Alexandria National Museum Was a Disappointment

Alexandria is an ancient city and as any tourist would expect, its National Museum should be filled with great things. But, I was disappointed. While the objects were labeled properly, the museum is dead. Like a necropolis. I think it has something to do with the kind of too much drama in their lightings. Or, perhaps, I’m just not used to be in a museum that feels like I’m going into a bar sans loud music. There were times when I had to read the descriptions closely because the lights were improperly placed.

Alexandria National Museum is an Italian-style mansion. At one time, this was a US Consulate.

The museum is arranged like you’re time travelling.

My journey started with ancient Egypt on the first floor. It displays relics from the Pharaonic Period.

The path led me to the other side of the floor where Greco-Roman antiquities sat bored.

Below is a marble medal representing Satyr, a follower of Dionysus. He is holding the mask of a bearded man while his other hand is holding a rattle. And on his feet is a cheetah.

Here’s a bronze statue of Isis, nursing her son, Horus.

This is Serapis, the god of ancient Alexandria.

The second floor has a theme on religion. Some of the Coptic and Islamic historical objects lie in covered glasses.

Here are some of the things you’ll see in the Coptic area.

And here’s from the Islamic area.

They also have a small room that shows modern Alexandria. The room is almost empty. Nothing screams modern. 😀

So, what exactly I was disappointed about? I was disappointed that there wasn’t much to see there. There were only few things to ogle at, despite the city’s rich history. I expected more from a National museum like this. I was there for only 30 minutes – the shortest time I spent in a National museum.

Related: Things to do and see in Alexandria