiasts.

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