The Egyptian Museum in Cairo has inaugurated a landmark photographic exhibition, “The Magic of Ancient Egypt Through an Italian Lens,” which opened in late August 2025 to mark World Photography Day. Hosted in Hall 18 on the museum’s ground floor, this special event is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM for the next three months, with entry included in the standard museum ticket.
Exhibition Overview
This cultural showcase pays tribute to the artistic legacy of three Italian photographers—Antonio Beato, Giovanni Farazzani (also referenced as Fasani), and Enrico Leichter—who worked in Egypt between 1860 and 1940. Their evocative black-and-white images offer rare perspectives into Egypt’s ancient monuments, landscapes, and the everyday life of a nation on the cusp of modern transformation. Visitors will encounter striking scenes such as temples before restoration, the Sphinx half-buried by sand, and bustling urban streets of a bygone era.
A Testament to Cultural Collaboration
Organized in partnership with the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the Italian Cultural Institute, and the Italian Center for Archaeology, the exhibit underscores the deep and ongoing bonds between Egypt and Italy. The opening was attended by leading museum directors and diplomats, who lauded the exhibition’s power to preserve and share Egypt’s rich heritage through an international lens. Dr. Ali Abdel-Halim, Director of the Egyptian Museum, described the gallery as “a window into time,” while Italian dignitaries noted Egypt’s continued inspiration for artists around the world.
Blending History with Innovation
Taking the experience further, a short film titled “Antonio Beato’s Images: A New Vision Through Artificial Intelligence” is featured, reimagining classic photographs with contemporary digital creativity. The exhibition program also includes a dedicated lecture by photographic historian Francis Amin, who delves into the artistic and social impact of the featured photographers.
An Enthusiastic Public Response
Since its launch, the exhibition has drawn enthusiastic crowds eager to witness Egypt’s ancient wonders as seen by pioneering Italian photographers—some of the earliest documentarians and artists in the region. The collection serves not only as a visual record, but as an artistic interpretation, inviting visitors into the textured and harmonious world of 19th and early 20th-century Egypt.
Honoring Heritage and Partnership
Bringing these historical images to new audiences, “The Magic of Ancient Egypt Through an Italian Lens” honors Egypt’s archaeological riches and celebrates the spirit of cultural exchange between Italy and Egypt. Through the eyes of Beato, Farazzani, and Leichter, visitors are invited to discover Egypt’s timeless magic and the enduring significance of photography in recording, inspiring, and connecting civilizations across generations.
Follow the latest news on Google News
