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Nubian Museum

In 1997, Nubian museum was constructed in place to preserve the rich heritage of Nubia. Here you can explore the rich history of Nubia, artifacts, traditions and culture. It has an importance in relation to showcase the relationship of Egypt and Africa. It provides visitors to learn about the history of civilization of Nubia.

History and Establishment

After the project of Aswan High Dam started in 1960, floods happened that hurt the Nubian sites. So, UNESCO launched an international campaign to protect the heritages and monuments of Nubians. They relocated some monuments to protect them from damage like Abu Simbel and Philae temple. During this process, the idea of establishing the Nubian museum proposed to collect the all housed artifacts and to educate the people about the history of Nubian people. The museum was completed and opened for visitors in 1997.

Location and Architecture

The location of the museum choosed in between the rocky hills which reflects the natural environment of Nubia, which is the heart of the Aswan. The museum was constructed with modern design with traditional Nubian arts. You can experience the domed ceilings, earthy colors and the open courtyards. The outdoor exhibition, lush gardens and stone pathways make it stunning for visitors. 

The interior of the museum is designed to teach the history of Nubian in a chronological way. The artifacts, statues, spacious galleries are well lit and there was use of advanced lightning to highlight them without causing damage. The presentation by use of multimedia enhances the experience of visitors.

Halls of Nubian Museum

There are different sections in museum and each reflects the history of different periods:

• There is a Prehistoric Hall that showcases the tools, pottery and early ages artifacts. 
• The Pharaonic Hall which highlights the interaction between the Egyptian and Nubians.
• There are also features of manuscripts, coins and the influence of islam in Nubian people at Islamic Hall.
• There is an Open-Air Section which shows the replica of design of houses, temples and tombs of Nubian civilization.
• There is a showcase of artifacts from the Kingdom of Kush at Meroitic and Christian Hall.
  
  

Collections of Museum

The museum holds more than 3000 artifacts that explains the Nubian rich history and different kingdoms in Egypt. There are statues of Nubian Kings and some pharaohs of Egypt. A large number of pottery and jewelry artifacts that show Nubian art. Ancient manuscripts from the kingdom of Kush, religious artwork of different Nubian churches and decorated Quran from Islamic kingdom.

Prehistoric Era Collection

There are a lot of ancient artifacts of Nubians that are thousands of years before the rise of Egypt.  These artifacts show a glimpse of the lifestyle of Nubian civilization. These artifacts include the stone tools, clay pots and cave paintings. These tools also show how people are advanced in agricultural techniques. 

Pharaonic Nubia Section

In the pharaonic periods Nubia played an important role and they are known because of their warrior nature as both a rival and an ally to the Egyptian pharaohs. The hall showcases the statues of Nubian pharaohs like Taharqa, gold jewelries and carvings from temples.

UNESCO Nubian Monuments Salvage Campaign

There was a campaign started in 1960 for saving or protecting the ancient monuments, temples and artifacts of Nubian civilization. In this campaign the main project was the relocation of temples that are getting damaged by the water of lake Nasser like Abu Simble and Philae temple. A large number of artifacts are also protected and collected from different affected sites for showcase. 

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Excursions From Aswan

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Showcase of Lifestyle of Nubians

There is also a section which showcases the daily life, traditions, and cultures of modern Nubians. 

• The people used embroidery cloths of bright colours.
• Jewelries, pottery and woven baskets that are handmade.
• There are some musical instruments as well like drums and lyres.
• The living home design, decoration and architecture of Nubians.
  
  

Outdoor Exhibits

There is an area outside the main building that features some replica of rock-cut tombs which show the ancient burial techniques. Some dwelling of ancient Nubian that allows you to step back in time and a garden which holds some native plants of that area. This open area allows visitors to explore Nubians in fresh air.  To enhance the visitors' experience , the museum also offers the 3D reconstruction of Nubian lost monuments, virtual tours of temples, documentaries about the Nubian civilization and screens that highlight the historical events.

Research programs

There were also some workshops that took place on the art and craft of Nubians. So, the museum is not only a showcase but also offers some programs for school childrens. There were also archaeological research projects that allowed them to study the history of Nubia.

Helping Information for tourists

The following information helps you if you are planning to come to Nubian museum:

• Museum is typically open daily both in the morning and evening from 9:00 am till 4 :00 pm.
• The ticket price of the museum is 30 Egyptian pounds for locals/Arabs and 400 Egyptian pounds for other nationalities. 
• The best time to visit the museum is during the month of October to April because in these months the weather is cooler.
• Hire a tour guide for an amazing experience as they are available  in multiple languages.

The visit to the museum is not only to see a collection of artifacts, it's  more than just a visit. It allows you to experience the rich history of Nubain in these modern days. Traveling from the traditions of ancient Nubians to modern ones along with research programs or workshops. Your visit to the museum will support the institutes to preserve the legacy of the Nubians for the next generations along with rescued and preserved artifacts.