The Alexandria National Museum was officially opened on December 31, 2003, and has quickly assumed a position of importance among the nation's cultural institutions. As a city at the geographic crossroads of several cultures, the Museum's collection reflects that diverse heritage.

The Museum's collection of approximately 1,800 artifacts is housed in the restored former Al-Saad Bassili Pasha Palace, built in 1926 for one of the city's wealthiest merchants in its golden era of prosperity and used as the U.S. Consulate for a time. The building features a white Italianate style architecture, and includes an underground shelter that was used during WWII air raids. Many of the items came from the storage rooms in other museums, and were not previously on display. Additions include the exciting underwater discoveries of recent years that date mainly from the Greco-Roman period.http://www.egyptianmuseums.net/html/alexandria_national_museum__an.htmlhttp://www.sacred-destinations.com/egypt/alexandria-national-museum

Located Tariq Al-Horreya Street (former Rue Fouad), near the center of the city.

The Museum includes three floors of exhibits. The first level features artifacts from the Pharaonic period. The walls are decorated in a dark blue - the ancient Egyptian color that symbolized the afterlife.

The second level features artifacts from the Greco-Roman period (circa 500 BC to circa 500 AD, approximately,) during Alexandria's heyday. This level also houses finds from recent underwater excavations conducted around the city, including several notable stone statues from this period. The third floor features Coptic and Islamic treasures and artifacts; the two faiths that have largely shaped the city's history.

A lecture hall and an open air theater for evening performances is now located in what used to be the old garage for the American Consulate's staff. The open-air theater can accommodate an audience of about 800, while the lecture auditorium holds about 150 people.

Of note: the Museum allows cameras, but flashes may not be used. A camera permit costing E£30 is required.

• Open daily, 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM.
• Admission is E£35http://heritage-key.com/site/alexandria-national-museum