Imhotep Museum
Al Jīzah
The Imhotep Museum, situated at the foot of the Saqqara necropolis near Memphis in Lower Egypt, is dedicated to the ancient Egyptian architect Imhotep, famed for designing Pharaoh Djoser's Step Pyramid. Opened in 2006, the museum houses six large halls presenting a rich collection of artifacts excavated from Saqqara. Visitors can explore masterpieces such as a Ptolemaic mummy discovered in the Pyramid of Teti complex and a double statue of the High Priest of Mut, Amenemopet, and his wife. The museum features archaeological finds from various digs on the Saqqara plateau, Egyptian art including vessels, statues, and tools, and architectural elements from the Step Pyramid complex like faience tiles and columns. A special gallery honors French Egyptologist Jean-Philippe Lauer, who dedicated over 75 years to restoring the Djoser complex, displaying his personal effects and recreating his library. The museum offers climate-controlled storage to protect artifacts better than traditional site storages, enhancing preservation. Its unobtrusive design respects the natural landscape of Saqqara, making it a key destination for those interested in Egypt's monumental stone architecture and archaeological heritage.
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Tip: The museum is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the ticket window closing at 4:00 PM. Visitors are advised to purchase tickets in advance to avoid queues, especially during peak tourist seasons. Photography with mobile phones is allowed without charge, but video recording requires permission. Free entry is offered to Egyptian seniors over 60, people with special needs, orphaned children, public school groups, and children under six. Please respect museum rules by not touching exhibits, refraining from flash photography, and maintaining quiet inside galleries for the safety and preservation of artifacts.
Interesting facts
- •The museum is named after Imhotep, the first Egyptian architect known to build monumental stone structures.
- •It houses a Ptolemaic mummy discovered by renowned Egyptologist Zahi Hawass.
- •A gallery is dedicated to Jean-Philippe Lauer, who worked for over 75 years restoring the Djoser pyramid complex.
- •The museum features architectural elements such as faience tiles and columns from the Step Pyramid complex.
- •It was designed to blend unobtrusively into the Saqqara plateau landscape.
History
The Imhotep Museum was conceived in 1990 as part of a strategic site management initiative by the Supreme Council of Antiquities and was constructed between 1997 and 2003.
It was officially opened on April 26, 2006, by Suzanne Mubarak and Bernadette Chirac.
Named after Imhotep, the architect credited with designing the first monumental stone structure in Egypt-the Step Pyramid of Djoser from the 3rd Dynasty-the museum serves to securely house and display artifacts from the Saqqara necropolis, providing climate-controlled conditions to better preserve these treasures.
The museum’s establishment marks a significant effort in protecting Egypt's archaeological heritage while offering educational insights into ancient Egyptian architecture and burial practices.
Place Guide
Entrance Hall3rd Dynasty (c. 27th century BCE)
Features a fragment of the Djoser statue bearing the names of King Djoser and Imhotep, symbolizing the connection between the architect and the pharaoh.
Second Hall – Archaeological Finds
Displays rotating exhibits of artifacts from various excavations on the Saqqara plateau, showcasing the diversity of finds from the site.
Third Hall – Egyptian Art
Contains vessels, statues, stelae made of wood and stone, and ancient tools used in monument construction, highlighting the craftsmanship of ancient Egyptians.
Fourth Hall – Step Pyramid Architectural Elements3rd Dynasty
Exhibits columns and green and blue faience wall tiles from chambers under the Step Pyramid complex, including a small statue of Imhotep.
Fifth Hall – Burial Objects6th Dynasty to New Kingdom (c. 2345–1069 BCE)
Showcases funerary items from the 6th Dynasty through the New Kingdom, illustrating evolving burial customs and artifacts.
Jean-Philippe Lauer Gallery20th century
Dedicated to the French Egyptologist who devoted his life to restoring the Djoser pyramid complex, featuring his personal effects, photographs, and a recreation of his library.
