Minister of Antiquities Mohamed Ibrahim said Thursday that the Egyptian Museum will be under the guard of the armed forces and the police today, ahead of mass protests.

The minister’s statement came during a visit to the museum, based on the outskirts of Tahrir Square, to inspect security preparations on Thursday.

Ibrahim stressed that all monuments and sites are under guard and will still receive visitors. Museum authorities are working hard to cater for vistors and provide them with usual services, he added.

Ibrahim ordered museum managers to be on alert Friday and report any irregularities to authorities, also expressing confidence that Egypt’s youth would be keen to protect their national antiquities.