Sharm El Sheikh Museum

The museum opened in 2020 after years of construction and it fills a real gap: until then a visitor could spend two weeks in Sharm without seeing a single ancient object. The collection runs to several thousand pieces drawn from stores and other museums, arranged thematically across galleries on daily life, religion and the natural world, with statuary, coffins, jewellery, animal mummies and a good group of household objects. It is well lit and well laid out, with more space around the objects than the older museums allow, and includes some notable pieces such as material associated with Tutankhamun's family and a large falcon-form statue. There is also a Sinai gallery covering the peninsula's own history. The building sits in landscaped grounds with shops and cafes.

What you actually see

• A thematic Pharaonic collection - daily life, religion and nature in separate halls.
• Animal mummies - a strong group including cats, birds and crocodiles.
• The Sinai gallery - the peninsula's own archaeology and history.
• Modern display design - space and lighting the older museums lack.

When to go

October to May for the city; the museum is air-conditioned and works as a hot-day option at any season. Mornings are quiet, afternoons fill with resort excursions. Two hours is enough.

Honest expectations

It is a long way from the beach areas and requires a taxi each way. Ticket prices for foreign visitors are high relative to what is on show. Some galleries feel thin. It is a good introduction rather than a match for Cairo's collections.

Nearby

Naama Bay and the resort strip are a short drive; the airport is nearby.