In the heart of the French capital, a monumental artwork inspired by ancient Egyptian civilization has been unveiled at the Louvre Square, placing Egypt’s cultural heritage and contemporary creativity in the global spotlight.
The sculptural installation, titled “Mirror Gate 2,” is currently on public display at the Louvre until February 15, marking a high-profile cultural moment for Egypt within France’s 2026 cultural calendar. The work draws directly from Egypt’s millennia-old artistic legacy while engaging with modern artistic expression in one of the world’s most iconic cultural spaces.
An Egyptian-Inspired Artwork at the Center of Paris
Created by Argentine artist Pilar Zeta, “Mirror Gate 2” is constructed from Aswan red granite and Egyptian alabaster—materials deeply rooted in Egypt’s architectural and artistic history. The installation takes the form of a monumental gateway set atop a chessboard-patterned floor, symbolizing balance, transition, and contemplation.
The artwork was executed by Marmoneil, a long-established Egyptian company specializing in marble and granite, underscoring Egypt’s continued craftsmanship in natural stone. The company previously supplied more than 110,000 square meters of marble and granite for the construction of the Grand Egyptian Museum, further linking the installation to Egypt’s contemporary cultural renaissance.
A Symbol of Enduring Egypt–France Cultural Ties
The unveiling ceremony received Dr. Tarek Dahroug, Egypt’s Ambassador to France, alongside French cultural officials, artists, and members of the Egyptian and French communities.
In remarks delivered at the event, the ambassador emphasized that the installation reflects the depth and longevity of Egyptian-French relations, which are rooted in centuries of cultural exchange and shared appreciation for art, heritage, and knowledge. He highlighted the symbolic significance of hosting the artwork in Paris, a city long associated with dialogue between civilizations.
The ambassador also noted that the installation follows the earlier presentation of the work near the Pyramids of Giza in 2023, describing its relocation to the Louvre as a symbolic bridge between Cairo and Paris, and between two of the world’s most iconic cultural landmarks.
Art, History, and Contemporary Dialogue
Event coordinator Stéphane Roffier-Miray placed the exhibition within a broader historical context, noting that nearly 190 years after Egypt gifted the Luxor Obelisk to France, the two countries continue to celebrate their relationship through cultural collaboration.
He described “Mirror Gate 2” as an artistic space where material, form, and perception intersect, inviting visitors to experience a dialogue between ancient materials and contemporary artistic vision. He also highlighted Marmoneil’s role as a multigenerational Egyptian company that continues to transform natural stone through inherited craftsmanship and modern techniques.
Artist’s Vision: A Gateway Between Worlds
Artist Pilar Zeta explained that “Mirror Gate 2” builds on the concept of “Mirror Gate 1,” first exhibited at the Giza Plateau. The installation features an oval mirror embedded within the gateway, symbolizing creation, transformation, and limitless possibility.
She emphasized that the location—adjacent to the Louvre’s Egyptian Antiquities Department and near the iconic glass pyramid—adds unique meaning to the work. The use of Egyptian granite and alabaster, she noted, was central to the project, given the historical and symbolic energy carried by these materials.
The artist also praised her collaboration with Marmoneil, highlighting the company’s exceptional craftsmanship and technical expertise in bringing the work to life.
“The Enigma of Egypt” Photo Exhibition to Follow
The cultural program will continue with a second phase titled “The Enigma of Egypt,” a photography exhibition scheduled from February 15 to March 15 at the Carrousel du Louvre shopping center.
The exhibition will feature more than 20 photographs by Egyptian photographers Mahmoud Hawari and Mohamed Kamal, offering visual narratives of daily life in Upper Egypt, the Nile Delta, and Port Said. The exhibition aims to present a nuanced and contemporary image of Egypt, moving beyond stereotypes to showcase lived realities, traditions, and modern cultural identity.
A Living Cultural Bridge
Organized under the patronage of the Egyptian and French Ministries of Culture, with support from the City of Paris, the dual exhibitions underscore the strength of Egypt–France cultural cooperation and the role of art as a living bridge between civilizations.
