The Royal Carriages Museum is considered one of the four most important museums in the world, as there are just other 3 museums in the world with the same concept in Russia, England, and Austria. This museum displays the royal Carriages of the family of Mohammed Ali Pasha.
This museum is located in the Boulaq district. It was opened on October 31, 2020, the same day when the opening of Kafr El-Sheikh Museum and Sharm El Sheikh Museum. The opening of these museums is a part of the activities of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities to open new museums in Egypt.
History of the Royal Carriages Museum:
This is a unique museum as it distinguishes by the beauty of its collection and the originality of the buildings that reflect the nobility of the family of Mohammed Ali Pasha.
The facade of the Royal Carriages Museum is 15 meters high and consists of architectural images in the form of horse heads and wonderful geometric decorations.
The family members of Mohammed Ali Pasha were fond of horses. So Khedive Ismail built this building to house the royal Carriages and horses. Its name was (the Khedivial Carriages Service) at that time. During the reign of King Fouad I, in 1922, the name of this building was changed to be (Royal Stables Department (Royal Mews)).
This building included the Khedive’s horses and all members of the royal family. There were veterinarians to take care of these horses, skilled workers to restore and maintain the carts of these horses, and their ornaments.
Also, the building included a large open courtyard for preparing the royal Carriages before the Khedive or any of his family members boarded.
After the revolution of July 23, 1952, this building became the property of the Egyptian government and was converted into a museum in 1978.
In 2003, by a decision of Zahi Hawass, director of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, the museum was closed for restoration.
The museum collections:
The museum includes 78 royal Carriages, including the grand Alay Carriage that was a gift from Emperor Napoleon III and his wife, Empress Eugenie, on the occasion of the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869. It was used by Khedive Ismail at his wedding. Then King Farouk restored it and used it at the opening of the House of Representatives in 1942.
The Tonneau Carriage that was used by Prince Farouk, Prince of Upper Egypt, from 1922 to 1936.
Oil paintings, including a painting of King Fouad’s favorite donkey.
