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Imhotep Museum: Saqqara’s Modern Gateway to the First Pyramid

Start your Saqqara journey at the Imhotep Museum, the perfect introduction to the entire archaeological site. This modern, world-class museum is dedicated to the genius Imhotep—the world's first architect, the inventor of the pyramid, and a legendary physician. Inside, you'll discover treasures unearthed right from the Saqqara sands, including the stunning blue faience tiles from King Djoser's burial chamber, ancient surgical tools, and one of the most beautifully preserved mummies ever found. It's the best way to understand the story of the Step Pyramid before you see it.

EFT Team
August 24, 2021
Updated: November 9, 2025

Your journey into the ancient world of Saqqara, the “Land of the Pyramids,” begins at a modern, world-class museum. Welcome to the Imhotep Museum.

This beautiful, contemporary museum sits right at the entrance to the Saqqara archaeological site. It is the perfect introduction to your visit. It tells the story of the genius who invented stone architecture and the pyramid itself, giving you the context you need to appreciate the wonders you’re about to see.

Before you see the Step Pyramid, you must first meet the man who built it.

honors Imhotep’s memory. He was one of ancient Egypt’s most accomplished architects. He conceived the idea of building pyramid-shaped tombs. Imhotep built the Step Pyramid of Djoser. This was Egypt’s first pyramid. He also built a complex around it. Djoser’s Step Pyramid is the world’s oldest surviving stone structure

Who Was Imhotep? The World’s First Genius

Imhotep was a true “Renaissance Man” 4,600 years before the Renaissance. He was not a pharaoh; he was a commoner who, through sheer brilliance, became one of the most important figures in all of history.

His accomplishments are staggering:

The World’s First Named Architect: He is the first architect in history whose name is known.
Inventor of the Pyramid: He conceived the revolutionary idea of building a pyramid-shaped tomb.
Pioneer of Stone Architecture: Before Imhotep, Egypt built with mudbrick. Imhotep was the first to design and build massive, complex structures (like temples and columns) entirely out of stone.
The “Real” First Doctor: He was a high priest and a renowned physician who created remedies for many illnesses. His medical knowledge was so legendary that 2,000 years later, the Greeks deified him as Asclepius, the God of Medicine.
A Trusted Vizier: He served his pharaoh, King Djoser of the 3rd Dynasty, as a vizier and general director, enjoying privileges reserved only for the royal family.

What You Will See: The “Must-See” Treasures

The Imhotep Museum is a modern, air-conditioned space with cutting-edge security and beautiful displays. Its 5 halls showcase the treasures dug from the sands of Saqqara. Your Egypt Fun Tours guide will show you the highlights, but here is what you can’t miss.

1. The Saqqara Necropolis Model

In the main hall, you’ll find a perfect model of the Step Pyramid and its surrounding complex. This is the perfect place to start. Your guide will use this model to show you how Imhotep designed the entire 37-acre complex, from its massive enclosure wall to its “dummy” temples, so you’ll know exactly what you’re looking at outside.

2. The “Blue Faience” Walls

This is one of the most stunning exhibits. The museum has a reconstructed wall of the brilliant blue-green faience tiles that lined the burial chambers deep beneath the Step Pyramid. It gives you a breathtaking look at the color and beauty that greeted King Djoser in the afterlife.

3. The “Beautiful Mummy”

In the “New Discoveries” hall, you will see a mummy that will take your breath away. Discovered near the Teti Pyramid, this 30th-Dynasty mummy is one of the most gorgeous ever found. Its colors—yellow, blue, red, and black—are so vibrant, they look as if an artist painted them yesterday.

4. The Old Kingdom “Dentist’s” Tomb

Discover the personal tomb of an Old Kingdom dentist! This recent discovery, found near the Tomb of Qar, includes a fascinating display of early surgical instruments, giving you a rare glimpse into ancient medicine.

5. The Library of Jean-Philippe Lauer

For over 75 years, the French archaeologist Jean-Philippe Lauer dedicated his entire life to excavating and patiently rebuilding the Saqqara complex. The museum dedicates a special hall to his work and his personal library, honoring the man who gave us the site we see today.

The Great Unsolved Mystery: Where is Imhotep?

Despite all his fame, Imhotep’s own disappearance from history is a complete mystery. We have no records of his death, and his tomb has never been found.

Archaeologists from around the world are still searching the sands of Saqqara for it. Finding the tomb of Imhotep—the real father of the pyramids and god of medicine—is the “Holy Grail” of Egyptian archaeology.

How to Visit The Imhotep Museum with Egypt Fun Tours

The Imhotep Museum is the first thing you’ll see when you arrive at Saqqara, just past the ticket office. It is the perfect, 45-minute first stop for any tour of the necropolis.

We perfectly combine a visit to the museum with:

The Step Pyramid of Djoser (which you’ll now fully understand!)
The Pyramid of Unas (to see the first-ever Pyramid Texts)
The Tomb of Kagemni (a “Tomb of the Nobles” with incredible daily life scenes)

Let our expert guides show you the treasures inside the museum, and then take you outside to show you where they came from.

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