The single most important museum in Alexandria for ancient material — covering the period when the city was the Mediterranean's intellectual and political capital. The collection traces the encounter between Greek, Roman, and Egyptian civilisations through bronzes, mosaics, sculpture, coins, mummy portraits, jewellery, and architectural fragments recovered from across the city.
After an 18-year renovation, the museum has reopened with significantly improved presentation. The Tanagra figurines (small terracotta statues), the Fayum portraits, and the colossal head of Serapis are the must-see items. The granite sarcophagi recovered from the Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa are also here. Allow 2 hours minimum. The museum is on Mathaf el-Romani Street, a 10-minute walk from Mahatet el-Raml.