Solar Boat Museum

Built in 1985, the Solar Boat Museum (or Khufu Solar Museum) is home to one of the world’s most unique finds – an ancient Egyptian ‘solar barge’ that was buried by the pharaoh’s tomb to help transport the ruler to the afterlife. The Khufu Solar Ship was buried at the foot of the Great Pyramid of Giza as early as 2500 BC, making it one of the world’s oldest and most remarkably preserved ships from antiquity.
After being exhumed in 1954 and painstakingly reconstructed from 1,224 pieces – a process taking over 13 years – the mighty ship is now on display at the purpose-built Solar Boat Museum. The museum offers a fascinating insight into the ancient ship, its discovery and its reconstruction, but the boat itself is, of course, the highlight. Measuring 43.6 meters long and 5.9 meters wide, and constructed from cedar wood, the ship is an impressive sight, and three floors of walkways allow visitors to view it from all angles.

Practical Info

The Solar Boat museum is located next to the Great Pyramid of Khufu in Giza, and is open daily (Summer 8.30am-5pm; Winter 8.30am-4pm). Adult admission is E£50.