Turin’s magnificent Egyptian collection is one of the world’s largest—no surprise, considering it was also the world’s first Egyptian museum, thanks to the Savoy kings and their explorers Bernardino Drovetti and Ernesto Schiaparelli, who voraciously hoarded Egyptian ephemera until the early 1900s, when attitudes about cultural plundering changed. After a massive renovation that doubled the exhibition space, there is now an innovative system of escalators leading visitors seemingly on a path along the Nile over three levels of displays. The layout not only reconstructs Egyptian cultural and funereal elements down to the smallest details, it also tells the history of the archeological expeditions. There are artifacts from all eras of ancient Egypt, including a papyrus “Book of the Dead.” One of the most captivating exhibits is the exquisitely painted wooden sarcophagi and mummies of Kha and Merit, an aristocratic couple whose tomb was discovered in 1906. Some say this is the most important collection of Egyptian artifacts outside of Cairo, so it’s definitely a must-visit when in Turin. To beat the lines and crowds, reserve your visit ahead of time online, choosing from among various itineraries.