The celebrations, organized by the Coptic Museum, Cairo International Airport Terminal 3 Museum, Tell Basta Museum in Sharqiya, and Kafr El-Sheikh Museum, aim to highlight the significance of the Holy Family journey and reinforce Egypt’s longstanding identity as a land of tolerance and spiritual heritage.
According to Ahmed Hamida, Head of the Museums Sector at the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA), the initiative reflects the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities’ commitment to promoting the historical and religious importance of the Holy Family route.
He noted that the events also seek to raise public awareness of one of Egypt’s most prominent spiritual tourism products.
“Museums today play a vital role beyond displaying artefacts,” Hamida said, emphasizing their growing use of interactive and educational approaches to enhance visitor engagement and connect history with contemporary audiences.
At the Coptic Museum, a commemorative event brought together ministry officials, public figures, and members of the diplomatic community.
The programme opened with remarks by Director General Gehan Atef, who highlighted the importance of the Holy Family’s journey, believed to have spanned around 25 locations across Egypt from north to south, leaving a legacy of peace, coexistence, and blessing.
The celebration featured a children’s musical and theatrical performance depicting key moments of the journey, including scenes from the Church of Abu Serga and religious hymns performed by the “Virgin Mary” choir. An art workshop was also held, where participants created a collective watercolour painting inspired by the journey.
Meanwhile, Cairo International Airport’s Terminal 3 Museum hosted a temporary exhibition titled “The Holy Family Passed Through Here,” showcasing a selection of Coptic artefacts, including icons of Saint George and the Virgin Mary.
The display was accompanied by simplified interpretations of their artistic and religious symbolism.
Museum director Wafaa El-Behairy explained that the exhibition also includes replica icons and interpretive materials that illustrate the role of Coptic art in documenting religious narratives.
In Sharqia, Tell Basta Museum is presenting an exhibition titled “Path of Blessing – Steps of Light,” featuring a model of the historic Tell Basta well, one of the key stops along the Holy Family’s route, as well as iconographic imagery and a map tracing the journey.
The museum is also organizing storytelling sessions and interactive workshops for visitors, in addition to a collaborative event titled “A Day Along the Route,” held in partnership with local cultural and religious institutions and Zagazig University.
At Kafr El-Sheikh Museum, preparations are underway for a special art workshop on 10 June designed for visitors with special needs.
The activity, which will be held at Saint Damiana Church, will recreate the story of the Holy Family’s arrival in Egypt through artistic expression.
The series of events underscores ongoing efforts by Egyptian cultural institutions to celebrate the country’s rich religious heritage while promoting inclusive and engaging museum experiences.
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