Egypt joined the global celebration of International Museum Day this year with a nationwide programme of exhibitions, educational events, and inclusive cultural initiatives. The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities highlighted museums’ evolving role as dynamic spaces of dialogue, learning, and social development.
As the world honoured International Museum Day under the theme “The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities” on 18 May, Egypt reaffirmed its commitment to making museums more accessible, relevant, and future-facing.
Recognising the vital role that museums play in shaping public understanding, strengthening cultural identity, and driving sustainable development, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, through the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA), curated a rich calendar of exhibitions and interactive programmes in different antiquities museums.
It also granted Egyptians free entry to all antiquities museums all over Egypt, excluding the Egyptian Museum in Cairo’s Tahrir Square, the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation (NMEC), and the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM).
“These activities are designed not only to celebrate the nation’s rich heritage, but also to promote inclusive engagement with diverse audiences and inspire innovation in museum practice,” said Mohamed Ismail Khaled, the SCA’s secretary-general.
This year’s International Museum Day was both a celebration and a call to action, an opportunity to reflect on how museums can lead change in uncertain times and how they can continue to inspire, educate, and unite communities across boundaries.
To mark the occasion, Egypt’s archaeological museums hosted a diverse range of temporary exhibitions, cultural activities, academic seminars, and interactive workshops tailored to engage visitors of all ages. These initiatives aimed to shed light on Egypt’s evolving cultural and civilisational legacy through themes that align with this year’s global focus, such as sustainability, education, and community inclusion.
“Museums are not merely spaces for preserving artefacts. They are cultural, educational, and civic institutions that connect citizens with their heritage, reinforce identity, and inspire future generations to preserve and appreciate our shared legacy,” said Sherif Fathi, minister of tourism and antiquities, highlighting the significance of these initiatives in fostering public awareness of Egypt’s archaeological and cultural wealth.
He underscored the importance of adapting museums to modern needs and promoting their role as bridges of intercultural dialogue and sustainable development, particularly in the context of rapid global change.
“This year’s programming reflects our belief in the power of museums to empower individuals, promote inclusivity, and serve as hubs for cultural innovation,” Khaled said, highlighting the SCA’s commitment to integrating local communities, especially youth and others, into museum activities.
Themed temporary exhibitions were launched across several museums, exploring topics such as the evolution of writing systems, craftsmanship, social transformation, and the traditional arts. A highlight was the exhibition “From Symbol to Script: The Scribe and Script in Egypt through the Ages” held simultaneously at the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square, the Museum of Islamic Art in Bab Al-Khalq, the Coptic Museum in Old Cairo, and the Mohamed Ali Palace Museum in Manial.
The exhibition traces the development of writing tools and scripts from prehistoric times to the modern era.
Key artefacts include a Greek-inscribed dream interpretation tablet and a Fifth Dynasty statue of the scribe Ni-Maat-Sed (at the Egyptian Museum), a wooden Coptic language teaching board and a funerary stele with the Ankh cross (Coptic Museum), an ancient inscription in thuluth calligraphy, a folio from the Kitab Al-Adwiyah Al-Mufradah, and calligraphy by Yaqut Al-Mustaasimi (Museum of Islamic Art), and decorative calligraphy panels by Ahmed Kamal Aqdik and Sayed Mohamed Shafik (Mohamed Ali Palace Museum).
Additional exhibitions spotlighted rare heritage objects, such as the “Treasures of the Keritleya House” exhibition at the Gayer-Anderson Museum, featuring exquisite works in glass, metal, and inlaid wood; “Rare Timepieces” at the Manial Palace Museum with 20 unique pocket watches from the Prince Mohamed Ali Tewfik collection; and “Royal Timepieces” at the Royal Carriages Museum in Bulaq, displaying enamelled and portrait-decorated clocks, including some bearing the image of former king Farouk.
Other thematic showcases included “Strong Hands” at the Farouk Corner Museum in Helwan, illustrating the role of farmers and peasants across cultures; “Home and Society: Constants and Change” at the Suez National Museum, exploring societal transformations through everyday objects and domestic life; and “Lighting Tools in the Graeco-Roman and Islamic Eras” at the Kafr Al-Sheikh Museum, presenting historical methods of illumination.
This year’s events also featured lectures and symposia led by experts in ancient writing systems, intangible heritage, environmental sustainability, digital innovation, and artificial intelligence in cultural preservation. At the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square, a collaborative event with the Italian Archaeological Centre focused on the use of AI to protect mummies and safeguard human heritage.
Interactive workshops for children and people with special needs included activities in drawing, colouring, recycling, puppet storytelling, and model-making. Musical and artistic performances at various museums added a celebratory and accessible atmosphere, enhancing public engagement.
The National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation (NMEC) inaugurated a temporary archaeological exhibition titled “Hands That Create Eternity” in the Egyptian Textile Hall that will run for two weeks. The exhibition shines a light on the vital contributions of conservators in safeguarding Egypt’s cultural heritage. It features a curated selection of artefacts, including a rare piece on public display for the first time, highlighting the remarkable precision of ancient Egyptian craftsmanship and the enduring impact of modern restoration efforts in preserving these treasures for future generations.
Nashwa Gaber, deputy CEO of the NMEC for Archaeological Affairs, explained that the exhibition offers visitors a rare glimpse into the often-unseen world of museum conservation. It underscores the indispensable role of restoration as a cornerstone of museum work, emphasising its ongoing contribution to the protection, revival, and transmission of Egypt’s timeless heritage.
Several museums, including the Imhotep Museum in Giza, the Graeco-Roman Museum in Alexandria, and the Kafr Al-Sheikh Museum, also hosted scientific forums focused on the role of museums in cultural development and community engagement. Discussions addressed sustainable practices, digital transformation, and the capacity of museums to serve as inclusive institutions amid fast-paced societal shifts.
International Museum Day, celebrated annually under the auspices of the International Council of Museums (ICOM), invites museums worldwide to reflect on their responsibilities and potential in today’s ever-changing world.
* A version of this article appears in print in the 22 May, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly
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