In a press conference held Thursday at the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square, Cairo’s antiquities leadership revealed the full details of a major upcoming international exhibition titled “Treasures of the Pharaohs,” scheduled to open in Rome this October. The exhibition promises to be one of the most comprehensive showcases of ancient Egyptian heritage in Europe in more than two decades.
Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities, hailed the event as a “vital cultural bridge,” underscoring the powerful role of international exhibitions in fostering global dialogue and deepening appreciation for the achievements of one of the world’s oldest civilizations.
“These exhibitions serve as a gateway for international audiences to witness the genius of ancient Egyptians — not only in art, but in science, engineering, and religious philosophy,” Khaled stated. “They are instrumental in encouraging cross-cultural understanding through our shared human heritage.”
The “Treasures of the Pharaohs” exhibition will be hosted at the Scuderie del Quirinale in the heart of Rome — adjacent to the historic Colonna Gardens and steps away from the official residence of the Italian President. It is the largest Egyptian antiquities exhibition in Italy since the 2002 Venice show, which focused on the New Kingdom and royal power.
This new iteration, however, takes a broader historical scope, presenting 130 carefully selected artifacts from both the Egyptian Museum in Cairo and the Luxor Museum. The exhibition will remain open until May 2026, providing a rare extended window for the European public to engage deeply with Egypt’s multilayered past.
Key thematic sections will explore the nature of pharaonic kingship, royal courts, religious practices, daily life, funerary rituals, and the ancient Egyptian conception of the afterlife.
Among the centerpiece artifacts are:
- The gilded funerary mask of King Asmobi, a rare example of elite craftsmanship and religious symbolism.
- The sarcophagus of Queen Ibah Haleb, reflecting nuanced funerary traditions.
- A finely inscribed coffin attributed to a high priest named Yuna, revealing insights into spiritual beliefs and mortuary rites.
Dr. Khaled emphasized that the pieces selected from the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir were not chosen randomly but form part of an intentional strategy to reaffirm the museum’s enduring relevance.
“Despite the upcoming grand opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum on July 3, the Tahrir museum remains a cornerstone of our cultural and educational mission,” he affirmed. “It is undergoing extensive renovations in collaboration with the European Union and five leading European museums, including the Museo Egizio in Turin, to ensure that it continues to offer a dynamic visitor experience while preserving its historical essence.”
In operation since 1902, the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square has long been a global epicenter for Egyptology, drawing scholars, enthusiasts, and millions of visitors from around the world.
Moumen Othman, head of the Museums Sector at Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities, noted that the Rome exhibition is the result of over a year of rigorous planning and cooperation. The show is co-organized with ALES – ARTE LAVORO E SERVIZI S.p.A., the cultural arm of Italy’s Ministry of Culture, and Mondo Mostre, a prominent curator of international exhibitions.
“This partnership has brought to life a project that symbolizes both artistic excellence and diplomatic goodwill,” said Othman. “The choice of Scuderie del Quirinale, situated atop the ruins of the Serapis Temple and close to Italy’s constitutional court, sends a clear message: this is not just an exhibition, but a state-level cultural homage to Egypt’s timeless legacy.”
Dr. Fabio Taliaferri, Chairman of ALES, described the exhibition as a “strategic cultural initiative,” representing a pinnacle in the company’s collaboration with the Italian Ministry of Culture and reflecting a broader commitment to hosting exhibitions of profound historical significance.
Similarly, Dr. Matteo Lafranconi, Director of Scuderie del Quirinale, praised the exceptional generosity of the Egyptian government in making such invaluable artifacts available for international appreciation.
“This exhibition is a point of pride for us,” said Lafranconi. “It aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver bold, scientifically grounded cultural programming to the Italian public — and with the full support of the Egyptian authorities, we are realizing a vision that bridges continents and civilizations.”
As anticipation builds in Italy and beyond, “Treasures of the Pharaohs” promises to be a defining cultural event of 2025–2026, offering a rare glimpse into the spiritual, artistic, and intellectual world of ancient Egypt — and reinforcing, once more, the enduring fascination with the land of the Nile.
