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Watani
3 hours ago
- General
- Watani
Ancient Egypt unveils in Hong Kong
The Hong Kong Palace Museum (HKPM) and Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) have signed an agreement to launch the special exhibition 'Ancient Egypt Unveiled: Treasures from Egyptian Museums' in mid-November 2025. The signing ceremony was held on 26 June 2025 at Hong Kong Palace Museum. It was attended by Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of SCA; Baher Sheweikhi, Consul-General of Egypt in Hong Kong; Betty Fung, Chief Executive Officer of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority (WKCDA); and Louis Ng, Museum Director of the HKPM; together with high ranking diplomats and antiquities and museum officials from Egypt and China. Two great civilisations The special exhibition, which will run for an unprecedented nine-and-a-half months, brings together 250 exquisite treasures from seven major museums in Egypt. These include the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, Luxor Museum of Ancient Egyptian Art, Suez National Museum, and Sohag National Museum. Recent archaeological discoveries from Saqqara's vast necropolis of the ancient capital Memphis, south of Cairo, will also be exhibited, offering visitors a glimpse into the mysteries of Egypt's magnificent ancient civilisation. The Museum will also present a group of ancient Chinese objects to foster dialogue and exchange with their Egyptian counterparts, highlighting the parallel development and achievements of two of the world's greatest ancient civilisations. On its website, HKPM posted: 'On view from 20 November 2025 to 31 August 2026 at the HKPM, the special exhibition 'Ancient Egypt Unveiled: Treasures from Egyptian Museums' marks a significant milestone as the second direct collaboration between Egypt's SCA and an Asian museum, following the acclaimed exhibition 'On Top of the Pyramid: The Civilisation of Ancient Egypt' at Shanghai Museum. 'Coinciding with the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Egypt in 2026, the exhibition at HKPM showcases the fruitful outcome of cross-cultural exchange and collaboration between the two nations.' Firsts The HKPM post continues: 'Featuring spectacular treasures from seven major Egyptian museums alongside the latest archaeological discoveries from Saqqara, 'Ancient Egypt Unveiled: Treasures from Egyptian Museums' showcases in Hong Kong the largest, most comprehensive, and longest running display of ancient Egyptian treasures. 'The extraordinary collection of 250 precious artefacts includes statues of pharaohs and deities, stone sculptures in relief, stelae, gold ornaments, large-scale coffins, animal mummies and more. The antiquity pieces were created some 7,300 to 2,000 years ago, spanning over 5,000 years of history. 'All the artefacts will be displayed in Hong Kong for the first time; many are exhibited for the first time outside Egypt. 'The exhibition is divided into four sections: Land of the Pharaohs, Legend of Tutankhamun, Secrets of Saqqara, and Ancient Egypt and the World. 'The first section introduces the history of ancient Egyptian civilisation with a focus on convergence of royal and religious power, the spiritual world, life and afterlife. 'The second and third sections unveil the earth-shattering archaeological discoveries associated with the famed Pharaoh Tutankhamun who reigned circa 1332–1323 BC. The fourth features Saqqara, where worshipping cats and other animals was widely practiced. 'The last section explores cultural interactions and dialogues between ancient Egypt and other world civilisations.' Highlights The most notable exhibits include a colossal 2.8m tall statue of Tutankhamun, the boy pharaoh whose tomb treasure was discovered intact in 1922, turning him into a legend despite his political near-insignificance in Egypt's history. A colossal statue of Pharaoh Akhenaten who reigned in 1353 for 17 years, and is known as the father of monotheism will be on show. Akhenaten called for worshipping only the sun-god Atun to the exclusion of all other deities. There is also a statue of a seated scribe; the greatly respected profession of scribes raised them to significant ranks. Scribes studied arithmetic, geometry, and religious knowledge, and worked across all levels of bureaucracy, drafting legal documents, archiving correspondence, copying religious texts, and recording the king's achievements while also organising censuses, land surveys, tax collection, construction projects, mining expeditions, commercial trade, and military campaigns. Additionally, a statue of the cat-goddess Bastet holding a sistrum will be on display, together with cat mummies. Bastet's worship dates back to around 3000–2686 BC. Other animal-gods on show will include the jackal-god Anubis who was a funerary deity in charge of mummification and also played a crucial role in underworld judgement. A statue of hippopotamus, who represented chaos and destruction but also fertility and rebirth will be on show. HKPM and WestK The Hong Kong Palace Museum presents priceless treasures from The Palace Museum along with the finest collections from other world-renowned institutions. The Museum is in the process of building its own world-class collection. Opened in 2022, it is a leading institution for the study and appreciation of Chinese art and culture and the promotion of dialogue among world civilisations. The Museum is a collaborative project between the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority and The Palace Museum. WestK is one of the largest and most ambitious cultural hubs in the world and is Hong Kong's new cultural tourism landmark. Spanning 40 hectares alongside Victoria Harbour. WestK comprises a mix of landmark arts and cultural facilities, including world-class museums M and the HKPM, intricately designed performing arts venues the Xiqu Centre and Freespace, the 11-hectare Art Park with a waterfront promenade, and the WestK Performing Arts Centre. Watani International 15 July 2025 Comments comments
Al-Ahram Weekly
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Ancient Egypt in Hong Kong - Heritage - Al-Ahram Weekly
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 Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Time Out
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Ancient Egyptian treasures are coming to Hong Kong in this special exhibition
Who has read the gold foil-covered Egyptology book, watched The Mummy films too much as a child, and has been obsessed with ancient Egypt ever since? Yeah, same here. If the Egyptian section of museums has always been your favourite, then you can look forward to this special exhibition on treasures from ancient Egypt that's coming to Hong Kong this year! From mid-November onwards, the Hong Kong Palace Museum will host the 'Ancient Egypt Unveiled: Treasures from Egyptian Museums' exhibition. Our museum has signed an agreement with the Supreme Council of Antiquities of Egypt to bring 250 priceless artefacts from seven major museums in Egypt, including the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, the Luxor Museum of the Ancient Egyptian Art, the Suez National Museum, and the Sohag National Museum. There will also be recent discoveries from Saqqara, a royal burial ground and the necropolis for the ancient Egyptian capital Memphis, that will be on display. Visitors can expect to see statues of pharaohs and deities, gold ornaments, stone sculptures, large-scale coffins and sarcophagi, animal mummies, and more, dating from up to 7,300 years ago and representing over 5,000 years of history from this ancient civilisation. All of the artefacts in this exhibition are on display in Hong Kong for the first time, and many of them have never even been shown outside Egypt before, so it's sure to be a feast for any history buff. Among the four themed sections, don't miss the monumental stature of the legendary boy pharaoh Tutankhamun measuring over 2.8 metres tall; a statue of the cat-headed goddess Bastet; and a colossal statue of Akhenaten, Tutankhamun's father and the ruler famous for trying to unite the worship of Egypt's multiple gods under one solar deity Aten. 'Ancient Egypt Unveiled: Treasures from Egyptian Museums' will run for an unprecedented nine and a half months from mid-November. Ticketing details and accompanying events like performances and workshops will be announced in August.
