Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology, London

The Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology, established in 1892, is part of University College London Museums & Collections. The museum contains over 80,000 objects and ranks among some of the world's leading collections of Egyptian and Sudanese material. It illustrates life in the Nile Valley from prehistory through the time of the pharaohs, the Ptolemaic, Roman and Coptic periods to the Islamic period.

The collection is full of 'firsts': One of the earliest pieces of linen from Egypt from about 500 BC; two lions from the temple of Min at Koptos, from the first group of monumental sculpture - about 3000 BC; a fragment from the first kinglist or calendar - about 2900 BC; the earliest example of metal from Egypt, the first worked iron beads; the earliest example of glazing; the earliest 'cylinder seal' in Egypt - about 3500 BC; the oldest wills on papyrus paper; the oldest gynaecological papyrus; the only veterinary papyrus from ancient Egypt; and the largest architectural drawing, showing a shrine.

Costume is another strength of the collection. In addition to the 'oldest dress' there is a unique beadnet dress of a dancer from the Pyramid Age from about 2400 BC, two long sleeved robes of the same date, a suit of armour from the palace of Memphis, as well as socks and sandals from the Roman period. The collection contains works of art from Akhenaten’s city at Amarna: colourful tiles, carvings and frescoes, from many other important Egyptian and Nubian settlements and burial sites.

Opening Times

Tuesday to Saturday 13.00 – 17.00

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Ticket Prices

Admission is Free

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Disabled Facilities

There is lift access to the museum on the first floor, and to the toilet for visitors with disabilities on the fourth floor. Inside the museum visitors must negotiate two steps to reach the second gallery: a wheelchair lift is available. Occasionally on Saturdays in vacation time, or for evening events, lift access may not be possible; please contact us in advance of your visit to check.

Lighting within the museum is less than ideal, and we offer visitors the loan of torches. Seating is available.

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More Information

Telephone: 0207 679 2884
Email: petrie.museum@ucl.ac.uk

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