The Egyptian Museum at Tahrir Square is currently witnessing a massive development process supported by the European Union which covers different aspects of the museum.
SEE interviewed Dr. Sabah Abdel Razeq, the museum's general-director, to know the details and latest developments of the process.
Here is the excerpt of the interview:
- Can you tell us more details about the European Union's support for the museum?
The first stage, which will last three years, includes development displaying the antiquities. It includes the development of halls no. 43 and 48 which consists of artifacts of Egypt's prehistoric era and the Early Dynastic Period.
The development phase covers halls no. 46, 47, and 51 which include antiquities of the Old Kingdom as well as halls no. 49 and 50 which comprise artifacts of the Late Period and Ptolemaic dynasty.
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It also includes a new way of displaying the artifacts and placing banners and archive images for the artifacts' discovery.
The museum cooperates with the Museo Egizio in Italy's Turin in the museum presentation of the Old Kingdom's antiquities and with the British Museum in the design of the Late Period and Ptolemaic dynasty.
The development process includes the renovation of artifacts of Early dynastic period and Hierakonpolis - the most famous "Painted Tomb" (Tomb-100).
The plan includes the development of Tanis artifacts and re-displaying them in a better way, after moving Tutankhamun's antiquities to the Grand Egyptian Museum, at hall no. 3 as well as hall no. 2.
The plan includes the development of Tanis artifacts and re-displaying them in a better way, after moving Tutankhamun's antiquities to the Grand Egyptian Museum, at hall no. 3 as well as hall no. 2.
The antiquities of King Psusennes I, who was the third pharaoh of the 21st Dynasty, will be also showed at Tutankhamun Mask's hall.
- Has the golden mask of King Psusennes I been returned from abroad?
Yes, it has been returned to the museum after its tour in Monaco.
- What about the museum's general appearance after development?
We are working hard to show the museum at a level which suits its position globally including the way of displaying the 200 pieces.
Booklets on magnificent treasures of Tanis, Yuya, and Tuya will be distributed for the children. Training programs on museum education will be held to increase the archaeological awareness.
Are there any plans for visually impaired visitors?
We are working on new models from granite or basalt, that bears direct contact, such as models of King Menes. The blind can explore the artifacts and learn about history through the Braille Language writing system.
Can you brief us about the new renovation work of the Ministry?
The renovation will include indoor painting inside the museum as well as changing the glass and floor tiles. It will also include the construction of the fountain in the museum garden, the walls, the facade, as well as the toilets and other services inside and outside the museum.
Tell us more about the transfer of mummies to the Museum of Civilization? How is the museum prepared for that?
It will be a global event that the ancient kings of Egypt will be transferred in a military funeral to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization and be prepared for display after the transfer.
The museum will prepare a display scenario, in which the Fayoum portraits will be presented in the place of the royal mummies and there will be a committee for the preparation and maintenance of the mummies ahead of transportation.
Will the Egyptian Museum lose its value following the transfer of Tutankhamun and the royal mummies?
The Egyptian Museum has a global ranking and will not lose its significance as visitors from all over the world will still come after the transfer of Tutankhamun and Mummies.
The museum will display other exhibits; it includes the Egyptian civilization from the pre-Roman era to the Romanesque period.
Also, several grand statues in the Museum will remain intact including the collection of the Egyptian couple Yuya and Tuya, which will be presented in a better manner.
Can you narrate to us the story of a man who insulted King Seqenenre Tao in the chamber of mummies?
There is an investigation into the assault and this behavior came out of an irresponsible person.
During this time, there was a big crowd during the African Cup of Nations. One of the security personnel was in the hall but, the picture was taken stealthily.
Photography is prohibited inside the mummies room without permission. Nevertheless, if a permit was granted, a specific fee should be paid.
Contributed by: Taarek Refaat
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