The Shanghai Museum is set to captivate audiences with an unprecedented exhibition titled "On Top of the Pyramid: The Civilization of Ancient Egypt," opening on July 18, 2024. This monumental showcase, part of the museum's "Dialogue with the World" series, marks the fourth such exhibition and promises to be the largest and most comprehensive display of ancient Egyptian artifacts ever seen in Asia.
Co-hosted by the Shanghai Museum and Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities, and supported by China's National Cultural Heritage Administration and Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, this exhibition is an extraordinary collaboration. With special backing from the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism and Shanghai Media Group, the event will offer a rare glimpse into the mysteries of ancient Egypt.
The Grand Reveal
At a preview event on May 20, 2024, key figures from both China and Egypt gathered to celebrate this historic cultural exchange. Among the attendees were Ismail, Secretary-General of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities; Moamen, Head of International Exhibitions at Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities; and top representatives from Shanghai's cultural and tourism sectors. The preview was hosted by Tang Shifen, Secretary of the Party Committee of the Shanghai Museum, and attended by representatives from over 100 media outlets, travel agencies, and airlines.
Zhong Xiaomin, Director of the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism, highlighted the exhibition's significance in fostering a cross-cultural dialogue that spans millennia. He emphasized the exhibition's role in continuing the tradition of friendship between China and Egypt and exploring the profound connections between two ancient civilizations. Zhong expressed hope that this exhibition would enhance academic exchanges, joint archaeological efforts, and the preservation of world cultural heritage.
The exhibition will feature 492 sets of 788 artifacts spanning different periods of ancient Egyptian history. These include statues of pharaohs such as Tutankhamun, Amenemhat III, and Ramses II, as well as intricately crafted mummy coffins, queen's jewelry, and newly discovered painted coffins and animal mummies from Saqqara. These treasures, sourced from seven major Egyptian museums including the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, Luxor Museum, and Suez Museum, will be making their Asian debut.
The Nile River, flowing through vast deserts and nurturing life along its banks, served as the cradle for one of humanity's earliest and most influential civilizations. The exhibition will explore the early development of writing, cities, and states in this region, along with Egypt's complex belief systems and the cultural exchanges that shaped its history. Visitors will experience the grandeur of pyramids and temples, the mysteries of the Valley of the Kings, and the eternal myths that have fascinated generations.
Immersive Exhibits
The exhibition is divided into three main sections: "The Land of the Pharaohs," "The Secrets of Saqqara," and "The Age of Tutankhamun." Each section offers a unique narrative, exploring the intricate weave of mythology and reality, and providing a comprehensive look at the ancient Egyptian civilization.
This section delves into the dualistic worldview of ancient Egyptians and their belief in an afterlife governed by the pharaohs. It presents a condensed history of ancient Egypt, discussing cosmology, social order, script, craftsmanship, and burial customs. Highlights include the intricate relationship between societal norms and spiritual beliefs, and the role of the Nile in shaping these elements.
Saqqara, the necropolis of ancient Memphis, serves as the focal point for this section. It was here that archaeologists unearthed significant finds, such as the cat goddess Bastet's temple and the communal tombs of her priests. This segment will showcase Saqqara's role as a sacred and historical site, revealing the extensive burial practices and religious significance of this ancient locale. Designed with young visitors in mind, this section includes interactive displays and touchable artifact models to engage and educate.
The final section is dedicated to Tutankhamun, the young pharaoh whose tomb was discovered in 1922, capturing the world's imagination. This segment traces the evolution of the Amun religion, the reforms of Pharaoh Akhenaten, and the return to traditional beliefs under Tutankhamun. Visitors will traverse a narrow corridor leading to a surround-sound video room, where they can witness the life and death rituals of the young pharaoh. Large statues and recreations of desert vistas will offer a majestic view, evoking the grandeur of ancient Egypt's architectural marvels.
Merging Ancient Wonders with Modern Innovation
In addition to the primary exhibits, the Shanghai Museum has collaborated with renowned immersive experience brand "Boshen Metaverse" to create the "Lost Pharaohs: Khufu Pyramid Immersive Exploration Experience" in the metaverse. Using cutting-edge virtual reality technology, this 45-minute "time travel" journey allows visitors to explore the grandeur of ancient Egypt from a contemporary perspective, blending historical authenticity with digital innovation.
Complementing the exhibition are nearly 1,000 themed cultural and creative products, including an interactive mobile game "Egyptian Cat Temple." The museum will also host special "Museum Cat Nights," where visitors can bring their pet cats to enjoy the exhibition, a unique offering in the museum world. Partnerships with airlines and hotels aim to create a "pet-friendly" travel experience, enhancing the cultural and tourism integration.
Empowering Urban Development through Cultural Heritage
During the press conference, the Shanghai Museum signed cooperation agreements with major companies such as China Eastern Airlines, Jin Jiang International Group, and Trip.com Group. These partnerships will focus on various aspects, including artifact transportation, inbound tourism, hotel collaborations, ticket sales, and exhibition promotions. The goal is to leverage cultural heritage to drive urban development and enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
Tickets for "On Top of the Pyramid: The Civilization of Ancient Egypt" will be available for pre-purchase through a real-name reservation system, with "early bird" tickets offering additional benefits. The Shanghai Museum's meticulous planning and innovative approach aim to provide an unforgettable cultural experience, attracting audiences from near and far and setting a new standard for museum exhibitions in Asia.
