A major international exhibition introducing one of the world’s oldest civilizations is now on display at the Fukuoka Art Museum. “Unraveling the Secrets of Ancient Egypt,” organized by the Brooklyn Museum, runs through March 8 and presents 150 artifacts spanning more than 3,000 years of Egyptian history.
The exhibition is arranged into three thematic sections—daily life, the pharaohs, and the afterlife—offering visitors an accessible overview of ancient Egyptian society. Objects on display range from household items and relief carvings depicting labor and agriculture to monumental sculptures reflecting royal authority and religious belief.
“Egypt was one of the first civilizations to develop monumental architecture, a writing system, and a highly organized social hierarchy,” said Anne Pasternak, director of the Brooklyn Museum. The exhibition introduces these complex themes without requiring specialized knowledge, making it approachable for general audiences.
Among the highlights are everyday artifacts that reveal the artistic quality of ordinary objects, including a 3,000-year-old pottery shard used for sketching practice. The final gallery features seven sarcophagi and mummies—including two cat mummies—illustrating ancient Egyptian beliefs surrounding death and the afterlife. The youngest mummy on display dates to approximately 2,000 years ago, underscoring the longevity of mummification practices.
All artifacts are accompanied by English descriptions with supporting Japanese text. Interactive elements and visual displays make the exhibition suitable for families and younger visitors.
Following its run in Fukuoka, the exhibition will travel to Osaka’s ABENO HARUKAS Art Museum from March 20 to June 14, and then to the Nagano Prefectural Art Museum from June 27 to Sept. 27.
