The Royal Jewelry Museum: A Hidden Palace of Dazzling Treasures

What You Will See: The Treasures of a Dynasty

The museum’s 11,500-piece collection is the personal property of the Muhammad Ali Dynasty, which ruled Egypt from 1805 to 1952. You are not seeing state jewels; you are seeing the personal jewelry, gifts, and belongings of Egypt’s kings and queens.

While every room is dazzling, here are a few highlights to look for:

• King Farouk’s Collection: The most extensive collection belongs to Egypt’s last king, who was famous for his lavish lifestyle. Look for his diamond-encrusted chess set, his royal scepter, and his massive collection of decorative swords and snuff boxes.
• Queen Nazli’s Gown: See a breathtaking, full-length evening gown made of gold thread and platinum, which belonged to the mother of King Farouk.
• Queen Farida’s Tiaras: Admire the delicate, diamond-and-emerald tiara of King Farouk’s first wife.
• Princess Fawzia’s Collection: See the personal belongings of “the most beautiful woman in the world,” King Farouk’s sister who became the first wife of the Shah of Iran. Her collection includes a stunning, diamond-encrusted cosmetics set.
• Royal Gifts & Medals: The collection is rounded out by thousands of gold coins, royal medals, diamond-studded clocks, and gifts from other royal families around the world.