In a celebration highlighting the deep-rooted cultural and historical ties between Egypt and Italy, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, represented by the Supreme Council of Antiquities, has inaugurated an exceptional photographic exhibition at the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir.
Titled "Twenty Years Since the Establishment of the Papyrus Restoration Laboratory at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo (2005–2025)," the exhibition was organized in collaboration with the Italian Embassy in Cairo and the Italian Cultural Institute.
High-Profile Attendance
The ceremony was attended by several prominent figures, including:
Dr. Mamdouh El-Damaty, former Minister of Tourism and Antiquities.
Dr. Hisham El-Leithy, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities.
Mr. Moamen Othman, Head of the Antiquities and Museums Projects Sector.
Dr. Ahmed Hamida, Head of the Museums Sector.
H.E. Agostino Palisi, the Italian Ambassador to Cairo.
Dr. Giuseppe Cecere, Director of the Italian Cultural Institute.
The delegation was received by Dr. Ali Abdel Halim, Director General of the Egyptian Museum.
Two Decades of Conservation Excellence
The exhibition uses a rare collection of documentary photographs to trace the laboratory's journey. What began as a conceptual collaboration in 1998 with the Museo del Papiro (Papyrus Museum) in Syracuse, Italy, culminated in the lab's official opening in 2005. The project was realized through financial support from the Region of Sicily and the Province of Syracuse, with technical expertise provided by the Corrado Basile Museum.
The Museo del Papiro in Syracuse is a globally recognized institution for heritage preservation. Founded in 1987 by Professor Corrado Basile and Dr. Anna Di Natale, it serves as a leading international center for the study and restoration of papyrus, specializing in ancient manufacturing techniques and manuscript conservation.
Key Highlights of the Exhibition
Located in Halls 7 and 8 on the museum's ground floor, the exhibition focuses on several core pillars of the lab’s work:
Archaeological Rescue: Documenting the restoration of fragile papyrus scrolls that were recovered in critical condition and stabilized for future generations.
Capacity Building: Showcasing the laboratory’s role as a regional hub for training. It has hosted international workshops focusing on microscopic examination, scientific analysis, and digital documentation.
Technical Expertise: Highlighting the proficiency of Egyptian restorers in adapting modern technologies to preserve sensitive organic materials.
A Shared Commitment to Heritage
The celebration concluded by reaffirming that this twenty-year partnership stands as a testament to the enduring Egyptian-Italian cooperation in heritage preservation. It aligns with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities' strategy to modernize specialized laboratories and ensure the long-term sustainability of Egypt’s unique cultural legacy.
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