A Ride Through the Middle East’s Only Royal Chariots Museum in Boulaq

Located in the heart of Boulaq, the Royal Chariots Museum is one of the earliest of its kind in the world. Initially established during the reign of Khedive Ismail in the 19th century as a storage space for the Egyptian royal family’s chariots, the space grew with each monarch thereafter, and was later renamed the Royal Stables Department. Following the 1952 Revolution, which overthrew King Farouk, the stables department was transformed into a museum in order to preserve an integral part of that era’s history.

Inside the museum, visitors are treated to a unique collection of royal carriages, horse riding equipment, and uniforms of the Carriages Service employees. One of the most remarkable objects in the museum is the grand Alay Carriage, gifted by Emperor Napoleon III and his wife Empress Eugenie to Khedive Ismail when the Suez Canal was inaugurated in 1869. King Farouk later restored it and used it during the inauguration of the Parliament in 1942.

The museum's displays offer a glimpse into Egypt's rich history and the lavish lifestyles of its royal families. The intricate workmanship and elaborate decoration of the carriages are a testament to the skilled craftsmanship and attention to detail of their creators.

It is worth noting that few museums in the world specialize in exhibiting this kind of collection. Austria, France, Russia, and England are some of the only countries that have their own unique displays, with none like it in the Middle East.

The museum is open every day from 9 AM to 1 PM and 5 PM to 9 PM.