Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Inaugurates Permanent Exhibition of Wall Paintings from King Amenhotep III’s Palace

Dr. Mohamed Ismail, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, together with Mr. Andreas Fiedler, Head of Affairs at the German Embassy in Cairo, inaugurated a new permanent exhibition at the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir. The display features a unique collection of wall paintings discovered in the palace of King Amenhotep III at Malqata, west of Luxor, in the late 19th century.

For the first time, these wall paintings are presented together in a single gallery after being carefully restored in collaboration with the University of Munich, with funding from the American Research Center in Cairo. Previously, the pieces had been dispersed across various museum halls.

The opening is part of the ongoing development project for the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir, designed to highlight its treasures according to modern museological standards and reinforce its role as a leading cultural landmark locally and internationally.

The ceremony was attended by prominent officials and experts, including Mr. Tobias von Gilsá, Head of the Culture and Education Department at the German Embassy in Cairo; Dr. Ahmed Hamida, Head of the Museums Sector; Dr. Ali Abdel Halim, Director General of the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir; Dr. Yasmin El Shazly, Deputy Director of the American Research Center in Cairo; along with Dr. Regina Schulz, Visiting Professor at the University of Munich, and Dr. Martina Ullmann, Professor of Egyptology at the University of Munich.

In his remarks, Dr. Mohamed Ismail emphasized that the exhibition is more than an addition to the museum—it is a living testament to Egypt’s commitment to preserving its heritage and passing on the stories of its kings to future generations. He also highlighted that the museum is undergoing a comprehensive modernization plan to update its galleries and displays while maintaining its historic character and global significance. He stressed that the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum on November 1 will not diminish the importance of the Tahrir Museum, which has remained since its inauguration in 1902 one of the world’s most significant cultural institutions.

Dr. Ahmed Hamida noted that this exhibition marks the second phase of the museum’s development project, following the permanent display of the wall paintings from the Temple of Wadi el-Sebua in Aswan two years ago. Future phases will showcase collections of pottery from various periods to enrich the visitor experience. He praised the new display methods, which use scientific museological approaches to narrate the history of the artifacts.

Dr. Ali Abdel Halim explained that the wall paintings are now on view in Room 13, behind the statues of King Amenhotep III and Queen Tiye on the ground floor. Characterized by vivid colors and unique designs, these paintings once adorned the walls, floors, and ceilings of the royal palace, representing an exceptional example of Amarna art that greatly influenced the artistic style of King Akhenaten’s era. The exhibition also includes notable artifacts such as the statue of the famous scribe Amenhotep son of Hapu, a head of Queen Tiye, and a vessel inscribed with her name, offering a broader historical context.

Mr. Andreas Fiedler described the opening as “a culmination of deep cultural cooperation between Egypt and Germany, and a reflection of Egyptian heritage as a shared global legacy.” Mr. Tobias von Gilsá emphasized that the exhibition enriches not only the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir but also cultural and academic exchange between Egypt and Germany.

Dr. Yasmin El Shazly underlined that ARCE’s support reflects its firm belief in the importance of archaeological research and heritage preservation, noting that the Malqata paintings reveal previously unknown artistic aspects of Amenhotep III’s reign. Dr. Regina Schulz and Dr. Martina Ullmann also presented a lecture on the history of the wall paintings and the various stages of their restoration.

The Palace of Amenhotep III in Luxor remains one of the best-documented royal residences of ancient Egypt. Built during the king’s later years, it served as the main venue for the royal rejuvenation festival (Sed Festival) and was renowned for its elaborate decorations and vibrant wall paintings.