Aswan's African Cultural Center (Nile Museum): A Gateway to Nile Valley History

 Nile Museum, now known as the African Cultural Center in Aswan, is a special museum that shows the history and people of the Nile River Basin. It tells the story of the Nile River from its start to its end. Tourists and locals come to learn about this important river and its role in life on its banks.

Aswan's African Cultural Center

Nile Museum

Nile Museum was built in Aswan, Egypt, over a period of 12 years, from 2004 to 2016. It cost 120 million Egyptian pounds to build and covers an area of 146,000 square meters. The museum was inaugurated on January 10, 2016, with the attendance of former Egyptian Prime Minister Sherif Ismail and representatives from 11 African Nile Basin countries.

Aswan's African Cultural Center entry gate

Nile Basin countries

The Nile Basin countries are the countries through which the Nile River passes, and they consist of 11 countries:

1. Egypt.
2. Sudan.
3. South Sudan.
4. Eritrea.
5. Ethiopia.
6. Kenya.
7. The Democratic Republic of the Congo.
8. Burundi.
9. Rwanda.
10. Uganda.
11. Tanzania.

Nile Basin countries

From Nile Museum to African Cultural Center

Nile Museum's name was changed to the African Cultural Center in 2019 after Aswan was declared the capital of African youth and hosted the Arab-African Youth Forum.

Composition of the Aswan's African Cultural Center

The African Cultural Center is a three-story museum that houses exhibition halls, conference halls, a library, a VIP lounge, and administrative offices. There is also an open-air theater next to the museum. The Egyptian Ministry of Culture has donated 61 important paintings to the museum that illustrate the most important aspects of the journey of the Nile River in Egypt as depicted by prominent Egyptian artists.

Documenting the Nile's Journey

The center houses a variety of artifacts, documents, and films that tell different stories about the Nile River, from its formation to the present day. Visitors can see the tools used by engineers and workers in the construction of the Aswan High Dam and Aswan Reservoir, which are considered to be among the most important engineering projects in the world. They can also see a memorial plaque bearing the names of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in this national epic. 

Irrigation and Agriculture

The center also exhibits paintings and photographs that illustrate the development of irrigation in Egypt from the Mohamed Ali era to the present day, and how it has contributed to improving agriculture and the economy. The museum houses maps and designs of all the facilities of the Ministry of Irrigation, reflecting the great efforts that the state has made in managing water resources.

An Experience for All Ages

The African Cultural Center provides visitors with an enjoyable and informative experience, offering a mock zoo, wedding hall, restaurant, wedding photo sessions, five-a-side football pitch, and open-air theater for events.

open-air theater

Wedding photo sessions cost 500 Egyptian pounds for two people, including the bride and groom and the photographer.

How to get to African Cultural Center in Aswan

To get to the Aswan's African Cultural Center (Aswan's Nile Museum), take a microbus heading to "Sahari". You will find it before Aswan railway station. If you do not find it, ask anyone this question: "Fin mawqif Sahari?".

After you ride the microbus, tell the driver that you want to go to the Nile Museum. Get off before crossing the Aswan Dam bridge. You will find Aswan Museum on your left hand side.

African Cultural Center in Aswan timings

You can visit the African Cultural Center in Aswan every day from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

Aswan's African Cultural Center ticket prices

Last update: 27 January 2024

• Egyptian student: 10 EGP.
• Egyptian citizen: 15 EGP.
• Foreign student: 50 EGP.
• Foreign citizen: 100 EGP.
• Camera permit: 50 EGP
• Car entry: 20 EGP.
• Microbus entry: 30 EGP.
• Bus entry: EGP 50

General instructions for the Aswan's African Cultural Center

General instructions for visiting the African Cultural Center in Aswan:

1. Do not approach the artifacts or artworks on display too closely or touch them, in order to protect them from damage.
2. Do not speak loudly or on the phone, to avoid disturbing other visitors.
3. Pay attention to how you move around the center, to prevent accidents that could lead to, for example, the destruction of a statue or damage to an exhibit by accident.
4. Do not bring food or drinks into the exhibition halls, to avoid damage to the exhibits, such as falling food crumbs or spilled drinks, by accident.
5. Parents who are taking their children to the museum should warn them not to run, so as not to cause the destruction of a valuable work of art, or to scream, so as not to disturb other visitors.
6. Check the website of the African Cultural Center in Aswan in advance, to learn about the events and exhibitions it includes.
7. Make sure of the opening hours and address of the museum before heading there.
8. Keep the center's phone number in case you need to inquire about something or lose something inside the center.

Conclusion

The African Cultural Center in Aswan is a great place to visit. It offers a rich educational and entertaining experience for travelers of all ages. If you are interested in learning about the Nile River and the cultures of Africa, this center is the perfect place for you.