The Egyptian Museum of Turin, or Museo Egizio, is the world’s oldest museum devoted to ancient Egyptian culture. Set in a Baroque palazzo on Via Accademia delle Scienze, it holds a collection that makes Turin an unexpected but essential stop for anyone interested in ancient Egypt.
The museum was founded in 1824, when King Charles Felix of Savoy acquired the collection of Bernardino Drovetti, a French consul in Egypt. Excavations led by Ernesto Schiaparelli in the early 20th century added thousands of objects, including the remarkably well-preserved burial goods of the architect Kha and his wife Merit. Their furniture, linen, cosmetics and food offerings offer an unusually intimate view of life more than 3,000 years ago.
Alongside coffins, papyri and jewellery, the collection includes monumental sculpture in the Gallery of the Kings, where a seated statue of Ramesses II commands attention. The mix of royal imagery and everyday objects gives the museum appeal even if you know little about Egyptology.
Allow at least three hours to visit, especially if you like reading the labels. Book timed tickets online for busy weekends, and check the official website for current opening hours before setting out. The museum is an easy walk from Piazza Castello and Piazza San Carlo, making it simple to combine with a stroll through central Turin.