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The left wing of the museum
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Imagine stepping into a world of glittering treasures, where every piece tells a story of power, beauty, and history. Whenever I’m looking for a unique place to take my friends especially those visiting Alexandria for the first time my first thought is always the Royal Jewelry Museum, I know it’s a place where we’ll have a truly different experience, one that’s sure to leave us with lasting memories.
Nestled in the heart of Alexandria, on Ahmed Yehia Pasha Street in the Zizinia district, the Jewelry Museum invites you to explore a royal past filled with elegance and artistry. Housed in a breathtaking palace that once belonged to Princess Fatma Al-Zahraa Haidar, this museum is more than a collection of jewels—it’s a journey through time. The Jewelry Museum in Alexandria welcomes visitors every day from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the final ticket sales ending at 4:00 PM so prepare yourself to go early to enjoy your tour and to avoid the crowd. It’s located just a short walk(less than5 mins walking )from the Gleem Tram Station, the museum is easily accessible by public transportation or taxi, making it a convenient stop for anyone exploring the city.
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The right wing of the museum
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You can purchase tickets only through Visa, ensuring a smooth, cash-free experience, so make sure that you have your Visa cards .The entry fee is reasonable, with Egyptian citizens paying 20 EGP (5 EGP for students), and foreigners charged 220 EGP (110 EGP for students). Additionally, the museum provides free admission to seniors over 60 and individuals with special needs, enhancing its accessibility.
The palace itself is a masterpiece of Italian-inspired architecture, with intricate ceilings, stained-glass windows, and grand halls that set the stage for the treasures within. Inside, the museum showcases a dazzling array of jewelry, accessories, and artifacts from Egypt’s royal family, each crafted with incredible detail and adorned with precious stones.
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The door of one of rooms
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One of corridors in the museum.
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These treasures, once owned by kings, queens, and princesses of the Mohamed Ali Dynasty, are not just displays of wealth but symbols of Egypt’s culture and history. From royal crowns to delicate brooches, every item reflects the skill of the artisans who created them and the grandeur of the era they represent.
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The golden medal Mohammed Ali
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| Necklace of king Fouad I |
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Necklace of princess Nazli.
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According to the curator of the jewelry museum: " The museum was once a royal palace and was built between 1919 and 1923. It was owned by Princess Fatma Haider, a member of the famous Mohammed Ali family. Today, the museum is filled with rare and beautiful items that once belonged to Egypt’s royal family, and it also hosts activities to engage the public".
The curator told Popyrus magazine that there are three impressive and significant pieces in the museum .Firstly,is the ‘Masterpiece Chess’, a gift from the Shah of Iran to King Farouk. This special chess set was given to celebrate the wedding of Princess Fawzia, King Farouk’s sister, to the Shah in 1938. Each chess piece is beautifully designed, showing the amazing skill of the artists who made it.
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| The masterpiece chess. |
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| The masterpiece chess. |
Secondly, The museum also displays the crown of Princess Shweikar, the first wife of King Ahmed Fuad I. The crown is decorated with stunning jewels and is a symbol of royal luxury.
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| The crown of Princess Shweikar |
The third one ,is a necklace that belonged to Muhammad Ali Pasha, the ruler who started modern Egypt. This necklace, worn at official events, is a great example of royal jewelry, showing both elegance and wealth.
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| Necklace of Mohammed Ali |
Visitors can also see items connected to Queen Farida, King Farouk’s first wife. These include her personal jewelry and accessories, which show her graceful style .
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Jewelry of Queen Farida
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In addition, the museum has belongings of Prince Youssef Kamal, adding more stories about Egypt’s royal family.
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One of Prince Youssef Kamal’s belongings
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One of Prince Youssef Kamal’s belongings
The curator added that the layout of the museum is significant by saying that the building itself is part of the museum’s charm. It has two wings connected by a corridor with 10 stained glass windows—five on each side. These beautiful windows light up the corridor and give it a magical look. The colors in the glass add a special atmosphere, making the whole place feel like a piece of art. The windows are not only a decoration but also remind visitors of the importance of the palace’s design, showing the royal family’s taste for beauty.
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| Stained glass window |
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Stained glass window
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She also mentioned another stunning feature of the palace is the bathroom, which is one of the most impressive rooms. It has a floor covered with golden mosaics. This means that the bathroom floor is made of small, shiny pieces of gold that sparkle when light hits them. This is a clear example of the luxury the royal family enjoyed. The bathroom also has large mirrors and marble walls, making it a truly grand space, even though it is a private room.
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| The bathroom |
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The bathroom
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She elaborated further that the museum also displays golden tableware that belonged to King Farouk. This includes plates, cups, and utensils made of gold, which were used during royal banquets. These items show just how luxurious life was for the royal family, with the tableware adding a touch of elegance to every meal.
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| Golden Tableware |
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Golden Tableware
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The curator provided additional details about two golden cups displayed in the museum that are particularly significant. These cups were awarded to Egypt during King Farouk’s reign. The first cup was given to Egypt in recognition of the country being named the most beautiful tourist destination in the world at the time. This award was a huge achievement for Egypt, as it highlighted the country’s stunning cultural heritage and natural beauty. The golden cup is carefully designed with intricate details, and it reflects the pride Egyptians felt in their country’s rich history and tourism industry. The second golden cup is a symbol of Egypt’s role in international recognition. It was awarded as a prize during a global event, celebrating Egypt’s achievements and influence. Both cups are not just valuable because they are made of gold, but because they represent Egypt’s standing on the world stage during King Farouk’s era. The cups were used in royal ceremonies and displayed proudly in the palace, showcasing Egypt’s global importance during that time.
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The large golden cup
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| The small golden cup |
Popyrus questioned its interviewee about the activities in the museum and he clarified that the museum offers a variety of activities for visitors, including special temporary exhibitions on topics like jewelry design, royal traditions, and Egypt’s cultural heritage. It also hosts programs for people with special needs, offering accessible tours, hands-on workshops, and sensory-friendly spaces. For students and families, the museum organizes educational events, such as art competitions, storytelling about royal life, and artifact restoration lessons. Additionally, seasonal events like live music, craft shows, and festivals bring the community together and make the museum a lively, welcoming place.
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| A portrait in the temporary exhibition section |
Every part of the museum has a story to tell, from the jewels and royal gifts to the beautiful architecture. The museum’s collection and activities make it a perfect place for history lovers, art fans, and anyone who wants to learn more about Egypt’s royal past.
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The unique staircase inside the museum
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As the museum continues to welcome visitors from all walks of life, it does more than just preserve Egypt’s royal past—it fosters a deeper connection between the country’s heritage and its future. Through thoughtful programs and events that encourage engagement, the museum brings history to life in a way that is accessible and exciting for all. Its efforts to include diverse groups, such as people with special needs, reflect a broader vision for cultural inclusion and community engagement. In a world where the value of heritage often fades, this museum remains a vibrant space where the richness of Egypt’s history is celebrated, shared, and experienced by all who visit.
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| The connecting corridor from outside. |
