Solar Boat of King Cheops

Ready to Sail into the Afterlife with King Cheops?

Are you fascinated by ancient Egyptian beliefs? Then you're in for an unforgettable story. Ancient Egyptians buried solar barges beside the tombs of their kings—believing these majestic boats would carry the pharaohs on their celestial journey through the afterlife.

So, how about sailing toward the sun during your visit to the Great Pyramids? Follow King Cheops on his sacred voyage beyond death, meet the sun god Ra, and witness one of the oldest vessels on Earth: the Solar Boat of King Cheops.

King Cheops' Solar Boat: Preparing for Eternity

If you've ever imagined living during the era of ancient Egypt, the Solar Boat Museum offers a stunning glimpse into the past. Located beside the Great Pyramid, the museum displays a marvel of ancient shipbuilding: a fully reconstructed vessel buried more than 4,500 years ago.

In 1954, while cleaning the southern area of the Great Pyramid of Giza, a team led by Egyptian archaeologist Kamal el-Mallakh stumbled upon a limestone wall. Digging deeper revealed a pit holding over 1,200 carefully disassembled pieces of cedarwood—fragments of what is now believed to be the oldest intact ship ever discovered.

The vessel, known as the Khufu ship or solar boat, dates back to the 4th Dynasty and is considered a masterpiece of ancient naval engineering. It’s almost 44 meters long, with planks held together without nails—using mortise and tenon joints, ropes, and remarkable precision. Can you imagine such craftsmanship in 2500 BCE?

Inside the Khufu Ship Museum

The Khufu Ship Museum was constructed in 1985 to preserve and showcase this incredible discovery. It offers a unique three-level viewing experience: from the bottom hull on the ground floor to a panoramic view from above. Here’s what you’ll find:

The fully reconstructed King Cheops' Solar Boat in all its ancient grandeur

A miniature model of the ship showing its original structure

Detailed photos and diagrams documenting the excavation and reconstruction

A journey through time exploring burial rituals and solar worship in ancient Egypt

Did you know? While many believe the ship had a symbolic purpose—transporting King Cheops to the afterlife—scientific studies suggest it had actually been used in water. Some theories propose it served as a pilgrimage vessel during the king’s lifetime.

Where to Find It?

The Khufu Ship Museum is located in the Giza Plateau, just beside the Great Pyramid. It’s about 30 minutes from downtown Cairo. The museum has recently moved the reconstructed ship into the new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), where it is preserved under optimal environmental conditions and showcased using modern display technology.

Whether you’re a local or a tourist, this is a stop you can't miss. It's not just a museum; it’s a spiritual and cultural experience that brings ancient Egypt back to life.

Ticket Prices

Entry to the Solar Boat Museum is affordable and accessible:

• Egyptians: 10 EGP (5 EGP for students)

• Tourists: 100 EGP (50 EGP for students)

This nominal fee gives you the chance to stand face-to-face with a royal vessel that has survived millennia. Why not step into history?

Want More? Don’t Miss the Sound and Light Show!

If the story of King Cheops' Solar Boat has captured your curiosity, don’t stop here. The Giza Plateau also hosts the magical Sound and Light Show, where the pyramids themselves narrate the story of ancient Egypt under the stars. It's the perfect companion experience—visual, immersive, and deeply emotional.

Let the past speak. Witness the mysteries of the pharaohs unravel with light, sound, and a powerful narration.