Alexandria’s Royal Jewelry Museum Marks 40 Years: Princess Fatma Haidar’s Palace Reveals the Treasures of Egypt’s Royal Dynasty

Thirteen galleries inside a historic palace dating back to 1923 showcase rare jewelry, royal crowns and personal treasures, as cultural celebrations mark four decades of the museum’s history.

The Royal Jewelry Museum in Alexandria celebrated the 40th anniversary of its opening to the public on October 29, 1986, with a cultural programme titled “40 Years and Six Chapters of a Royal Story,” highlighting one of the city's most remarkable historic palaces transformed into a cultural and tourist attraction.

The anniversary celebrations featured drawing and photography competitions, an exhibition of children's artwork, an informational booklet in Arabic and English, and digital content exploring prominent figures from Egypt's Muhammad Ali dynasty.

Located in Alexandria's Zizinia district, the museum occupies the former palace of Princess Fatma Al-Zahra Haidar, completed in 1923 and designed by Italian architect Antonio Lasciac.

The palace covers approximately 4,185 square metres, including its gardens, and consists of eastern and western wings connected by passageways decorated with stained glass, columns and elaborate European-inspired architectural details.

Its ornate ceilings, wooden floors and intricate mosaics form an essential part of the visitor experience, offering a glimpse into royal life alongside the historical collections on display.

The museum houses 13 exhibition galleries featuring personal possessions and valuable objects belonging to Egypt's Muhammad Ali dynasty.

Among its notable exhibits are a gold necklace associated with Muhammad Ali Pasha, royal crowns and tiaras adorned with precious gemstones, and personal possessions of King Farouk, including a gold chess set, jeweled watches and rare decorative objects.

Together, these collections document aspects of the dynasty's history and highlight the craftsmanship, jewelry-making traditions and personal luxury associated with Egypt's royal era.

The Royal Jewelry Museum offers visitors an opportunity to explore a different side of Alexandria, beyond its beaches and Mediterranean landmarks.

A visit can form part of a cultural itinerary featuring the city's historic palaces, museums and architectural heritage.

The museum is located on Ahmed Yehia Pasha Street in Zizinia and generally welcomes visitors from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Travellers are advised to confirm opening hours before visiting, particularly during public holidays and special occasions.

What makes the museum distinctive is that the palace itself is more than a setting for displaying jewelry. It is an architectural treasure that immerses visitors in a world of art, heritage and royal history.