The Museum was originally erected in 1974. It Exhibits artifacts dating from Prehistoric to Roman Periods as well as a collection from the Coptic and the Islamic era. It is is considered one of the most important museums in Egypt that houses rare artifacts. The museum closed in 2006 for restoration. However, the development works officially launched during the tenure of President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, as its restoration began in 2016 and was reopened after it was closed for 10 years in 2017.