Ancient Egypt in Hong Kong - Heritage - Al-Ahram Weekly

Al-Ahram Weekly

4 days ago

Ancient Egypt has always stirred the imagination of the world with its enduring mystique, monumental architecture, and remarkable cultural legacy.
The grandeur of the Pyramids, the enigma of the Sphinx, and the opulence of tombs like that of the golden boy-king Tutankhamun continue to captivate the hearts and minds of generations. Its temples, richly decorated sarcophagi, and intricate jewellery are not only marvels of craftsmanship, but also powerful symbols of a civilisation deeply rooted in spiritual belief, artistic expression, and scientific advancement.
This fascination has transcended time and geography, inspiring countless storytellers, filmmakers, and writers. From epic Hollywood productions and bestselling novels to fashion collections and music videos, Ancient Egypt has provided a rich canvas for artistic exploration. Its blend of myth, mystery, and magnificence offers an endless source of inspiration, fuelling creative interpretations while leaving audiences eager to uncover the real history behind the legend.
Hong Kong citizens will have the opportunity to explore ancient Egyptian history later this year through the opening of a landmark exhibition titled 'Ancient Egypt Unveiled: Treasures from Egyptian Museums' in November at the Hong Kong Palace Museum (HKPM), held in collaboration with Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA).
The exhibition offers visitors a unique opportunity to go beyond the myth and engage with authentic history. Through 250 original artefacts spanning thousands of years, visitors will encounter a stunning array of ancient Egyptian objects ranging from statues and divine figures to gold jewellery, intricately carved stonework, massive coffins, sarcophagi, and even mummified animals.
Spanning more than 5,000 years of ancient Egyptian history, with some pieces dating back as far as 7,300 years, this is the first time these treasures have been displayed in Hong Kong. Remarkably, many have never left Egypt before, making this exhibition an unmissable experience for history lovers.
This cultural partnership marks a significant milestone in Egypt–Hong Kong relations and promises to captivate audiences with the mystery and majesty of the land of the Pharaohs. The exhibition is organised according to a collaborative agreement signed late last month in Hong Kong by Mohamed Ismail Khaled, the SCA secretary-general, and Louis Ng, director of the HKPM. It is expected to attract up to 700,000 visitors during its nine-and-a-half-month duration.
It is a significant milestone as the second Ancient Egyptian exhibition to be held in China, following the successful 'On Top of the Pyramid: Ancient Egyptian Civilisation' exhibition in Shanghai, which attracted over two million visitors after its opening at the end of July 2024.
Coinciding with the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Egypt and China next year, the exhibition will demonstrate the unwavering dedication of both nations to promoting cross-cultural exchange and collaboration.
The objects on display have been carefully selected from seven prominent museums in Egypt, including the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square in Cairo, the Luxor Museum of Ancient Egyptian Art, the Suez National Museum, the Sohag National Museum, and others. Among the highlights are recent archaeological discoveries from the Saqqara Necropolis, as well as a number of objects currently on display at the Shanghai Museum as part of the 'Top of the Pyramid' exhibition.
Organised around four core themes, Royal Egypt, the Reign of Tutankhamun, the Discoveries of Saqqara, and Ancient Egypt and the World, the exhibition will take visitors on a visually rich and intellectually engaging journey through some of Ancient Egypt's most iconic periods and religious practices.
The first section introduces the history of ancient Egyptian civilisation with a focus on themes such as the convergence of royal and religious power, the spiritual world, life and the afterlife. The second and third sections unveil the earth-shattering archaeological discoveries associated with the famed King Tutankhamun and the Saqqara Necropolis, where worshipping cats and other animals was widely practised.
The last section explores cultural interactions and dialogues between ancient Egypt and other world civilisations. With an innovative curatorial approach and cutting-edge digital technologies, the HKPM aims to bring to life the magnificent treasures and unlock the mysteries of Ancient Egyptian civilisation.
The HKPM will present a series of public and educational programmes in association with the exhibition, including performances, lectures, and workshops. Additionally, it will develop original exhibition merchandise and souvenirs, as well as create immersive experiences bringing the wonders of Ancient Egypt to life. Details of these activities will be announced in due course.
'This exhibition is more than just a display of artefacts; it is a window into the heart of Ancient Egyptian civilisation and a symbol of our shared commitment to cross-cultural dialogue. It represents a dynamic collaboration that connects the timeless legacy of Egypt with audiences across Asia and the world,' Khaled said.
He described the exhibition as a labour of love, a cultural bridge, and a symbol of enduring friendship. 'It reflects our shared belief that heritage is a legacy for all humanity and that by sharing our treasures we contribute to the richness of the global narrative,' he said.
Louis Ng said that China and Egypt stand as two of the world's most ancient civilisations with profound and enduring cultural legacies. He added that the exhibition not only provides a unique opportunity to showcase Ancient Egypt's cultural wonders to both local and international audiences but also serves as a significant milestone in Sino-Egyptian cultural exchange, embodying a commitment to fostering dialogue among world civilisations.
'This exhibition also celebrates the highly significant exchanges and collaboration between China and Egypt in Egyptian archaeology and the preservation of cultural heritage,' he said.
Moamen Othman, head of the Museums Sector at the SCA, revealed that among the exhibition's most remarkable pieces are the quartzite colossal state of Tutankhamun uncovered at the Mortuary Temple of Horemheb at Medinet Habu on Luxor's west bank, a seated granite statue of a scribe found in Karnak, a bust of the monotheistic King Akhenaten, mummified cats, a statue of the goddess Bastet holding musical rattles found in Saqqara, and a statue of the god Anubis, many of which will be displayed outside Egypt for the first time.
* A version of this article appears in print in the 10 July, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly
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