The museums at Cairo International Airport

Of particular relevance is a mummy of a man from Faiyum - Fag al-Gamus, belonging to the Roman period, 1st-2nd century AD, with linen bandages wrapped in an elaborate design of rhomboid coffers, a style typical of the Roman era when mummy wrapping reached its peak. The mummy's head is covered by a golden funerary mask made of cartonnage (a mixture of linen, glue, and plaster) with a winged sun disk on the forehead, symbolizing rebirth, while the eyes and eyebrows are inlaid.

Another significant artifact to discover in the museum is a winged statue of Isis in the form of a woman, crowned with the Hathoric crown (sun disk between the horns of the cow) on a uraei base. According to ancient Egyptian religious belief, Isis and her sister Nephthys transformed into kites while searching for the body of her deceased husband Osiris, bringing him back to life in this form. For this reason, Isis was venerated as the protector of the dead in her winged form. The statue is made of bronze and dates back to the Greco-Roman period (332 BC–395 AD), though its origin is unknown.

Also noteworthy is a gold dinar coin where, on the obverse, the name of the Mamluk sultan Baybars and his title "Qasim is the commander of the faithful" is found below the illustration of a lion, representing the sovereign. On the reverse, it is inscribed "In the name of God, there is no god but Allah, Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah". This gold coin from the Mamluk period comes from Egypt or the Levant, an area in the Middle East.

Also in 2020, another museum was established at Terminal 2 of Cairo International Airport, covering an area of about 100 square meters, explaining the history of Egypt through its epochs and displaying unique artifacts highlighting the artistic and historical characteristics of each era, starting from ancient Egypt, as well as showcasing the features of Roman, Coptic, Islamic, and modern art.

In the museum at Terminal 2, statues of the kings of ancient Egypt are admired (such as one attributable to King Tuthmosis III, circa 1550-1295 BC), mummies (exemplified by the mummy of a man named Iretheru, son of Padlkhonsu, circa 664-525 BC), statues from the Greco-Roman period in Egypt (for example, a sculpture of a bust of a young man, in marble, dating back to the Roman period), Egyptian ceramics for daily life during the Islamic era (amphorae, vases, etc.), masterpieces of modern Egyptian history expressed in jewelry, such as gold medals or pins, and much more.

Both museums at Cairo Airport are open 24/7 and offer free Wi-Fi, a shop, and a cafeteria. The airport is located on Oruba Road, Heliopolis, Cairo, Egypt. For information: Tel: + 02 26966300.