Ancient Egypt Unveiled: Treasures from Egyptian Museums

The signing ceremony for the special exhibition "Ancient Egypt Unveiled: Treasures from Egyptian Museums" was held at 12:00 noon on Thursday, June 26. Representatives from the Hong Kong Palace Museum, along with Mr. Baher Sheweikhi, Consul General of the Consulate General of Egypt in Hong Kong, Mr. Sherief Malaty, Deputy Consul General, Dr. Mohamed Ismail Mohamed Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities of Egypt, and Mr. Moamen Mohamed Othman Abdeighany, Head of the Museums Sector of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, attended the ceremony to announce details of the exhibition. Ticketing information will be released in August. Stay tuned to itinemo for updates on the exhibition and plan your journey of discovery into the wonders of ancient Egypt!

The exhibition builds upon the phenomenal success of "On Top of the Pyramids: The Civilization of Ancient Egypt", jointly organized by the Shanghai Museum and Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities. Since its opening in July 2024, the Shanghai exhibition has become one of the most sought-after cultural events in mainland China, with tickets quickly selling out. It has been hailed as the largest and most prestigious Ancient Egyptian exhibition ever held in Asia, showcasing 492 collections comprising 788 pieces representing various periods of Ancient Egyptian civilization. This groundbreaking collaboration marked the first time a Chinese public museum directly partnered with Egyptian authorities, distinguishing the exhibition from others that typically rely on artifacts sourced from Western institutions. A key milestone leading to this partnership was the involvement of Chinese archaeologists at the Saqqara Necropolis in early 2021. Their expertise, particularly in digital preservation of artifacts, earned recognition from Egyptian officials and paved the way for this monumental cultural exchange. Now, this wave of Egyptomania is arriving in Hong Kong. Select highlights from the Shanghai exhibition will head to the Hong Kong Palace Museum starting this November, offering local audiences a chance to experience the magic and mystery of Ancient Egypt.

The exhibition is divided into four main sections: “The Kingdom of Pharaohs”, “The Legend of Tutankhamun”, “The Secrets of Saqqara”, and “Ancient Egypt and the World”. Through innovative curatorial approaches and digital technology, the exhibition vividly brings to life the brilliance of ancient Egyptian civilization.

Section 1: The Kingdom of Pharaohs

• The exhibition begins by exploring the birth and development of ancient Egyptian civilization, guiding visitors to understand the sacred role of pharaohs and their close connection to divine authority. From the majestic pyramids to their intricate belief systems, and from the power of the present life to the promise of eternal life, this section showcases how the ancient Egyptians used architecture and religion to chronicle their history and faith.

Section 2: The Legend of Tutankhamun

• The name of the boy king Tutankhamun has become synonymous with ancient Egyptian civilization, and his tomb is one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. This section features precious artifacts such as gold ornaments, faience objects, and sculptures, bringing to life the brief yet legendary reign of this iconic pharaoh and immersing visitors in the golden age of ancient Egypt.

Section 3: The Secrets of Saqqara

• Known as the “Necropolis of Ancient Egypt,” the Saqqara site holds countless unsolved mysteries. This section presents the latest archaeological findings, including painted anthropoid coffins and animal mummies such as cats and bulls, revealing the profound philosophical reflections of the ancient Egyptians on death and the afterlife.

Section 4: Ancient Egypt and the World

• The final section shifts focus to the exchanges and dialogues between ancient Egypt and other civilizations. By juxtaposing ancient Egyptian artifacts with Chinese antiquities, the exhibition constructs a dialogue between two great ancient cultures, allowing visitors to appreciate the charm of cultural exchange. The Hong Kong Palace Museum has specially selected pieces from its collection, such as Chinese gold artifacts from the Mengdiexuan collection, to be displayed alongside Egyptian gold treasures, highlighting the shared brilliance of these two civilizations.

Tutankhamun, who reigned from approximately 1332 BCE to 1323 BCE, ascended the throne at the tender age of nine but tragically passed away at just 19 years old. Despite his brief reign, which lacked notable achievements, the discovery of his tomb has immortalized him in history. On February 16, 1923, British archaeologist Howard Carter opened Tutankhamun’s tomb, sealed for over 3,000 years, and the world was astounded. The tomb remains the most intact pharaonic burial site ever discovered, containing over 5,000 lavish burial items. Among its treasures are a 225-kilogram gold anthropoid coffin and the iconic blue and gold death mask, weighing 11 kilograms, which has become one of the most recognizable symbols of Ancient Egypt. Although the exact cause of Tutankhamun’s death remains a mystery, theories suggest he may have succumbed to injuries from a chariot accident, or complications from malaria. Analysis of his remains reveals that he suffered from congenital deformities, including a clubfoot and cleft palate, which were likely exacerbated by the royal family's practice of inbreeding to preserve their lineage. These vulnerabilities, paired with his tragic youth, make Tutankhamun’s story all the more captivating.

The ticketing arrangements will be announced in August 2025. Tickets can be purchased through the Hong Kong Palace Museum website, the West Kowloon Cultural District website, or the "West Kowloon Cultural District" mobile app.

"Ancient Egypt Unveiled: Treasures from Egyptian Museums” is more than just an exhibition—it is a gateway to the splendor of Ancient Egyptian civilization. From the perspective of Chinese scholars, visitors will gain a more comprehensive and accurate understanding of this ancient culture while witnessing the fruits of academic exchange between two of the world’s oldest civilizations. Are you ready to uncover the secrets of the pyramids, delve into the legendary life of Pharaoh Tutankhamun, and experience the profound spiritual and afterlife beliefs of the Ancient Egyptians?