Nubian Museum
Aswān
The Nubian Museum, officially known as the International Museum of Nubia, is located in Aswan, Egypt, and was inaugurated on November 23, 1997. It was established following UNESCO's International Campaign to Save the Monuments of Nubia, which aimed to preserve Nubian heritage threatened by the construction of the Aswan High Dam. Designed by Egyptian architect Mahmoud El-Hakim, the museum won the prestigious Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 2001. The museum spans 50,000 square meters, with 7,000 square meters dedicated to the building itself, which includes three floors of exhibition space, a library, and an information center. Its collections comprise around 3,000 artifacts representing various periods, including prehistoric, Pharaonic, Roman, Coptic, Islamic, and Nubian eras. The museum’s open-air exhibition features 90 rare monumental pieces, and inside, visitors can explore invaluable artifacts such as a 200,000-year-old human skeleton discovered near Aswan. The building is uniquely situated on a steep cliff, allowing it to artistically represent the Nile River’s course from Ethiopia and Sudan to Egypt, surrounded by a botanical garden showcasing native Egyptian flora. Beyond preservation, the museum actively engages the local community through educational outreach, special visiting hours, and cultural events, fostering appreciation for Nubian history and culture.
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Tip: Visitors are encouraged to visit during cooler months to enjoy the museum and its gardens comfortably. Booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons. The museum offers special hours and programs for local community engagement and educational visits, making it ideal for families and students interested in Nubian culture. Discounts may be available for students and groups; checking with the museum in advance is advisable.
Interesting facts
- •The museum won the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 2001 for its design.
- •It houses a 200,000-year-old human skeleton found near Aswan, one of the oldest in the region.
- •The building’s design reflects the Nile River’s course from its origins in Ethiopia and Sudan to Egypt.
- •The museum contains over 3,000 artifacts spanning prehistoric times to the Islamic era.
- •It includes a large botanical garden featuring native Egyptian plants surrounding the museum.
History
The Nubian Museum was conceived in response to the 1960 UNESCO campaign to save Nubian monuments endangered by the Aswan High Dam project.
The Egyptian government requested its construction in 1960, with UNESCO coordinating funding and logistics from donor countries including Egypt and Sudan.
After decades of planning and development involving national and international experts, the museum was completed and opened in 1997.
Since then, it has continued to evolve, serving as a cultural hub preserving Nubian heritage and fostering community ties in Aswan.
Place Guide
Main Exhibition Hall
Located in the basement, this hall displays the core collection of Nubian artifacts, including monumental statues, funerary objects, and tools illustrating Nubian civilization’s evolution.
Library and Information Center
Situated within the museum, this center provides resources for researchers and visitors interested in Nubian history, archaeology, and culture.
Botanical Garden
Surrounding the museum, this garden showcases a variety of Egyptian flora, enhancing the cultural and natural experience of visitors.
Contact
Phone: 097 2484133
