"African Byzantine" Exhibition Opens Its Second US Stop at Cleveland Museum of Art

The "African Byzantine" exhibition made its grand opening today at the Cleveland Museum of Art in Ohio, marking its second tour stop in the United States after concluding its debut at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The exhibition will open to the public from tomorrow, Saturday, April 13th.

The opening was attended by a formal delegation from the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, led by Dr. Ayman Ashmawy, Head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector at the Supreme Council of Antiquities. Dr. Ashmawy shared his enthusiasm about the collaborative efforts between the Supreme Council of Antiquities and the Cleveland Museum, emphasizing the significant role of international archaeological exhibitions in promoting cultural and historical understanding.

Dr. Ashmawy highlighted Egypt's historical model of cultural coexistence and its profound interactions with various civilizations, including the Byzantine Empire. He noted Egypt's strategic importance to the Byzantine world due to its geographical location connecting West Asia, North Africa, and the Mediterranean Sea, and its centuries-long role as a religious, intellectual, and economic hub in Byzantium.

In his speech, Dr. Ashmawy extended an invitation to the American public to visit Egypt and explore its rich heritage. The exhibition features 11 archaeological pieces, including four items from the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir, two from the Coptic Museum, and five from the collection of Saint Catherine's Monastery. The artifacts range from icons and metal works, such as crowns and candlesticks, to a chalice chair and a manuscript.

The "African Byzantine" exhibition will remain at the Cleveland Museum of Art until July 21, 2024. It is part of a global tour involving ten countries, including Italy, England, Tunisia, Sudan, and Germany. The exhibition's first opening was in November last year at the Metropolitan Museum in New York.