Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.
In the heart of the modern metropolis of Cairo is one of the greatest historical treasures in the world, the Egyptian Museum. The Museum of Egyptian Antiquities was founded in 1835 by Mohammed Ali and was created to prevent the further plundering and destruction of Egypt's ancient treasures.
The museum was built in 1900 by the French architect Marcel Dourgnon. Its Neo-Classical design still guards the priceless heritage of ancient Egypt, and today more than 155,000 impressive archaeological discoveries that cover 4,500 years of Egyptian history are on display.
The museum's unique collection of jewelery contains rings once worn by high priests and also amulets that belonged to Ramses the Second.
The fantastic grave offerings of Tutankhamen, who died at the age of 19, cover almost half a floor of the museum, and its importance is due to precious objects such as the Gold Mask of the young pharaoh that have assured its place among the world's greatest museums.