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Egyptian civilization is one of the oldest civilizations in the world and the country is famous both for its historical monuments as well as for the grandeur of the royal dynasties. The Royal Jewelry Museum in Alexandria preserves such symbols of royal pride in the form of exclusive jewellery belonging to the Muhammad Ali Dynasty. The dynasty was the proud ruler of Egypt for 150 years until the July Revolution in 1952 marked its end. The Royal Jewelry Museum was the residential palace of Princess Fatma Al- Zahra and was turned into a museum to keep the priceless jewellery by a decree issued by President Muhammad Hosni Said Mubarak in 1986. The museum is located in the Zizinia neighborhood and was officially opened on 24th October 1986. However The Royal Jewelry Museum in Alexandria underwent reconstruction work for two years under the supervision of the Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities Dr. Zahi Hawass and General Abdullah Hilal, the Projects Sector Leader. After the work was completed, the Museum was again reopened in May 2006. Features of The Royal Jewelry Museum in Alexandria The royal Jewelry museum is not only famous for its exhibit of beautiful jewels but the museum building itself is an example of supreme architectural genius. He building was built in the year 1919 and with a surface area of 4,185 meter square; the museum building is surrounded by some beautiful gardens. Many of the rooms and the lobby area of the palace are full of art paintings. Even the walls and the ceilings are adorned with an invaluable collection of oil paintings portraying scenes of historical value and natural beauty. Even the windows of the Royal Jewelry Museum are beautified by the use of lead inlaid glass artwork picturing European historical scenes. Among the recent additions at The Royal Jewelry Museum in Alexandria, a surveillance room is built for the Museums safety with all the latest electronic devices in use. The Upper Suite in the palace has been renovated to serve as the cafeteria and a gift shop for the visitors. Exquisite pieces of statues related to the palace and its history are rebuilt carefully and put up as exhibits.
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