The Egyptian Culture Ministry says nine paintings were stolen from a 19th century palace that used to be the residence of the ruler and founder of modern Egypt, Mohammed Ali Pasha.
Minister of Culture Farouk Hosni says the oil paintings appear to have been removed from their frames early Tuesday. The paintings depict Mohammed Ali and family members.
Several Egyptian newspapers on Wednesday quoted Hosni as saying police are investigating the theft.
Mohammed Ali ruled Egypt from 1805 to 1848. The palace overlooks the Nile River in the northern Cairo suburb of Shurbra el-Kheima.
Theft of artifacts is not uncommon in Egypt due to widespread corruption especially among the police in charge of protecting historical sites.