A cooperation protocol between Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) and the Massa Group has been signed to establish a new museum showcasing the development of Egyptian capitals along the span of history in the New Administrative Capital (NAC).

Minister of Antiquities Khaled El-Enany said that the museum will be part of the arts and culture city at the NAC and will display a collection of artefacts that have been carefully selected by the newly established Committee for Museum Exhibition Scenario, which is responsible for designing the exhibition scenario in all museums around the country.

The protocol will last for 10 years with an option for renewal, and both the SCA and the Massa Group will share the revenues from the museum.

El-Enany said that the protocol is one among a series signed during the last few months with other governmental entities to develop and open new archaeological sites and museums as well as upgrade the services provided to its visitors.

Among these is a protocol signed with the Ministry of Housing, Utilities and Urban Communities to develop the Saqqara archaeological site, as well as another to develop and open the archaeological museums in Matrouh and Kafr El-Sheikh governorates.

El-Enany asserted that the new museum at the NAC will soon be visited by top foreign officials.

Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities Mostafa Waziri said that the protocol was signed upon the approval of the Ministry’s Board of Directors and in accordance with the articles of the Antiquities Protection Law.

Ministry of Antiquities exhibition advisor Mahmoud Mabrouk explains that the new museum will document the history of Egyptian capitals starting with Memphis and going through Mit Rahina, Thebes, Tel Al-Amarna in Luxor, Alexandria, Fustat and Cairo.  

The exhibition will also explore the reign of the Mohamed Ali dynasty and the establishment of Khedival Cairo through the stories of the country’s capital cities.  

The museum will also display artefacts for each capital, including stamps, trading contracts, coins, reliefs and statues from the time.  It is expected to be completed in 2019.